Under Seventh Heaven

Under Seventh Heaven

Directed by Shane Bennett

“THE LOVE STORY THAT NEVER GOT ITS ENDING.”

Two estranged friends reunite at a weekend music festival getaway, where old wounds and buried emotions resurface, making their past impossible to escape. As the night unfolds in a sleek Airbnb filled with music, confession, and vulnerability, Ilah and Monica are forced to confront unresolved feelings and decide whether to let go or finally embrace what has lingered between them for years.

Director Statement

This film draws deeply from the experiences of my older sister, whose journey of self-discovery as a lesbian navigating cultural expectations profoundly shaped my understanding of identity and belonging. Witnessing her struggles and triumphs firsthand has given me a profound appreciation for the complexities of reconciling tradition with personal truth. Stories like hers, especially from an Asian American and LGBTQ+ perspective, remain underrepresented, and I feel a deep responsibility to bring this narrative to the screen with authenticity and care.

I want this film to provide a space for those who have struggled with self-acceptance and reconciling their past, offering a story that feels honest, raw, and deeply human. At its core, this film is about the messy but beautiful process of healing, rediscovering lost connections, finding closure in unresolved pain, and learning that authenticity is the most valid form of freedom. Through intimate storytelling and a conscious rejection of stereotypes and the male gaze, I hope the audience walks away feeling seen, understood, and empowered to embrace their own version of happiness, their own Seventh Heaven.

Director Biography

Shane Bennett is an emerging Filipino-American film director and producer based in San Diego. A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Film, Television, and New Media (emphasis in production), Shane brings a grounded, local perspective to their storytelling. Born and raised in Chula Vista, they often draw inspiration from the communities and environments that shaped them.

With a growing portfolio of short films and hands-on production experience, Shane is focused on crafting character-driven stories that explore tension, identity, and human connection. Their newest film, Under Seventh Heaven, continues this vision, centering on deeply personal themes while aiming to represent the Asian and LGBTQ+ communities authentically.

Plays in

Emerging Filmmakers 1: Drama Shorts Block