On June 18th of 2019, my dear friend and colleague Jonathan tragically died by suicide, my world had come tumbling down, and with it, my interest in telling stories. I had so many feelings about my friend’s passing, that only by opening up to my close friends, was I able to realize that I was not alone.
Through this camaraderie and shared grief, I slowly regained my desire for filmmaking and knew that I wanted to do something in Jonathan's honor. Three years later, I contacted Gabriel Frilando, who many know by his moniker: CheatDeathNYC. As the main subject of “NYC Is Handsome”, Gabriel was the focus and reason that initially brought Jonathan and me together for the first of many collaborations. In honor of Jonathan, I wanted to return to where it all began, a complete full circle, with Gabriel, a bicycle and the streets of New York City. In honor of a dear friend gone too soon I present this short film of remembrance “Bike Church.”
Credits:
Director/DoP - Nicolas de Miranda
Producer - Nicolas de Miranda, Jared Leeds
Editor/Writer - Kelly Hansen // Forage Edit
Colorist - Clark Griffiths
Sound Recordist - Ryan O'Toole
Sound Designer - Cape Status
1st AC - Ian Wexler, Santino de Miranda
2nd AC - Dylan Gaffney, Mateo de Miranda
Stunt Drivers - Eric Schleicher, Dylan Gaffney, Jared Leeds
Music - "Name in Lights" by Amori Sounds
Starring - Gabriel Frilando
Additional Riders - Dane Torcivia, Paul Marte, Luke Gianni
