Lines on a Wandering Shell
Narrative Short
Project Type: Narrative Short
Project Status: Pre-Production
Director & Producer: Erika Bagnarello
Co-Producer: Roger Blandon
Screenwriter, Co-Producer, Actress: Jamila Hache
Composer: Daniel Rojas
LOGLINE
While searching for the right adult daycare for her nonverbal brother with cerebral palsy, a young woman realizes that not every space is built for his humor, preferences, or sense of belonging, and that inclusion is more complex than it seems.
SYNOPSIS
Nina is a young woman navigating the quiet weight of responsibility as she searches for the right adult daycare for her brother Oly, who is nonverbal and lives with cerebral palsy and severe autism.
Though well-meaning programs welcome them with broad smiles, Nina quickly senses that something deeper is missing. Oly, expressive in his own way and armed with a sharp sense of humor, doesn’t fit neatly into any box nor does he feel at home among those who superficially resemble him. As the day unfolds across car rides, day care visits, and coloring, Lines on a Wandering Shell becomes both a portrait of a sibling bond and a search for belonging.
It challenges the assumption that individuals with disabilities automatically belong together because "shared diagnosis guarantees shared experiences." What begins as a practical errand slowly becomes a meditation on individuality, invisible barriers, and the quiet dignity of choosing your place in the world.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT ABOUT THE PROJECT
Lines on a Wandering Shell is a deeply personal story inspired by my relationship with my brother, who is nonverbal and lives with cerebral palsy and severe autism.
The film explores the quiet complexity of sibling-hood, the longing for true belonging, and the way individuality persists even when the world tries to group people by labels. It challenges the assumption that having a disability automatically creates connection, and instead highlights how humor, energy, and human preference define relationships.
As a filmmaker/actress and a sister, I’m drawn to the emotional honesty in those small, in-between moments that say everything. This story is my way of honoring them.
Meet The Filmmakers
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Erika Bagnarello
Director
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Erika is an award-winning filmmaker whose work spans narrative shorts, feature documentaries, and television. A Fulbright International Fellow, she earned her MFA in Film Production from Florida State University. Her debut narrative feature, January 1st, was licensed by HBO in 2015, and her films have screened theatrically across Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, as well as at international festivals. As a screenwriter, Erika has developed projects for Warner Bros Television and most recently for Netflix, showcasing her talent for crafting stories that resonate across borders.Erika’s dedication to honing her craft has led to prestigious recognitions: she is a TED Global Fellow and an alum of the Berlinale Talent Campus. She was selected for Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative, where she shadowed on American Horror Story, and has been a semi-finalist or finalist for the HBOAccess Directing Fellowship, Disney/ABC Directing Program, Universal Studios Writers Program, and the Commercial Directors Diversity Program.
Now based in New York, Erika continues to champion stories with depth and cultural nuance, reflecting her passion for diverse narratives and global perspectives.
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Daniel Rojas
Composer
Daniel Rojas is a Costa Rican-born composer and producer known for his eclectic, modern scores that fuse cinematic storytelling with contemporary song production. His standout work includes original scores for Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (DreamWorks/Netflix), Marvel’s Hit-Monkey and M.O.D.O.K., Nickelodeon’s Monster High, and the award-winning animated short Fly Hard (Illumination/HMMA Winner, 2024). His style blends rich musicality with cutting-edge textures, drawing from his background in jazz, classical, and pop music.
Raised in a musical household—his mother a classical pianist from China and his father a trumpet player and band director—Daniel began composing and performing at a young age. He studied jazz on scholarship at the University of North Texas before moving to Los Angeles, where he worked in top studios and contributed additional music to feature films.
In addition to his scoring work, Daniel is an accomplished songwriter and producer, often weaving vocal elements and rhythmic experimentation into his scores. His recent work spans animation, film, and interactive media, with credits including Minions & More 1 & 2 (Netflix) and Who Invited Charlie?
Daniel is a recipient of the ASCAP Harold Arlen Award and a voting member of both the Recording Academy and Television Academy.
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Jamila Hache
Screenwriter/Producer/Actress
Jamila is a Venezuelan-American actress, producer, and creative entrepreneur dedicated to telling emotionally grounded stories with heart and intention. As an actress, she has appeared in major studio projects including Mariposa de Barrio, which trended on Netflix for over a month, 'Til Jail Do Us Part, the first bilingual series produced by Peacock, she also lent her voice to DreamWorks' Trolls World Tour and has performed in a wide range of independent feature and short films that highlight her versatility and depth on screen.As a producer, Jamila brings a rare balance of artistic vision and operational focus. Lines on a Wandering Shell is one of her most personal projects to date, a story rooted in lived experience that explores belonging, care, and connection through a subtle, character-driven lens.
In addition to her work in film and television, Jamila is the co-founder of Rafy, a tool designed to support actors in their rehearsal and self-tape process. Her entrepreneurial spirit is shaped by empathy, innovation, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive in creative spaces.
Your Help
LINES ON A WANDERING SHELL is a fiscally sponsored project of Cinematography for Actors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation will be tax-deductible!