One Last Breath
Fort Worth, Texas | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
In a heartfelt quest to reconnect with his estranged daughter, a recently divorced dad immerses himself in the world of Heavy Metal to string the gap between their hearts and reignite their bond.
One Last Breath
Fort Worth, Texas | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,500 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
34 supporters | followers
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In a heartfelt quest to reconnect with his estranged daughter, a recently divorced dad immerses himself in the world of Heavy Metal to string the gap between their hearts and reignite their bond.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After a recent divorce, Joe is looking for a way to reconnect with his daughter. when he discovers that her favorite band is coming to town he dives headfirst into a world of music he knows nothing about - Heavy Metal.
At its core, One Last Breath is about something every audience can connect with—the enduring, unshakable love of a parent for their child. It’s a universal story told through an unexpected and electrifying lens: the world of heavy metal. By pairing raw family emotion with the energy and culture of metal, the film delivers a fresh, heartfelt story that feels both intimate and bold.
This project isn’t just a film—it’s an opportunity to back a story that speaks to two passionate audiences: families who will resonate with the father-daughter bond, and the massive and loyal heavy metal community eager to see their world represented authentically on screen. This story resonates universally, but it also carries a deeper, personal meaning for me. I recently lost my own father unexpectedly during pre-production. This project has become a way to honor him by telling the story of a father reaching out across a seemingly unbridgeable gap to connect with his child.
.
Investing in One Last Breath means supporting a film that balances commercial potential with emotional impact. It’s a story that can break through because it’s not only about music, but about reconciliation, redemption, and the power of love—universal themes that never go out of style.
" I am very excited to share this amazing story of love and heavy metal with the world! In One Last Breath, I want to show the unique dynamics of a Father/Daughter relationship. This loving relationship plays a significant role in shaping a daughter's self-esteem, values, and future relationships. A father's love for his daughter will drive him to go to great lengths to ensure his daughter's happiness and safety. Add a scoop of heavy metal into the mix and you have all the ingredients for a great film. As a Metalhead myself, I am stoked to give the world a sneak peek into our unique passionate community. I recently lost my father unexpectedly. We were very close and my heart hurts everyday without him. This film has a bigger meaning for me now. I want to make him proud with this story. Welcome to the One Last Breath family! Hold on tight, This is going to be a loud, fun, and heartwarming journey.
I'll see you in the pit!!"
Hailing from Dallas, TX, "From The Tides" Delivers a refreshing,
modernized take on the classic metalcore sound. Blending an array of genres and styles,
their gripping lyrics, powerful choruses, and irresistible breakdown.
We are honored to have this band part of this production.
I want the audience to bang their heads throughout the film, root for our characters and leave the theater with their hearts full. This is also a great opportunity to showcase my abilities as a filmmaker by making
THE LOUDEST SILENT FILM EVER!
We plan to have a good festival run, reaching a larger audience and spreading the love of metal music and hopefully maybe even provide an opportunity for a father and daughter to bond while watching our film.
By donating to this film, you are instantly part of our film crew.
Every donation, no matter the size, plays a vital role in bringing this short film to life. Independent filmmaking is a true labor of love, and your contribution helps cover the
essential costs that make this story possible.
Your support will go directly toward:
Production costs: equipment, locations, props, makeup and costumes
that bring the world of the film to life.
Cast & crew: compensating the talented people in front of and
behind the camera who dedicate their time and creativity.
Craft Service: Crafty keeps us alive on set. Coffee and snacks help fuel the crew.
Think of craft service as creativity fuel. You are filling the tank!
Post-production: editing, sound design, music, and color correction
to ensure the film reaches its highest potential.
Festival submissions: sharing the film with wider audiences
and creating opportunities for our story to have an impact.
By donating, you’re not just funding a film — you’re helping us create meaningful art, amplify voices, and bring new perspectives to the screen.
Help us turn the volume up on love!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $2,000
The foundation for every great production is the crew. These guys are working long hours behind the scenes to bring this script to life.
Gear
Costs $1,500
These are our essential tools to help create cinemagic.
Cast
Costs $1,500
our talented cast will help bring out characters to life for the big screen!
Craft Service
Costs $400
Keeping our cast and crew well fed and hydrated is essential to any great production. We don't want anyone hangry on set.
Location
Costs $500
We have a lot of really cool locations lined up for this project. They provide authenticity, visual appeal, and contribute to the story.
