HOUSTON, TX — Christopher Hartwell, Assistant Professor of Cinema, Media Arts, and Writing at Houston Christian University (HCU), made a remarkable directorial debut as his psychological medical thriller Do No Harm screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025. Presented through Iris Indie Global, the film stood out in one of the world’s most elite cinematic arenas, placing both Hartwell and HCU’s film program on an international stage.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” Hartwell reflected. “Cannes is one of the most prestigious film markets in the world, and having Do No Harm represented there while we pursued distribution was both thrilling and humbling.”

Starring Harry Shum, Jr.—best known for his roles in Crazy Rich Asians and the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once—Do No Harm delivered a tense, emotionally charged narrative. The film followed an elite home-health nurse whose minor misstep triggered a cascade of tragic consequences, exposing the crushing weight of professional expectations, institutional failures, and the quiet desperation beneath perfectionism.

The screening at Cannes was more than a milestone—it was a global platform. Hartwell was joined by producers Josh Sikora (also an HCU professor and Director of Cinema and New Media Arts), Christian Sosa, Anthony Parisi (editor), and lead actor Harry Shum, Jr. Together, the team engaged in industry panels, met with international distributors, and connected with fellow creatives from around the world.

“This opportunity affirmed everything we’ve poured into this story,” Hartwell shared. “It marked a major step toward introducing the film to a global audience.”

At the heart of Do No Harm was a message of human frailty and the universal need for grace. Hartwell’s personal connections to the subject—his father is a physician and his wife a home-health nurse—fueled the film’s emotional authenticity. “This was more than a film; it was a tribute,” he said. “I’ve seen the emotional toll healthcare workers quietly carry every day. This project honored their courage, compassion, and humanity.”

Adding another dimension to the film’s production was the participation of HCU film students, who worked alongside industry professionals in key departments like camera, lighting, and wardrobe. Hartwell described the project as “a labor of love” that demonstrated how storytelling could create empathy and unity. “Our students took enormous pride in this experience. Seeing their work come to life on screen—and recognized internationally—was empowering.”

Following its successful Cannes showcase, Do No Harm secured another significant spotlight. The film was selected as the opening night feature at the 28th Annual Dances With Films Festival in Hollywood, making its world premiere on June 19, 2025, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres. Members of the cast—including Rosaline Elbay and Ronny Chieng—were expected to join the festivities alongside HCU students and crew.

“We’re honored to kick off the festival,” Hartwell said. “It’s especially meaningful that so many who helped bring this story to life, including our students, will be there to celebrate its premiere.”

As Hartwell and his team continued conversations with distributors and additional festivals in the U.S. and abroad, the buzz around Do No Harm only grew stronger. With a story rooted in real-world challenges and a production built on educational opportunity and creative excellence, the film represented a powerful new voice in independent cinema.

Hartwell’s journey from the classrooms of HCU to the red carpets of Cannes and Hollywood demonstrated that great storytelling—anchored in truth and compassion—has the power to transcend borders, ignite conversations, and inspire change.

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