Chris Highlands Delivers Heartfelt Short Film “I’ll Be There” Ahead of A24’s Star-Studded “Opus” Premiere at Sundance

Exploring Fatherhood, Chris Highlands Captivates Audiences with Personal Storytelling

Los Angeles, CA, California, United States, January 23, 2025 — Amidst a wave of innovation and genuine storytelling, LA-based actor, writer, and director Chris Highlands has quickly made a name for himself as a unique and captivating voice in today’s filmmaking scene. Known for his ability to craft intimate narratives, Highlands has gained attention with his poignant short film I’ll Be There. Released in July 2024, this deeply personal project has already earned critical acclaim, premiering at Film Invasion LA in June 2024 and winning the distinguished Programmer’s Prize for Exceptional Filmmaking. Now, Highlands steps into the spotlight again with his role in Opus, the widely awaited horror film by Manhattan-based A24 Films premiering at Sundance Film Festival this month.

In I’ll Be There, Highlands portrays a new father grappling with the emotional complexity of impending loss. Set entirely within the confines of his baby daughter’s crib, the film unfolds as a tender and raw dialogue between father and child. Through heartfelt anecdotes about his own father and efforts to navigate the chaos of family, memory, and love, Highlands delivers a universal meditation on life’s cycles. The duality of nurturing a new life while preparing to say goodbye to another is both intimate and universally relatable.

The minimalist approach of the film—featuring Highlands and adorable baby Sunniva Swearengin—brings an authenticity that resonates deeply. With carefully crafted music and sound mixing by Alexandre Côté and refined cinematography by Preston Tyler Ward, I’ll Be There creates an emotional connection that is rare in short films. The project has left audiences moved and critics impressed, serving as a testament to Highlands’ meticulous storytelling and attention to detail.

Highlands also credits his team for bringing his vision to life, including editor Landry Allbright and co-producer Kelsey Landon. Their collaborative effort highlights the impact of small, dedicated teams in independent filmmaking.

As I’ll Be There garners recognition, Highlands’s acting career also progresses with his role in A24’s Opus. Directed by Mark Anthony Green and featuring talents such as Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, and Murray Bartlett, Opus has already sparked interest as a standout entry in Sundance 2025’s Midnight section. Highlands’ role underscores his range and potential as a multi-faceted artist.

With Opus set to debut at Sundance on January 27, 2025, and an A24 release planned for March, Highlands continues to solidify his dual presence as both filmmaker and actor. His evolving career invites industry professionals and audiences alike to pay attention to his artistry.

The release of I’ll Be There reflects Highlands’s broader vision—not just to tell his story but to create work that sparks dialogue and connection. Now available on YouTube, the film aims to reach a wider audience and inspire conversations about fatherhood, loss, and the small, defining moments of life. “My hope is that this film resonates not only with parents but with all of us,” says Highlands. “It’s a love letter to becoming a dad, as well as to the experience of being a son or daughter.”

As I’ll Be There continues its journey, it invites viewers to ask: What stories define us? What legacy do we leave behind for our children? And how do we cope with the inevitable cycles of life and loss? These questions linger long after the film’s nine-minute runtime, challenging us to find sweetness amidst life’s challenges.

To experience I’ll Be There firsthand, watch the film on YouTube. And keep an eye out for Chris Highlands’ performance in Opus. Together, these projects showcase an artist whose work combines vulnerability and vision, promising much more to come.

Stream “I’ll Be There” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-G8ZcBbRPIw

To learn more about Chris Highlands, visit: Instagram | IMDb 

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