David Ezell’s Occam’s Beard Named Cannes Film Awards finalist

David Ezell has been named one of six finalists for Best First-Time Screenwriter at the Cannes Film Awards for his psychological thriller Occam’s Beard. The short film is set to begin production this summer in New York City, with winners announced in Cannes on June 27.

Why it matters: - The Cannes Film Awards recognition puts David Ezell’s first screenplay in front of an international film audience. - The honor adds momentum as production on the short film is set to begin this summer in New York City. - The project has already built a multi-festival track record, which can help with visibility and future distribution.

What happened: - David Ezell was named one of six finalists for Best First-Time Screenwriter at the Cannes Film Awards for Occam’s Beard. - Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Cannes on June 27. - Production on the short film is scheduled to begin this summer in New York City.

The details: - Occam’s Beard is a psychological thriller about J.P. Ellison, a former child star who becomes convinced his longtime psychiatrist has been replaced by an impostor. - The story centers on a therapy session that turns into a broader examination of memory, identity, grief and perception. - The project has also received recognition from the Big Apple Film Festival, the Filmmatic Inroads Fellowship, the Travancore International Film Awards and the Manhattan International Screenplay Awards. - The screenplay has earned awards and recognition from numerous other competitions worldwide. - Ezell previously worked as a historian, educator, therapist and entrepreneur. - Ezell is the founder of Darien Wellness, a behavioral health organization serving clients across multiple states. - Ezell said his background in psychology and storytelling shaped the themes in Occam’s Beard. - Ezell said he has long been fascinated by the stories people tell themselves and the stories they hide from themselves.

Between the lines: - The finalist nod suggests Occam’s Beard is being positioned as more than a debut script; the project is being framed around psychological depth and festival credibility. - Ezell’s mix of clinical, educational and creative experience appears to be a core part of the project’s identity. - The awards attention may help the film as it moves from screenplay recognition into production.

What’s next: - Ezell is preparing the project for summer production in New York City. - He is also starting post-production on PAPER MOON Rise, a documentary about a road trip he took with writer, actor and co-star Harry Cooke across Kansas and Missouri. - The documentary follows the route taken by Addie and Moses in Peter Bogdanovich’s 1973 film Paper Moon and looks at the movie’s legacy through the memories of residents who helped make it. - PAPER MOON Rise is expected to premiere at the Paper Moon Festival in Kansas in May 2027. - More information about Occam’s Beard, PAPER MOON Rise and related projects is available at DavidEzell.com and Camelback Films.