title: the one who waited.

series: to whom it may concern, by kameron b.

directed & edited by: kameron b.

artist statement: “the one who waited”

this short film is about the versions of ourselves we meet when we’re alone. it’s about the ache of staying still when every instinct says leave. it’s about trying to be present, not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, when escape is so much easier.

set at a bus stop, that fragile in-between, the story unfolds through three versions of me. one lights a blunt but can’t keep it lit. he walks away. another struggles, finally finds a flame, takes what he needs, and vanishes. but the last one, the one who stays, puts in his airpods, sinks into godspeed, and waits.

the clones aren’t just characters. they’re choices. they’re what i’ve been. what i’ve tried. they’re the impulses that offered comfort, but never peace. and the one who stays — he isn’t heroic. he’s just tired. he’s just ready to feel something, even if it hurts.

the shuttle arrives. he disappears. maybe he got on. maybe he didn’t. but something shifted.

the film ends on frank ocean’s words:

“i’ll always be there for you, as i do. i let go of my claim on you. it’s a free world.”

and that’s what this piece is. a soft surrender. an offering. a quiet letting go of the parts of me that couldn’t stay. it’s for anyone who’s ever waited for healing to show up like a ride you almost missed. for anyone who stayed behind, even when it hurt.

this is a letter to them.

to you.

to me.

the one who waited

directed & written by: kameron b.