Sebastian Hill-Esbrand strikes a chord

Directed by Sebastian Hill-Esbrand, this moving short film, titled PIVOT, captures the poignant story of a musician who turns his life around after being deported.  

Blending cinematic shots with a documentary-style narrative and music video influences, the hybrid piece follows a young man who breaks free from a destructive lifestyle, and later returns home to find his friends lost to addiction. 

Though brief, the film powerfully conveys the protagonist’s emotions and the turning point in his journey, leaving us both moved and wanting more.

“For me, this film is about the texture of those moments when life forces us to shift direction," explains Hill-Esbrand. "It’s less about answers and more about presence, letting the audience sit with real people, their stories, and the moods that linger. If it leaves someone with a feeling they can’t quite name, then I feel I’ve done my job. And most importantly, I really like the song.”