Secrets in the House of Myrrh

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  • Short Film - 2008
  • Position: Art Director
In "Secrets in the House of Myrhh" African American nuns in a convent balance a life filled with trials, tribulations and devotions to God and the church until one nun's beliefs are compromised when a wounded soldier arrives on their door steps. Filmed at the Adler manor in upstate New York the architecture was grand to house the nuns, but the design was simple and clean. Production design highlights included props, decoration, and dressing a manor for 18 nuns. African American statues/pictures of saints and icons. The palette of the manor was warm with wood tones with the exception coldness of the meditative room and the bathroom that were filmed during the day.
  • Director: Jackie Smith
  • Production Designer: Kristen Adams
  • DP: Bradford Young
Dressing for the table was simple and used to describe a humbleness of their daily activities.
The meditative room was clean and simple with natural light and simple dressing.
Candles and paintings of african american saints filled the rooms at night.
The toliet fixture, tub, and decor were brought into the previously bare location. Necessity of upright tub indicated in script.
The furniture was chosen based on the warm patterns and worn quality.
Activities during the day were simple.
The cross and drapes were created to flatter the outdoor light as a reminder of God's presence.