An ancient legend comes to terrifying life in the supernatural horror short film "The Tahquitz Myth," the thrilling next chapter in the "Palm Springs Stories" series.

Anna Ortiz spends her days working at the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center and her nights studying at the local College of the Desert. Those two worlds collide during one terrifying twilight when a school assignment inspires Anna to investigate the myth of Tahquitz, an ancient Shaman said to have brought terrible torment and death to the Coachella Valley... and rumored to still haunt the Canyon today in search of souls to devour!

During her investigation, Anna has surprising encounters with everyone from two terrified Goth Girls, who claim to have seen Tahquitz in his cave; Zane, a destitute high school friend currently living in the cave who has decidedly not seen him; and a third, mysterious entity...  

... an ancient spirit with long black hair, a sinister smile, and glowing green eyes that can see right into your soul before he snatches it!

This is... Tahquitz!

Help bring this frighteningly fun tale to the big screen by donating through this page!

All monies raised through my Indiegogo campaign will go towards hiring Los Angeles and Palm Springs-based cast and crew, equipment purchases and rentals, and procuring all other resources necessary to make this film a spooky treat for viewers everywhere!

We are currently scouting locations in Palm Springs, California, to ensure the film's authenticity as a local Palm Springs narrative; however, there will be location fees involved in procuring these locations, which your donations will help cover.

By supporting my project, you will also have access to different levels of diabolically delicious perks, including an exclusive copy of the eerily entertaining screenplay, early access to the finished film, and most importantly, ⭐️YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS ⭐️ WITH VARIOUS PRODUCER CREDIT OPTIONS. Those who donate at the "Executive Producer" level automatically earn a free three-night stay at the stunning "Glass Haus" modern home in Palm Springs, California!

"The Tahquitz Myth" continues the "Palm Springs Stories" series with another exciting slice-of-life look at the various denizens of the famed desert community, this time with two lead characters representative of the local Agua Caliente tribe, descendants of the Cahuilla people who originally settled the Palm Springs area. While ostensibly an entertaining riff on local myth, the film is designed to encourage greater awareness of the Tribe's importance to Palm Springs history and present-day culture. Those interested in learning more about the history of the Cahuilla people and the Agua Caliente Tribe are encouraged to explore the beautiful Canyons featured in the script (www.indian-canyons.com/), along with the incredible new Agua Caliente Museum in downtown Palm Springs (https://www.accmuseum.org/). 

With the intention of filming this short in May -- before the desert summer heat kicks in -- we are initiating an expedited pre-production schedule, so if you're inclined to donate, PLEASE DO SO TODAY!

Harrison Pierce (Writer/Director/Producer) is an L.A.-based writer, educated at Columbia University (BA in English) and UCLA (MFA in Screenwriting). Industry experience includes screenwriting (World of Wonder Presents "Drag Tots"), film and home entertainment marketing (Sony Pictures/Lionsgate Films/Walt Disney Pictures), publicity (FonsPR, Slate PR), and production (HBO's "Entourage").  He also writes speeches for high profile individuals. Past screenwriting honors include finalist placement in the Nicholl Fellowship, Austin Screenwriting Conference, Final Draft Big Break, Nantucket Film Festival, Screencraft Comedy, Drama, Horror and TV, and many more. He previously wrote and produced the short film "The New Gardener," starring Guy Branum ("Hacks," Bros), Johnny Sibilly ("Hacks," "Pose") and Carson Polish (Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" video, Demonic Toys).

Regina Pigsley (Producer) is a half-Chinese writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles. Her short film “The Phoenix” (2022) played at 35 festivals and won 17 awards. In 2023, she produced five short films and co-produced her first feature, "In Flight," which was announced in Deadline magazine. When she’s not working on narratives, Regina directs and produces music videos for independent and signed artists (Capitol Records), as well as music festival/concert broadcasts such as Outside Lands, Bonnaroo, EDC, and Ye’s Sunday Service, on platforms such as Hulu and Amazon. 

John Barrett (Director of Photography) is a Hollywood-based cinematographer, steadicam operator and certified drone pilot, with his own production company called Barrett Media Co. With over a decade spent as a filmmaker, he has extensive expertise working on various projects, including feature films, documentaries, television, broadcast commercials, and music videos. Recent credits include AppleTV's "Sugar" and "Palm Royale" and the feature films "Argyle" and "The Family Plan." (https://www.bmcvideo.com/). John was the director of photography on "The New Gardener." 

Art Conn (Costumer) is an Emmy Award-winning costumer and stylist whose many credits include multiple seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars," in addition to TV's "Heathers" and "Dancing with the Stars." Art was the costume designer on "The New Gardener." 

Carson Polish ("Zane Stone" aka "The New Gardener") hails from Mayfield Heights, Ohio, USA. He is an actor, known for Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack and "Sabrina Carpenter: Espresso." He previously starred in the first "Palm Springs Stories" short film, "The New Gardener." 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE CAST & CREW ANNOUNCEMENTS!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @thetahquitzmythshort 

"Palm Springs Stories" is an anthology of short films written and produced by Harrison Pierce and set in Palm Springs, California; a desert city steeped in natural beauty, stunning modern art and architecture, Native American history, and, of course, Hollywood lore! The first film in the series, "The New Gardener," stars comedian Guy Branum ("Bros," "No Strings Attached") and Johnny Sibilly ("Hacks," "Pose") as a wealthy couple living in the hills of Palm Springs, whose relationship is challenged by the arrival of a very handsome, very criminal young man (Carson Polish, "Sabrina Carpenter: Espresso") posing as their new gardener. Shot on location in Palm Springs in Fall 2024 and currently in post-production, "The New Gardener" features costumes by Emmy Award winner Art Conn ("RuPaul's Drag Race,") music by Emmy Award nominee Billy Malpede ("Urban Legend," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre"), cinematography by John Barrett (AppleTV's "Sugar," "Palm Royale") and sound mixing by Emmy Award winner Korey Pereira ("Stranger Things").