Lump is a reclusive 20-something, trying to enjoy her fragile life with her lone friend, Jar. What little stability she has is shattered when her past finally catches up to her and she throws up a salmon in a dingy bar bathroom. To begin to thrive, she must decide if she can embrace vulnerability and open up not only to herself but to those who wish to help her.
This film is an exploration into what better depictions of suicide can look like in the face of a harsh media landscape that pushes forward harmful tropes and narratives. By harnessing the imagery of the salmon, this short film explores the trauma of rebirth and vulnerable intimacy that is essential to recovering from a suicide attempt.
Once, a Second Time is my thesis film. Preproduction started in May of 2024 and postproduction wrapped up in April of 2025. It has a run time of a total of seven and a half minutes.
Character Art
Concept Art
Sarah Rae Franklin 