On The Street Where You Live
Runtime: 17:45
Inspired after reading Romeo and Juliet, a shy teenage girl stakes out her crush's neighborhood, hoping to feel closer to him.
A modern, Shakespearean inspired story that celebrates the exploration of girlhood, confidence, and self-worth
Director - Payton Burkhammer
Payton Burkhammer is an award-winning indie film director based in Akron, Ohio. Her films are personal, grounded stories with women at the forefront.
In 2023 she was selected for the Cleveland Indie Film Incubator, a six-month program for writer/directors with innovative script ideas to participate in workshops, receive production assistance, and fully realize their short films. Additionally, Payton's work was featured at Akron Soul Train as a 2025 Resident Artist.
She is a founding member of Girl Set Cleveland, a group that provides free workshops to women, trans, and non-binary individuals to gain hands-on training in film production roles.
Directors Statement
On The Street Where You Live asks the question: what does it mean to be vulnerable and feel seen at an age when you'd rather disappear?
The film is about 14-year-old Julia, a romantic at heart who can't find a way to break the ice with her crush. Until a lesson on Romeo and Juliet inspires her to linger around her crush's neighborhood, hoping to spark a connection.
As a director, I love exploring heartfelt, true-to-life films that connect audiences to memories they might have forgotten. This film brings you face to face with the awkwardness of being a teenager, grasping for any kind of guide to how to make it through love unscathed. I wanted to make this film to explore the theme that when it comes to love, history is always repeating itself.
