Lines on a Wandering Shell
Narrative Short
Project Type: Narrative Short
Project Status: Pre-Production
Director, Screenwriter, Actress: Jamila Hache
Producer: Maria Betania Fernandez
Co-Producer: Erika Bagnarello
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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Jamila Hache
Director, Screenwriter, Actress
Jamila is a Venezuelan American actress 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, and lent her voice to DreamWorks' Trolls World Tour. She has also performed in a wide range of independent feature and short films that highlight her versatility and depth on screen.Lines on a Wandering Shell marks her directorial debut, a deeply personal 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.
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Maria Betania Fernandez
Producer
Maria B. Fernandez is a native of Argentina, raised in the diverse city of Miami and currently based in Los Angeles. In 2012, Fernandez began her career in media consulting for Television networks on social and digital strategy for their Intellectual Property and branded content.
During that time, Fernandez produced an array of different shows ranging from reality and documentary to scripted series for Telemundo, Univision, NBC, Discovery and others. Fernandez has extensive experience crafting content for Latin American and US Hispanic audiences and understands the cultural and emotional differences amongst the subcultures. In 2015, Fernandez funded Eclectic Media in Miami and shifted her focus from strategy to developing IP and producing beyond digital. From there, Fernandez went on to produce her first scripted feature film entitled VANDAL. Inspired by true stories, Vandal is an authentic drama about art, love, war and the depths of the street graffiti world. Vandal stars a predominantly Hispanic cast of both up and coming and established Hollywood stars. Since living in LA, Fernandez has been dedicated to working with writers and producers to develop, create and execute film, digital and television projects independent of form or platform.
Fernandez's passion is to bring stories to life that transcend culture, race and gender and as a result evoke emotion and inspiration to audiences.
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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.
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!