Back Branches (Short Film)

Hello! We are students at SAE University College entrusted with producing a short film written by our director! Inspired by works like I Saw the TV Glow (Schoenbrun, 2024) and Nosferatsu (Eggers, 2024), Back Branches is a short about desire, and how it can force you to confront your own personhood and self-image. After all, what proves that you exist more than finding someone else alluring?

WHAT IS THE STORY ABOUT?

Our story begins in the dreams of our protagonist, ELIO. A young and abrasive man with an avoidant personality. There he finds his home being invaded by a strange, off-putting CREATURE, whose true nature is of little concern to ELIO. This is his home, his mind, his dream. Why share it with a strange beast?

This starts to change when ELIO meets a customer at his workplace who, in some ways, is reminiscent of the CREATURE of his dreams. This man, TYREN, doesn't have a full set of canine teeth, but his canine’s are quite sharp. While his skin isn’t all cracked like dried soil, he shares the same complexion, and his eyes are quite pretty, sharing the same colour as this CREATURE. The CREATURE doesn’t have sclera though. It’s skinnier than TYREN though, and has branches and stalagmites protruding from its back. What exactly is the connection of these two, and why does ELIO avoid them while ensuring he remains close?

Our director, Nile Haddad, has a passion for film and storytelling in general. Interested in stories that observe and analyse how our material world affects our psychological perceptions of ourselves and our relationships to others. After having major responsibilities in previous works and assessments, Nile is enthusiastic to take a step up and let loose with his creative vision!

MEET THE CREATURE

It seems like this little creature has Elio avoiding his sleep. What exactly does it look like? What does it want? Why is it drawn to Elio? And why does it stay in Elio's mind?

(Full size photos in photo reel at bottom of the fundraiser)

MEET THE CREW

Director & Writer: Nile Haddad

Producer: Brittney McKissock

1st AD: Byron Lovell

DOP: Louis-Sebastien Danoy

1st AC: Grace James

Production Designer: Amy Russell

Gaffer & Grip: Ashlyn Cumming

Our crew is made up entirely of new talent with a passion for film, eager to put our best foot forward and create an unforgettable experience for our viewers. Our pre-production has already begun, and we are aiming to shoot in the middle of March! Post-production is expected to finish late April, with the finishing touches and distribution being done early May.

Pledgers and patrons can be expected to have exclusive access to Behind the Scenes material, including updates to the design of our little CREATURE. We are also offering certain props as rewards to individuals or groups who pledge more than what is expected!

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?

The money made here will be supporting all areas of the film, but particularly:

Production Design, Catering for our entire crew and cast over the 4 day shooting block, Locations, Special Equipment specific for production design, sound, camera and lighting departments and post production

Thank you so much for reading, we look forward to working on and delivering a wonderful piece of film with the world!