Post Production
Costs $2,000
Think of Post Production as the magic wand that transforms our films raw footage into a captivating stroy.
Marketing and Distribution
Costs $1,000
This will help us with Festival submission fee, Promotional materials, and creative ways to help promote the film.
The Band - From The Tides
Costs $1,500
The band and their Music are a huge part of this production. This will cover their time filming with us and the use of their music.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Abel Diaz - Writer/Director
Abel Diaz is a Fort Worth–based filmmaker with over 10 years of experience directing and producing. Working on everything from short films and features to music videos and TV Shows. A two-time Telly Award winner, he currently serves as Broadcast Producer for CLZ TV at Cook Children’s where he brings stories to life with creativity and impact. Influenced by masters like Martin Scorsese, the Coen Brothers and Zach Cregger, Abel blends cinematic storytelling with a love for sports and the energy of metal concerts.
Jacob Daniels - Lead Actor
You may recognize Jacob from his turn as the hotheaded exec(s) stuck in a public bathroom time paradox in Matt Black's viral sci-fi thriller STALLED now with over 6 MILLION VIEWS on YouTube. As a girl-dad himself and a card-carrying boring normie, he couldn't say no when Abel approached him to play the lead role in One Last Breath. Next year Jacob will make his feature debut in the Lewis Brothers Neo-western thriller BETHESDA alongside Max Martini (Saving Private Ryan, Pacific Rim, 13 Hours), Breanna Hildebrand (Deadpool franchise), James Landry Hebert (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Y:1883, Stranger Things) and Julio Cedillo (Sicario, Cowboys & Aliens, Narcos: Mexico).
Alex Mena - Producer
My love for film began when I first watched Steven Spielberg’s Duel, a moment that set me on a lifelong path in filmmaking. Since then, I’ve built a career as a veteran of the Texas film and video production industry, specializing in producing, line producing, and production management. Over the last five years, I’ve produced 50+ corporate videos for Toyota of North America through Stage3 Agency and recently served as UPM and line producer for the short horror film URBEX, now on the festival circuit.
I hold a BA from the University of Texas at Arlington and have served as Director of Operations for major festivals including the Lone Star Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, and Women Texas Film Festival. Currently, I am in production on my WWII documentary CREW 713. My goal is to keep creating impactful independent projects while continuing to grow as a director.
Tyler Harden - 1st AD
Tyler is a career 1st AD. He has worked on feature length films, award winning shorts, national commercials and in television.He loves Dungeons and Dragons, Jurassic park, and his wife.
Brady Tulk - Grip/Electric
Brady Tulk is a Dallas based filmmaker best known for directing the web series, Sock Puppet Parody, which has garnered millions of views online. Brady has adorned many roles in film in his pursuit to become a better director and producer. Brady also has worked in the music industry, launching a music video brand and filming live music for some of the biggest names. No role is beneath Brady, his only goal is to make the best film possible when on any style of production and if he can serve a role to accomplish that, he will put his all into it
Paden Smith - Gaffer
Paden is a local gaffer who has worked in the DFW metroplex for the past 8 years on a wide range of productions, including commercial, corporate and narrative projects. Paden enjoys achieving looks that support the vision of his DP and director to powerfully communicate the heart behind their projects.
Jay Brown - Producer
Jay Brown is an experienced television producer with more than 10,000 hours of award-winning content to his credit that has been seen by millions of viewers around the world. When approached with the script for One Last Breath, Jay jumped at the opportunity to produce his first short film. A lifelong Southern California resident, Jay is a die-hard fan of the San Diego Padres, and when not watching baseball, he can be found enjoying the thrilling excitement of Formula 1 racing. An alumnus of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, his son Ryan decided to follow in his footsteps and will graduate in 2028.
Phillip Calzada - Grip/Electric
Phillip Calzada is a filmmaker who started out in the camera and electrical department and aspires to become a world class DP or Gaffer. He has been working in the film industry since 2021. He left California in 2023 and came to Texas to continue his passion for filmmaking. He has had a great opportunity to work on three feature films, a multitude of short films including his own, and several commercials since moving to Texas. His dream is to follow in his father’s footsteps and create films and art that inspires others to go out and make something.
