The concept for this film came from my own experiences gambling with love in this too-big world. I drew inspirations from my own past relationships; moments in my life when I thought “maybe this could be love”. Even though all those relationships eventually came to an end, I like to think it was love nonetheless. This is my objective with the film. Depicting a story about love as honestly and bare boned as I can. Love is not something that begins or ends, it exists presently and fully. My aim is to capture the beauty and joy of that thought.

I want to make this film to find answers to my own questions and insecurities in life. I believe many people share those same insecurities maybe without even knowing it. Hopefully the audience will find themselves in this film, and find a moment to reminisce on the love they shared throughout their lives, watching memories flicker like fireflies, and remember how beautiful it had once been.

Elio, a confused and reserved writer, is attending a New Years masquerade party with his closest friend Robert and his wife Maria. A lively party filled with all sorts of unique characters, and their seemingly mundane conversations, is riddled with secrets and uncertainty. Elio seems to be unenthusiastic about the party, but in reality his mind is right there, focused on Tereza, an unusual and promiscuous singer who is also attending and with whom he has a secret passionate love affair. In public they are practically strangers, their masks protecting them from any sense of affection or pain. But in private they have no masks, only truth and vulnerability, and the impossible task to figure out what exactly they mean to each other, and whether or not their love will last.

The film is both drama and satire. Heavily influenced by both the French New Wave and the Mumblecore Movement. A film style that relies on minimal action and focuses primarily on dialogue. It is similar to italian neorealism in the sense that it emphasizes a natural and relatable approach to storytelling; as if you are taking a seat and observing the protagonists life unfold with them. Depicting the idiosyncratic nature of life, full of laughs as much as angst.

Mood boards used as inspiration:

We have a well trained crew, some working professionals and some current students, all very talented and passionate, and all of which are working immensely hard to make the best possible film we can.

Writer/Director - Santiago Guerrero

Producer - Sandesh Agrawal, Devina Dabholkar

Director of Photography - Pavlo Varchuk

Assistant Director - Tzu Chi Wang

CREW: $1000

The crew consists mostly of students, however we need some positions that have more experience working in their respective fields i.e. sound, Hair and Make Up, etc.

LOGISTICS & SET OPERATIONS: $1500

With a sizable crew and cast, travel, food and lodging add up really quick. This money will go into transportation for cast and crew. We also need to rent equipment vans and trucks. Money here will also be spent on food for the entire team and lodging for people that require it. All of this needs to be done in accordance with COVID safety rules which further drive up costs.

EQUIPMENT: $1000

We are fortunate enough to have 90% of the gear we need provided by our school. However, we want to elevate the film, if given an option by renting some additional lights and a lens kit.

ART DEPARTMENT:  $1500

What's the point of a good camera crew if there's nothing interesting to shoot. This section is responsible for funding all props and costumes. With many cast members over multiple days in the film, costumes alone will rack up a large portion of this.

LOCATION RENTAL: $3000

Our shoot is limited to a couple of locations but we need to rent big spaces for multiple days. This money will go towards getting locations that support the vision of the director as well as making sure we have proper permits and insurance.

POST PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION: $2000

One of the most important sections contains the cost of hiring a composer and sound mixer to help finish the film! Also in here is the distribution fees. We want this film to be as successful as possible, and to do so, we need to get into film festivals which can have hefty entrance fees.

The largest risk still is of course COVID. As this production is adhering to SAG guidelines, we are practicing the utmost safety on set to minimize the possibility of exposure, but there is always the chance. One positive case can cost us everyone's time and money. Some things we are doing to mitigate the possibility of the cast or crew being exposed is to test every member of the production before and during the shoot, wear masks on set and maintain social distancing while having designated zones. In the event that someone tests positive and the shoot is delayed, we are taking measures to make sure locations can be refunded, or rescheduled through contractual obligations.

We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, however if you are interested in the project, spreading the word about it, as well as sharing this page can help immensely! Also, upon this film's completion, getting the word out during festival runs can greatly increase the chances of nominations and wins! Please share this campaign with your friends and family and get the word out! Thank you for your generosity!