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Erzulie is a cross genre between neo-noir, fantasy, and thriller. Visually, the film is an ode to the classics, taking elements from films, such as The Goonies, Jaws, and The Craft, mixed with a modern twist on folklore. The film touches upon many feministic themes, including the intricacies of female loyalty and friendship as well as the femme fatale, but in the guise of a murderous mermaid.
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Did you know Erzulie is a real mythical figure? She is known as a fearsome voodoo goddess who protects women and children and deals revenge against those who wrong them. She is said to be the embodiment of femininity and she manifests deep passion. Her moods can range from the height of joy to the depths of misery. Her colors are red, black and blue. There are numerous sister forms of Erzulie, and she is sometimes considered a triple Goddess.
Our film takes place in Louisiana, and will be shot there, too. So it's an obvious choice to incorporate Voodoo elements into this story. Especially since there’s such a deep history and legacy that is engrained in the culture of all Louisiana-ians. Not to mention- it gives us so much room to play with!
Erzulie is the ultimate manifestation of the Female Essence. She is nurturing, strong, fierce and kind all in one breath. So instead of this story being centered around “Voodoo” or witchy practices, it’s really more about female relationship dynamics - just throw in a murder mystery, an Avengers Endgame-level fight scene, and a serious family feud in on top of that.
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Four friends reunite at the riverside Camp Laveau in South Louisiana, to relax and reconnect. When one of the friends, Wendy, convinces the others to join her in summoning the legendary water goddess, Erzulie, to ask for her blessings and protection. Together the women cast a spell, but the plan falls short of Wendy's promises and Erzulie fails to appear. The next day they encounter a mysterious stranger who secretly steps in to defend them when an unhinged ex-boyfriend follows the group to the camp. A series of harrowing clues leads the women to discover not only the body of the ex-boyfriend but straight to a face to face encounter with the goddess Erzulie in her true form, that of a fearsome bayou mermaid.
Shaken by the violent event, the women plead with Erzulie to depart, not realizing that the Goddess' departure will leave the women at the mercy of yet another unscrupulous man: Rhett, the camp manager who plans on making the catch of a lifetime by capturing Erzulie for himself. Rhett assembles his thugs for the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Who will win; those who would lay down their lives to protect Erzulie or the band of greedy mongers who have sold their souls for personal gain?
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CULT CLASSIC
This is a cult-classic film geared towards all women and children ages 8-40. The story explores the makeup of the Female Psychology in a way that is original and refreshing. Each of the women in this film represent a distinct aspect of the Female Psychology: Wendy Woloft (Wisdom), Ari Paloverde (Avoidance), Violet Burns (Vengeance), Faye Smalling (Fear), and Erzulie (Equality).
FEMALE DRIVEN
It’s exciting to create female-driven stories that center around friendship, loyalty, and overcoming a common obstacle…together. Without jealousy, pettiness or unhealthy competition. Our hope is that best friends, mothers & daughters, sisters, aunts & nieces can watch this film and recognize a part of themselves in it.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The film features a very diverse cast. During a time with Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, and social discord, there needs to be more content that represents minorities and showcases the world as how it is -- a place full of different people from all walks of life. This is why shows such as "Bridgerton" are doing so well. We are hungry to see content that represents our world. Representation and inclusion are so important and very much needed in Hollywood.
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The idea of 'Erzulie,' like many of my film ideas, came from one single visceral image -- a fearsome mermaid covered in blood. This image came to me during a string of women empowerment movements, "Pussy Fight Back!" and the downfall of Weinstein. I was feeling angry and frustrated about the injustices towards women and for some reason this image of a bloody mermaid, having just ripped out the heart of a male intruder, stuck in my mind. I have also always wanted to explore neo-noir imagery. I love the aesthetic of neon and the exaggerated shadows of noir. Combined with the themes of noir that often involve a woman scorned, this seemed like a perfect genre to mix my killer mermaid concept with.
Being a female director, I am constantly working on male dominated sets that sadly often still laced with toxic masculinity. It has been a major mission of mine to bring more females to the industry and to be a supportive influence to women in the community. What has kept me going is very much my group of supportive female friends, which is the inspiration for telling a very female centric film about the trials and tribulations of sisterhood.
I grew up loving films like, "Sex and the City" and "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," which delve into the special bond of female friendships. Combined with my love for Steven Spielberg summer creature flicks such as "Jurassic Park" and "Jaws," I wanted a cult classic film that women could watch at their sleepovers, for generations to come.
I had the opportunity to first assistant direct on John Schneider's property, which is set in the swampy part of South Louisiana. The Southern Gothic feel and perfect "camp" setting became the ultimate glue and final missing piece to jumpstarting the feature version of my proof of concept -- and Erzulie was thus born.
Christine Chen has more than 10 years of experience as a 1st A.D., producer, filmmaker, and writer. She has garnered critical acclaim for her films, and is an Academy Nominated director. She is DGA Eligible.