Shannon Houk
Shannon is a DFW-based filmmaker and musician, and the driving force behind Twisted Chain Entertainment LLC. With experience in producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and more, he has worked across commercial, corporate, and narrative projects. Shannon was a key part in bring on the band, "From The Tides" to this Production. He’s also the bassist for Pound of Flesh TX and recently completed writing the feature film Severed.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After a recent divorce, Joe is looking for a way to reconnect with his daughter. when he discovers that her favorite band is coming to town he dives headfirst into a world of music he knows nothing about - Heavy Metal.
At its core, One Last Breath is about something every audience can connect with—the enduring, unshakable love of a parent for their child. It’s a universal story told through an unexpected and electrifying lens: the world of heavy metal. By pairing raw family emotion with the energy and culture of metal, the film delivers a fresh, heartfelt story that feels both intimate and bold.
This project isn’t just a film—it’s an opportunity to back a story that speaks to two passionate audiences: families who will resonate with the father-daughter bond, and the massive and loyal heavy metal community eager to see their world represented authentically on screen. This story resonates universally, but it also carries a deeper, personal meaning for me. I recently lost my own father unexpectedly during pre-production. This project has become a way to honor him by telling the story of a father reaching out across a seemingly unbridgeable gap to connect with his child.
.
Investing in One Last Breath means supporting a film that balances commercial potential with emotional impact. It’s a story that can break through because it’s not only about music, but about reconciliation, redemption, and the power of love—universal themes that never go out of style.
" I am very excited to share this amazing story of love and heavy metal with the world! In One Last Breath, I want to show the unique dynamics of a Father/Daughter relationship. This loving relationship plays a significant role in shaping a daughter's self-esteem, values, and future relationships. A father's love for his daughter will drive him to go to great lengths to ensure his daughter's happiness and safety. Add a scoop of heavy metal into the mix and you have all the ingredients for a great film. As a Metalhead myself, I am stoked to give the world a sneak peek into our unique passionate community. I recently lost my father unexpectedly. We were very close and my heart hurts everyday without him. This film has a bigger meaning for me now. I want to make him proud with this story. Welcome to the One Last Breath family! Hold on tight, This is going to be a loud, fun, and heartwarming journey.
I'll see you in the pit!!"
Hailing from Dallas, TX, "From The Tides" Delivers a refreshing,
modernized take on the classic metalcore sound. Blending an array of genres and styles,
their gripping lyrics, powerful choruses, and irresistible breakdown.
We are honored to have this band part of this production.
I want the audience to bang their heads throughout the film, root for our characters and leave the theater with their hearts full. This is also a great opportunity to showcase my abilities as a filmmaker by making
THE LOUDEST SILENT FILM EVER!
We plan to have a good festival run, reaching a larger audience and spreading the love of metal music and hopefully maybe even provide an opportunity for a father and daughter to bond while watching our film.
By donating to this film, you are instantly part of our film crew.
Every donation, no matter the size, plays a vital role in bringing this short film to life. Independent filmmaking is a true labor of love, and your contribution helps cover the
essential costs that make this story possible.
Your support will go directly toward:
Production costs: equipment, locations, props, makeup and costumes
that bring the world of the film to life.
Cast & crew: compensating the talented people in front of and
behind the camera who dedicate their time and creativity.
Craft Service: Crafty keeps us alive on set. Coffee and snacks help fuel the crew.
Think of craft service as creativity fuel. You are filling the tank!
Post-production: editing, sound design, music, and color correction
to ensure the film reaches its highest potential.
Festival submissions: sharing the film with wider audiences
and creating opportunities for our story to have an impact.
By donating, you’re not just funding a film — you’re helping us create meaningful art, amplify voices, and bring new perspectives to the screen.
Help us turn the volume up on love!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $2,000
The foundation for every great production is the crew. These guys are working long hours behind the scenes to bring this script to life.
Gear
Costs $1,500
These are our essential tools to help create cinemagic.
Cast
Costs $1,500
our talented cast will help bring out characters to life for the big screen!
Craft Service
Costs $400
Keeping our cast and crew well fed and hydrated is essential to any great production. We don't want anyone hangry on set.
Location
Costs $500
We have a lot of really cool locations lined up for this project. They provide authenticity, visual appeal, and contribute to the story.
Post Production
Costs $2,000
Think of Post Production as the magic wand that transforms our films raw footage into a captivating stroy.
Marketing and Distribution
Costs $1,000
This will help us with Festival submission fee, Promotional materials, and creative ways to help promote the film.
