A Montgomery County filmmaker is getting recognition on the festival circuit, with Rockville resident Joseph R. Vivens earning Best Narrative Short at SpillFest for his locally shot film S.O.S., with the award announced by comedian Lil Rel Howery.
The film, shot across Silver Spring, Rockville, and Gaithersburg, is also currently featured in the Maryland Film Festival’s Virtual Festival, where it is available to stream from May 3-10.
Vivens said Montgomery County played a major role in shaping the film’s look and feel, calling it an “undiscovered gem for cinematic storytelling.” He intentionally selected locations that could visually elevate the story, from the energy of downtown Silver Spring to cherry blossom-lined streets in Rockville and the open landscapes of Butler’s Orchard.
S.O.S. follows a real estate agent dealing with seasonal allergies, using the region’s spring setting to create a contrast between beauty and discomfort. That balance, he said, was central to the tone of the film.
Filming across the county came with its own memorable moments, particularly in Silver Spring near Veterans Plaza. During one scene rehearsal involving a staged punch, a passerby stopped to check on the actor, unaware it was part of a film shoot. The moment drew laughs from the crew and highlighted just how immersive the production appeared to the public.
Vivens credits his upbringing in Montgomery County as a major influence on his work. After moving to Silver Spring at age 12, he said his experiences growing up in such a diverse community helped shape his perspective and storytelling approach. Working at the former Loews theater in Wheaton further deepened his connection to film.
Winning Best Narrative Short at SpillFest, he said, is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the talent within the Montgomery County creative community. He emphasized that the recognition helps shine a light on the area and its potential within the film industry.
The project itself was deeply rooted in that community. His wife, Sadhana Jackson-Vivens, who produced the film, is a Gaithersburg native. Friends and local collaborators contributed as crew members, Butler’s Orchard played a key role as a filming location, and local actors, including Jacqui Porth, were part of the cast.
Vivens described the production as a true community effort, bringing together people and places from across Montgomery County to bring the story to life.
