Detour: A Short Film
Developed by Jackson Heller, Hudson Kassen, Oskar Webster, Phoebe Wrycha, Asher Kaye, and Sebastian Cruz.
Produced by Aida Entertainment.
A home-bound Amish man and an army-bound drifter learn to live together when they get stranded in a secluded cabin.
Aida Entertainment is a group of American college students (from Northwestern, Oberlin, and Williams) who met while studying at Prague Film School in the Czech Republic. During our time abroad, we developed a close artistic bond. We realized we wanted to continue our collaboration back home, and when we discovered our spring breaks lined up, the idea for "Detour" was born.
We are interested in creating films that challenge us as artists and that speak to the struggles and triumphs of our peers. We are dedicated to using our technical skills to weave thought-provoking and inspiring stories, taking inspiration from the world and people around us. Each member of Aida Entertainment is passionate about pursing a professional career in film, and we are hungry to explore every opportunity and experience that can get us there. "Detour" is both a passion project for a group of tight-knit friends and a bold statement to prove our capabilities as filmmakers.
Our Team:
Hudson Kassen (Writer/Director/Producer), Jackson Heller (Writer/Director), Oskar Webster (Writer/Gaffer), Phoebe Wrycha (Producer/1st AD), Sebastián Cruz (Assc. Producer/Casting Director), Asher Kaye (Director of Photography), Ben Davis (Sound Mixer), Mia Bassett (1st AC), Tristan Kelley (Script Supervisor), David Diouf (Actor), Drew Slager (Actor)
It Takes A Lot to Fund a Short Film...
Especially when you're driving 20 hours across the country to reach your location. While the producer team is very thrifty, our production requires a cross-country roadtrip, six days of filming, and enough food to feed 14 people.
The funding we acquire will be used for renting equipment (such as LED lights, C-stands, flags/diffusion screens/bounce boards, and audio recorders), buying equipment (such as an external hard drive for footage/editing), travel costs (such as gas and tolls), and supplies for crew (such as food, coffee, garbage bags, hand warmers, and flashlights).
Your Impact
"Detour" endeavors to tell a story unseen in mainstream media. It features themes of Amish identity and how it intersects LGBTQ+ identity and American identity. While viewers may not connect with those specific themes, we hope to speak to a broader theme of the importance of family and home. We hope to show the impact of people who make you feel seen and make you feel safe. We hope to sympathize with those who must choose between home and the life that calls them. We hope to show the strength of vulnerability and the immense value it can bring to one's life.
Your contribution means supporting the kind of storytelling that draws the world together, rather than tearing it apart. We are young, hungry artists: we want to change the world and make it better. As a supporter of "Detour," you will forever be in our gratitude (and in our film's credits if you donate more than $100!), as our work would not be possible without you.
Of Course, Film is Risky
There are many things that can go wrong when shooting a film, from time constraints to creative errors to loss of passion. Our production team has created a thorough financial plan, preparatory schedule, and troubleshooting measures to ensure filming goes as smoothly as possible. Although we have created plans in case of mishaps, our team is comprised of quick-thinking problem solvers with a strong drive to complete this project safely and efficiently. Additionally, we place heavy importance on pre-production: we already know what needs to happen creatively before we even step on set. Finally, we have outlined our post-production timetable and film festival distribution plan–we have all put in too much work for this film not to be made.
Can't Donate? Share Our Campaign!
Even if you can't support us financially, you can still support us on social media! Share our Indiegogo campaign with friends and family members! Follow our instagram: @DetourShortFilm! And, of course, WATCH OUR FILM WHEN IT'S COMPLETE!!!
