Tin Soldiers (2025)

Tin Soldiers is a compelling short drama set for release in 2025. Written and directed by Aris Federman, the film examines the delicate subject of childhood mental health through the story of a young boy and the life-altering decisions made around him. This poignant narrative aims to spark conversations about emotional wellness, societal expectations, and personal identity.

The film follows Caius, portrayed by Wake Ritter, a child struggling to meet classroom expectations. After a tense parent-teacher conference, his mother, Ms. Miller played by Leanne Johnson, makes the difficult decision to seek pharmaceutical treatment for her son. As the story progresses, audiences witness the effects of this choice on Caius’s mental and emotional state, through multiple stages of his life.

Reece Brigman takes on the role of Teen Caius, while Aris Federman himself portrays the character as an adult. The film uses these transitions to explore how early interventions shape a person’s future. Supporting performances by Tennessee Moore as the psychiatrist, Marrissa Cherry as Caius’s teacher, and Kaison McKnight as his friend Andre, offer thoughtful perspectives on the complexities of growing up while grappling with mental health labels.

Tin Soldiers delivers its message within the compact structure of a short film, making it a powerful and accessible piece for audiences interested in character-driven stories about resilience and self-discovery.

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