Cigarette Candy (2009)
A quietly powerful short drama about trauma, homecoming, and the unexpected bonds that form between unlikely strangers.
Cigarette Candy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cigarette Candy
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Lauren Wolkstein
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 13m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 24, 2009
- Production Companies: Columbia University, Gotham Film and Media Institute
- Production Countries: United States of America
Cigarette Candy - Plot
A traumatized teenage marine forms an unlikely bond with a rebellious young girl at his homecoming party.
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Cigarette Candy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lauren Wolkstein
Main Cast
- Jonny Orsini
- Emily Morden
- Lee Burkett
- Thompson B. Crozier
- Richard Mark Jordan
- Michelle Sims
- Andrew Van Dusen
Cigarette Candy - FAQs
What is Cigarette Candy about?
Cigarette Candy follows Eddie, a traumatized teenage marine returning home from service, who strikes up an unexpected connection with Candy, a spirited and rebellious young girl at his homecoming party. The film quietly explores trauma, youth, and the surprising ways people find solace in one another.
Who directed Cigarette Candy?
Cigarette Candy was directed by Lauren Wolkstein, who also edited the film. It was produced through Columbia University and the Gotham Film and Media Institute, and stands as an early showcase of Wolkstein's distinctive voice as a filmmaker with a sharp eye for intimate, character-driven storytelling.
Who stars in Cigarette Candy?
The film stars Jonny Orsini as Eddie and Emily Morden as Candy, with supporting performances from Lee Burkett, Thompson B. Crozier, Richard Mark Jordan, Michelle Sims, and Andrew Van Dusen. Orsini and Morden anchor the film with a quietly compelling chemistry that drives its emotional core.
How long is Cigarette Candy?
Cigarette Candy runs just 13 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs a real emotional punch, using every minute to build character and atmosphere. It's a tight, focused piece of storytelling that leaves a lasting impression well beyond its compact length.
Is Cigarette Candy based on a true story?
Cigarette Candy does not appear to be based on a specific true story. It is an original dramatic short written and directed by Lauren Wolkstein during her time at Columbia University. The film draws on universal themes of trauma, homecoming, and human connection rather than any documented real-world events.
What themes does Cigarette Candy explore?
At its heart, Cigarette Candy explores trauma, isolation, and the search for connection. Eddie's silent struggle with his wartime experiences contrasts beautifully with Candy's restless energy, and together they illuminate how people on the margins of a social gathering can find unexpected understanding in each other.
What films are similar to Cigarette Candy?
If Cigarette Candy resonates with you, films like Hounddog (2008), I Believe in Unicorns (2015), and Return (2011) explore similar territory — young people navigating trauma, identity, and fractured home lives. Lucky Them (2013) and The Girl in the Book (2015) also share its intimate, character-focused dramatic sensibility.
Where was Cigarette Candy produced?
Cigarette Candy was produced in the United States, backed by Columbia University and the Gotham Film and Media Institute. These institutions have long supported emerging filmmakers, and this short film is a strong example of the kind of intimate, thoughtful work that comes out of their programs.
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