Announcing the Cast of The First Save

We are thrilled to introduce the actors bringing our story to life. The First Save follows a father and former Freedom House paramedic who reflects on the night that defined his calling, then passes that courage on to his young son. Set in Pittsburgh and filmed in Northeast Ohio, this short film is a proof of concept for the feature Freedom House.

Meet the cast

Jor-El Washington as Alexander: Our lead, a former Freedom House paramedic who carries the weight of his first save and the responsibility that came with it.

Blake De Pastino as Billy: A white officer caught between duty and compassion on a volatile night.

Kaleb Rayle as Terry, Alexander’s partner and friend, quick with his hands and quicker with his heart when lives are on the line.

Q. Zachary as Ethan, Alexander’s ten-year-old son, curious, bright, and eager to understand what real courage looks like.

Tim York as White Officer, A presence of pressure and conflict during the unrest, a reminder of the world Alexander had to work within.

Olivia Winsteard as Sobbing Woman, a loved one in crisis whose plea reveals the human stakes of the night.

Homer Allen as Older Man: An injured resident Alexander fights to stabilize amid the chaos.

Daniel Tewolde as Young Man: A teenager in danger, a life Alexander refuses to give up on.

I could not be more grateful for this cast. Each actor understands that our story is about ordinary people who choose to show up. Their work honors the real history of Freedom House and the communities it served.

Production update

Filming is scheduled for October 10 and October 12 in Lorain and Solon, Ohio. Thank you to the local community, our crew, and every supporter who has helped us reach this point. — Orlando Suazo Jr., Writer and Director