"They Don’t Leave" is a short film written and directed by Caz McGovern and produced by Nancy Bevins.
The screenplay for They Don’t Leave was a semifinalist in the New York International Screenplay Awards, an Official Selection of the Monkey Bread Tree Awards, and received the Best Screenplay award at the V.i.Z. Film Fest. The project was also a recipient of a Big Sky Film Grant.
Caz McGovern’s direction brings a distinctly female lens to the story — grounded in vulnerability, emotional honesty, and resilience — as the characters navigate what has been inherited, endured, and ultimately confronted. The film explores "generational trauma" and the idea that "if we're still here, if we're still trying, we have already won the battle".
I was cast as Jolene Brooks, one of three women whose interconnected stories explore the long reach of generational trauma. Told through the perspectives of three generations, the film examines truth-seeking, survival, addiction, and the quiet complexity of choice.
The film premiered at the Show Low Film Festival in Arizona in September 2023 and went on to a successful festival run, receiving award nominations and wins, and prompting meaningful conversations surrounding abuse and addiction.
The screenplay for They Don’t Leave was a semifinalist in the New York International Screenplay Awards, an Official Selection of the Monkey Bread Tree Awards, and received the Best Screenplay award at the V.i.Z. Film Fest. The project was also a recipient of a Big Sky Film Grant.
Caz McGovern’s direction brings a distinctly female lens to the story — grounded in vulnerability, emotional honesty, and resilience — as the characters navigate what has been inherited, endured, and ultimately confronted. The film explores "generational trauma" and the idea that "if we're still here, if we're still trying, we have already won the battle".
I was cast as Jolene Brooks, one of three women whose interconnected stories explore the long reach of generational trauma. Told through the perspectives of three generations, the film examines truth-seeking, survival, addiction, and the quiet complexity of choice.
The film premiered at the Show Low Film Festival in Arizona in September 2023 and went on to a successful festival run, receiving award nominations and wins, and prompting meaningful conversations surrounding abuse and addiction.
Director, Caz McGovern - CM Video Arts
The film debuted on YouTube
Clicking/tapping the image below will take you to the YouTube landing page to watch the film
Rating PG-13 for : addiction and abuse
The film was developed and completed over a three-year production period, bringing together cast and crew across two primary locations — the United Kingdom and Montana, USA.
The project reflects a tonal blend of English restraint and atmosphere alongside the grounded rural landscape of Montana.
The original musical score was composed by Cato Hoeben, a film, television, and video game composer whose work includes projects for the BBC, ITV, and Netflix. His feature film credits include Rose: A Love Story, which premiered at the BFI Film Festival. Hoeben has also contributed extensive library music for companies such as BMG, Universal, and KPM, bringing additional depth and emotional texture to the film’s storytelling.
The project reflects a tonal blend of English restraint and atmosphere alongside the grounded rural landscape of Montana.
The original musical score was composed by Cato Hoeben, a film, television, and video game composer whose work includes projects for the BBC, ITV, and Netflix. His feature film credits include Rose: A Love Story, which premiered at the BFI Film Festival. Hoeben has also contributed extensive library music for companies such as BMG, Universal, and KPM, bringing additional depth and emotional texture to the film’s storytelling.
Behind-the-scenes moments from the production of "They Don’t Leave."
Additional updates and process highlights can be found by clicking here for our film's Instagram page: "They Don't Leave"
Additional updates and process highlights can be found by clicking here for our film's Instagram page: "They Don't Leave"
Nominations received for "They Don't Leave"
Flathead Lake International Cinemafest February 2024
✹ Best Montana Picture
✹ Best Original Score
The film also received won four Best Suspense Short awards.
Below are the festivals where "They Don't Leave" screened
Flathead Lake International Cinemafest February 2024
✹ Best Montana Picture
✹ Best Original Score
The film also received won four Best Suspense Short awards.
Below are the festivals where "They Don't Leave" screened
AWARDS and HONORS
PRESS
October 2024 | Indie Cinema | click image below for full press article
