Deep in My Heart is a Song: Finding Healing Through Music

I’m glad our souls crossed.

Deep in My Heart is a Song is a 2024 short film directed by Jonathan Pickett. The film centers around a cowboy named Johnny, who visits a woman’s dying mother. The visit is uplifting for everyone as Johnny plays songs on his guitar.

At the New Hampshire Film Festival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a wave of emotions left a crowd deeply moved after the viewing of Deep in My Heart is a Song. This short film is a poetic and relatable tale that weaves the quiet power of music into human connections. We make connections for a reason, no matter how long they last.

I always enjoy listening to how film projects come about. The story for this film is very resonating. One summer, director Jonathan Pickett went on a road trip with friends to Tombstone, Arizona. While staying at a western-themed lodge, he was mesmerized by a 75-year-old cowboy named Johnny Bencomo playing old-school country music and telling stories in the bar.

After some conversation, the pair stayed in touch. Pickett listened to Bencomo’s music constantly. “Through listening to those songs on repeat, I discovered the depths of a lonely, old cowboy who had something miraculous to share, but no means to share it,” Pickett explained. And that sparked the idea for Deep in My Heart is a Song.

After six months of marinating the idea, the script was developed in a day. When Pickett traveled back to Southeast Arizona to have a script reading with Johnny the final script brought tears to their eyes. They had their movie. Bencomo agreed to star in this film as himself.

The film stars Lindsay Burdge (Jackie) and Annalee Jeffries (Kate) playing mother and daughter for the second time. Their connection comes through in their scenes.

They are going through a sad time because Jackie’s mother, Kate is in hospice care. Burdge has a quiet demeanor, battling pain and sadness. She wants to honor her mother with one last gift. Jeffries played her role with courage.

The interactions between the cast feel genuine, especially between Bencomo and Jeffries. One of Pickett’s favorite exchanges (and I agree) is the two sharing their gratitude for their crossed paths. Pickett’s rule of thumb as a director is finding deeper moments of connection between humans. He strives for authenticity.

The whole process took a year to complete. Filming transpired in Tombstone, Arizona. The actual bar and Bencomo’s RV where he lives were used as locations. Pickett hired cinematographer Ryan Dent who instinctively captured the essence of the film through the western landscapes and the cowboy’s unique presence.

Music is a central theme. I have made a closer connection with music, reading the story between the lyrics. The music sequence in this film is a beautiful moment. “I love the idea that music and art have all these formalized definitions of success, but the greatest meaning that can come from art is in those ineffable moments of connection,” said Pickett.

Along with making this film to market Bencomo’s music, Pickett had an exciting time constructing a narrative frame using music. “(The film) is about the gifts we share and the flames of passion we fan in one another,” Pickett explained. You never know how your passion influences others or the world. He hopes people take into consideration that art facilitates human connection.

Deep in My Heart is a Song is a poignant and heartwarming film. I will never forget the grateful audience outlook. The film attests to a real love for filmmaking.