The Band - From The Tides
Costs $1,500
The band and their Music are a huge part of this production. This will cover their time filming with us and the use of their music.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Abel Diaz - Writer/Director
Abel Diaz is a Fort Worth–based filmmaker with over 10 years of experience directing and producing. Working on everything from short films and features to music videos and TV Shows. A two-time Telly Award winner, he currently serves as Broadcast Producer for CLZ TV at Cook Children’s where he brings stories to life with creativity and impact. Influenced by masters like Martin Scorsese, the Coen Brothers and Zach Cregger, Abel blends cinematic storytelling with a love for sports and the energy of metal concerts.
Jacob Daniels - Lead Actor
You may recognize Jacob from his turn as the hotheaded exec(s) stuck in a public bathroom time paradox in Matt Black's viral sci-fi thriller STALLED now with over 6 MILLION VIEWS on YouTube. As a girl-dad himself and a card-carrying boring normie, he couldn't say no when Abel approached him to play the lead role in One Last Breath. Next year Jacob will make his feature debut in the Lewis Brothers Neo-western thriller BETHESDA alongside Max Martini (Saving Private Ryan, Pacific Rim, 13 Hours), Breanna Hildebrand (Deadpool franchise), James Landry Hebert (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Y:1883, Stranger Things) and Julio Cedillo (Sicario, Cowboys & Aliens, Narcos: Mexico).
Alex Mena - Producer
My love for film began when I first watched Steven Spielberg’s Duel, a moment that set me on a lifelong path in filmmaking. Since then, I’ve built a career as a veteran of the Texas film and video production industry, specializing in producing, line producing, and production management. Over the last five years, I’ve produced 50+ corporate videos for Toyota of North America through Stage3 Agency and recently served as UPM and line producer for the short horror film URBEX, now on the festival circuit.
I hold a BA from the University of Texas at Arlington and have served as Director of Operations for major festivals including the Lone Star Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, and Women Texas Film Festival. Currently, I am in production on my WWII documentary CREW 713. My goal is to keep creating impactful independent projects while continuing to grow as a director.
Tyler Harden - 1st AD
Tyler is a career 1st AD. He has worked on feature length films, award winning shorts, national commercials and in television.He loves Dungeons and Dragons, Jurassic park, and his wife.
Brady Tulk - Grip/Electric
Brady Tulk is a Dallas based filmmaker best known for directing the web series, Sock Puppet Parody, which has garnered millions of views online. Brady has adorned many roles in film in his pursuit to become a better director and producer. Brady also has worked in the music industry, launching a music video brand and filming live music for some of the biggest names. No role is beneath Brady, his only goal is to make the best film possible when on any style of production and if he can serve a role to accomplish that, he will put his all into it
Paden Smith - Gaffer
Paden is a local gaffer who has worked in the DFW metroplex for the past 8 years on a wide range of productions, including commercial, corporate and narrative projects. Paden enjoys achieving looks that support the vision of his DP and director to powerfully communicate the heart behind their projects.
Jay Brown - Producer
Jay Brown is an experienced television producer with more than 10,000 hours of award-winning content to his credit that has been seen by millions of viewers around the world. When approached with the script for One Last Breath, Jay jumped at the opportunity to produce his first short film. A lifelong Southern California resident, Jay is a die-hard fan of the San Diego Padres, and when not watching baseball, he can be found enjoying the thrilling excitement of Formula 1 racing. An alumnus of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, his son Ryan decided to follow in his footsteps and will graduate in 2028.
Phillip Calzada - Grip/Electric
Phillip Calzada is a filmmaker who started out in the camera and electrical department and aspires to become a world class DP or Gaffer. He has been working in the film industry since 2021. He left California in 2023 and came to Texas to continue his passion for filmmaking. He has had a great opportunity to work on three feature films, a multitude of short films including his own, and several commercials since moving to Texas. His dream is to follow in his father’s footsteps and create films and art that inspires others to go out and make something.
Shannon Houk
Shannon is a DFW-based filmmaker and musician, and the driving force behind Twisted Chain Entertainment LLC. With experience in producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and more, he has worked across commercial, corporate, and narrative projects. Shannon was a key part in bring on the band, "From The Tides" to this Production. He’s also the bassist for Pound of Flesh TX and recently completed writing the feature film Severed.