Hello from the ‘Are We Still Friends?’ Production Team!

We are a group of passionate filmmakers with a vision to bring a compelling and thought-provoking short film to life.

We are reaching out to you to raise funds for this exciting project that is close to our Director and Writer, Darren Khommanivong’s heart.

This short film is more than just a creative endeavour; it's a story that resonates with our director on a personal and emotional level. It tackles important themes that are often overlooked and experienced by many, especially the youth, and we want viewers to connect with the characters, emotions, and themes entwined into the narrative. By infusing relatable elements and human experiences into the story, our aim is to induce a strong sense of empathy and connection among those who watch it and that our film becomes a mirror through which viewers can see a reflection of their own lives, challenges, and aspirations, cultivating a deeper understanding and a shared emotional journey.

ABOUT THE FILM

This story revolves around Dylan, a young teenager who is in way over his head. This film talks about the struggles of teenage romance and the intricacies that come with expressing feelings toward one another. It's a topic that we are committed to shedding light on through the power of cinema. This is not just a passion project; it's our goal to foster empathy and contribute to a more compassionate society.

SYNOPSIS

A nervous 19-year-old boy named Dylan decides to reconnect with his high-school crush Grace. When they go out for dinner they reminisce on the time when they first met. However, it becomes difficult for Dylan as he recalls the frustration of never asking her out. He goes down memory lane where he would seek questionable advice from his closest friends. It isn’t until Dylan looks back on an unpleasant memory at a party where he sees Grace flirting with another guy, causing him to exit the dinner abruptly. When Grace chases after Dylan, they finally confront one another about their true feelings. The climax is undermined by the fact that it’s all just happening in his head. Grace eventually snaps Dylan back to reality, which in turn leaves him with uncertainty and fear, thinking should he ask her or not?

ABOUT THE WRITER / DIRECTORS

DARREN KHOMMANIVONG is an emerging filmmaker born and raised in Canada. As a child from an immigrant family, the challenges faced in pursuing a career in film have driven him to strive harder in putting his vision on screen.

Through this, along with his Laotian background, he is fulfilling his dream to create films that immerse viewers in the more melancholy side of life, leading him to take up the Film Production program at Toronto Film School, where he has gotten the highest privilege of being chosen to direct a thesis film. Months later, to move further in his career, he has decided to create a new film that possesses a deep connection, with not only himself but countless others.

DEMEVIE, a passionate individual on an exciting journey through the world of film and theatre. Born and raised in the Philippines, a place that has shaped her cultural perspective and has become a source of inspiration for her creative endeavours.

Currently, she is a devoted student at the Toronto Film School, pursuing her dreams as an actress through the Acting for Film, Television, and Theatre program. Alongside that, she is making her debut as a filmmaker by collaborating with fellow aspiring filmmakers and actors, building up to a fulfilling career as an actress and director, hoping to make a meaningful impact through the art of storytelling and fueling her passion for the arts.

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED

Your contribution to this project will be pivotal in bringing this short film to life. Every dollar raised will be allocated with utmost care and transparency to ensure the highest quality production and storytelling. Here's how your support will be used:

1. Pre-production Expenses

This includes script development, storyboarding, location scouting, and pre-shoot logistics. These early stages are vital for building a strong foundation for the project.

2. Production Costs

The bulk of the funds will be used during the actual filming process. This covers expenses such as equipment rental, set design, costumes, and other essential elements to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

3. Post-Production

After filming, your contributions will be used for video editing, sound design, colour correction, and visual effects to ensure the final product is polished and captivating.

4. Festival Submissions

To maximize the reach and impact of our film, we plan to submit it to film festivals, which require entry fees and promotional materials. Your support will help us get our film to a global audience.

5. Contingency Fund

Filmmaking can often come with unforeseen challenges. A portion of the funds will be set aside to address unexpected expenses and ensure the project's successful completion.

FINAL STATEMENT

Your support means the world to us and is a critical part of turning this vision into a reality. Your investment in this project will not only enable the creation of a great short film. Together, we can make a difference through the art of storytelling. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

No giveaways, no raf-fles, sweepstakes, or promotions are offered in exchange for your donation.

As a thank you for your contribution, you will receive an honorary credit for the film.

We hope to bring our film to festivals with the potential of making it into a feature film one day. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries.

THE CAST:

Denanh Tran as DYLAN MATERN

Mikyla Warner as GRACE BEATTIE

Jackson Bulthuis as NOAH PALAGINO

Jessica Sorgen as EMMA CORWIN

Raidyn Brodhagen as BRYSON AXENTI

THE TEAM:

Writer & Director: Darren Khommanivong

Co-Director: Demevie

Producer: Christian Bejarano

Co-Producer: Brianna Morrisey

Director Of Photography: Nicolas Marneris

Production Design: Shaminie Suntharam

& Many More.