Ball and Vase

In Dave Baram’s short film, Ball and Vase, life’s problems can sometimes be solved with a little magic.

Ed Coleman (Austin Pendleton) is an elderly gentleman living alone in his apartment while dabbling in a bit of sleight-of-hand as a hobby. This morning he practices the classic Ball and Vase trick in front of a picture of his grandson in hopes of performing it for his family at Christmas. But, unfortunately, Ed gets a call from his daughter they’re going to be away for Christmas.

“…living alone in his apartment while dabbling in a bit of sleight-of-hand as a hobby.”

Ball and Vase is a story about the loneliness senior citizens can feel during the holidays, which is exacerbated by the recent passing of Ed’s wife, Jean (Diane Findlay). Living alone, Ed’s mind shifts from his present reality to a dreamlike memory with Jean. The determined Ed decides to leave his apartment to make much-needed relationships with the world around him. He plans to do that through his magic.

Ball and Vase is a heart-warming story reinforcing the fact that we are not meant to be alone, no matter our age. We’ve all got to be willing to step outside the comfortable to make some kind of connection. Veteran actor Austin Pendleton continues to show he can still act and convey emotion no matter how big or small the story is.

For screening information, visit the Ball and Vase official website.