The Project:
TOE is a dark comedy short film about Annette, a young woman who finds empowerment and financial gain by showcasing her unique appendage-- her extra pinky toe-- on a fetish site. As she navigates the complexities of online attention, Annette becomes ensnared by her suitor's fetishistic obsession, forcing her to confront the true cost of exploiting her distinctiveness. Balancing humor and pathos, TOE explores themes of self-worth, identity, and the commodification of personal uniqueness.
But Why?
TOE is a personal exploration of the struggle to embrace one’s unique identity in the face of societal and familial expectations. Growing up in a family dedicated to financial careers, I often felt different being more drawn to creative endeavors. Embarrassed by my artistic side, I suppressed it to fit in, which only led to a profound sense of losing a part of myself.
TOE serves as a cautionary tale, reflecting my journey towards embracing my authentic self. The film also critiques how the film industry often seeks to exploit one’s uniqueness without truly appreciating it, highlighting the importance of valuing and protecting our individuality in a world that constantly tries to commodify it.
Meet Team TOE -
Elly Howard - Writer & Director
Elly Howard is an American Film Institute grad, New York native, and Los Angeles-based writer and director focused on female driven dark comedy. Elly grew up in New York City, went to Tulane University, spent a year in Korea teaching English, worked in finance in Austin, and is now a filmmaker in LA. Her short film, PEST GUYS, was a SXSW select in 2020.
Before graduating from American Film Institute for Screenwriting in 2022, Elly worked as Colman Domingo’s development exec at Edith Productions (AMC Studios). At AFI, Elly won the Writer’s Room Ready Award for best pilot in the class of 2022, earning herself a mentorship with Diablo Cody. Since then, she has been working on an Austin-based rom-com feature with Mason Novick.
Bailey Salwey - Director of Photography
Bailey Salwey is a cinematographer and photographer originally from Montana. Bailey graduated from the American Film Institute with a masters in cinematography and is living and working in Los Angeles. Her career began as a painter and photographer focusing on experimental and alternative processes. She strives to push the boundaries of how she views filmmaking and continues her search for humanness within a moving and still image.
Marie Nikolova - Producer
Marie Nikolova is a Development Executive and Producer for Before The Door Pictures (Zachary Quinto), based in LA. Originally from New York City, Marie and Elly met in 8th grade on the mean streets of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Marie produced her first feature, ADULT BEST FRIENDS, which was selected for Tribeca Film Festival in 2024. She is known for bone-dry sense of humor and will to succeed.
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