This award winning short film explores family dynamics, memory, and how children understand and justify parents’ decisions through their own recollections.

Paradigm is a deeply personal short film by Stephen Boyer, created during his senior year of high school. Running approximately five minutes, the film explores the complex emotional landscape of two children grappling with the actions of their parents. Through the lens of memory and perception, Calvin and Lily attempt to reconcile their experiences, using their combined recollections to rationalize and understand their family dynamics. The narrative weaves together themes of childhood innocence, memory, and the subjective nature of truth, offering a thoughtful meditation on how children process and interpret the adult world around them.

The film received notable recognition on the festival circuit, including the Best Overall Film award at the 2013 All-American High School Film Festival and the Special Jury Award at the very first Y-CAM Film Festival in 2014 (then part of the DC Independent Film Festival). These accolades highlighted Boyer’s skill as a filmmaker even at an early age, particularly in crafting a story that balances emotional depth with narrative conciseness. His work in Paradigm encompasses directing, cinematography, and even music composition, showcasing his multifaceted creative abilities.

Paradigm also reflects the collaborative efforts of his team, including Matthew Seidner as producer and editor, and a small but talented cast comprising Blake Hardy, Analise Schoenbaum, Leigh Hall, and Charles Sanders. Despite its brief runtime, the film effectively conveys the universal struggle of children trying to make sense of adult behavior, leaving audiences with a poignant and introspective experience. Stephen Boyer’s early accomplishments with Paradigm would later pave the way for further filmmaking endeavors, including continued studies in film at Cal State Long Beach and work in editing and post-production.