Feature Film AFIN 289
IF YOU SHOULD LEAVE BEFORE ME
Directed by 
J. Markus Anderson, B. Robert Anderson
AFIN 2025 Winner · 2 awards
- 2025
- 2h
-
USA - English
- MA15+
- Romance
- Fantasy
Stills
1 frame
Nominee
Best Sound & Music
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Credits
Editing
Synopsis
Mark and Joshua, a long-term couple, discover a mysterious door hidden in their wardrobe. In this new realm, they encounter an elderly couple who have recently passed away and seek guidance to move on. Meanwhile, Joshua, who is already deceased, fears that his own door may never appear. As more doors materialize, and more souls receive the help they need to move on, a troubling truth emerges: Mark has secretly concealed Joshua’s door out of his deep-seated fear of losing him forever. This shocking betrayal shatters Joshua, plunging him into the haunting realm of lost souls. Now, Mark must confront his grief and face the unknown with courage, while recovering the enduring spirit of Joshua.
What makes this one special
- Nominated in 3 AFIN categoriesBest Director · Best Lead Performance · Best Sound & Music
- A first-time filmmaker
From the Judges
From the Judges
A strange, inventive ride that sweeps you along and leaves you sitting with grief, love and the beauty of life all at once. Its imagination struck the panel as genuinely fresh, from shifting aspect ratios and lighting that gives each doorway its own tone to production design dressed with real care in every environment. They also warmed to the wardrobe, the assured direction, and an ensemble whose relationships feel lived in and true, holding the drama and the humour together with equal ease.
Trailer
Fuller cast & crew
Merrick McCartha Lorne 
Susan Louise O'Connor Lily Boudreaux 
LeeAnne Bauer Unknown Woman - Vu Mai Sarah
Brooke McCormick Bonnie - Chris Pegut Homeless Man
- Alexandra Lomeli Frozen Girl
- Sean Anderson Toilet Man
- Evan Lucas Alex
Producer
- Chris Pegut
Executive Producer
- J.M. Sommerville
Director of Photography
- Dan Watt
Music
- Troy Higgins
Details and imagery from The Movie Database This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Official laurels
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Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Cinematography Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Feature Film Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Nominee · Best Director Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Nominee · Best Lead Performance Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Nominee · Best Sound & Music Download laurel Download certificate
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IF YOU SHOULD LEAVE BEFORE ME was Winner of Best Cinematography and Best Feature Film and a Nominee for Best Director, Best Lead Performance and Best Sound & Music at the AFIN International Film Festival 2025, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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- Open the AFIN International Film Festival event page on IMDb and choose the 2025 edition.
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