THE CALLED

The Called is a dramatic short film directed, produced, and written by Dapo Ibrahim. Released on January 31, 2021, the film stars Spencer Dunn, Jessica Shirley, and Roberto Ragone. This inspirational story follows Sam, the protagonist, who navigates a breakup and questions his life’s purpose until he answers a mysterious calling, bringing clarity and peace to his life.

The Story Behind The Film

Inspired by the biblical story of Samuel, The Called modernizes the tale of a young man who finds his purpose after responding to a divine call. Ibrahim’s screenplay underwent multiple revisions to ensure authenticity in character dialogues and cultural accuracy, making it relatable to contemporary audiences.

Filming and Production Challenges

Filming The Called presented unique challenges due to the pandemic. Initially planned as a church project, the script was completed in December 2019, but shooting was delayed until September 2020. The production team, passionate and dedicated, filmed on location throughout New York City over a week, enduring long hours and unforeseen obstacles, including a flat tire on Spencer Dunn’s journey to the audition.

A Collaborative Effort

The film’s production was a collaborative effort, with Dapo Ibrahim assembling a talented team, including assistant director Ingvar Denis and composer Christian Jessup, to bring the project to fruition. Their combined efforts in editing, scoring, and post-production ensured that the film maintained its emotional depth and authenticity.

 A Moving Score by Christian Jessup

Christian Jessup’s romantic and contemplative score beautifully complements the film’s narrative. His music underscores the emotional journey of Sam, adding layers of depth to the storyline. Jessup’s immense contributions to the film also earned him an associate producer credit.

Reception and Impact