Tribeca Short Film Connects East Harlem and UES Teens Updated April 21, 2011 6:31am

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(DNAinfo/Tara Kyle)

By Tara Kyle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

TRIBECA — An unexpected bond between a pair of Manhattan teens — one from a Harlem project, the other from the tony Upper East Side — takes the spotlight in "Nightlife," one of the student shorts in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival.

The movie follows Hector (played by East Harlem-reared actor Adam Soto, 21) while he visits his doorman father (Antone Pagan) at work on the Upper East Side. There, Hector forges a connection with resident Lilly (Olivia Whelan), as both teens struggle with problems at home and feelings of isolation.

Director Shandor Garrison, a graduate student at New York University, made the film on a budget of less than $10,000, although he said the resources at NYU added the equivalent of another $40,000.

The story itself grew out of Garrison's lapsed friendship with Soto, who he had worked with years before.

"Nightlife" captures a moment's connection between two teens — one from East Harlem's tenements, the other from a tony Upper East Side address. (Courtesy of Shandor Garrison)

Reconnecting last year in the actor's home, Garrison discovered that Soto had stopped acting. With the role in "Nightlife," he drew him back into the world of moviemaking.

That performance earned a stamp of approval from NYU professor Spike Lee, according to Garrison, who described Soto as possessing authenticity and a "rare talent."

For Garrison, the film's acceptance into TFF fulfilled a longtime dream.

But for Soto's part, he said he simply hopes his performance will convey a positive message.

"Too many things in this world show us how not to be good… but nobody likes to be bad. Everybody wants to be great," Soto said. "I never imagined that this film would go to my hometown film festival."

"Nightlife" is screening on Sat., April 23, at 7 p.m. (AMC Loews Village), Wed., April 27 at 5:30 p.m. (Clearview Cinemas Chelsea), Sat., April 30 at 4 p.m. (AMC Loews Village) and Sun., May 1 at 7 p.m. (Tribeca Cinemas Theater).

Movie premiere tickets for the festival can be won by entering DNAinfo's Tribeca Film Festival sweepstakes here.

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