Welcome!

I’m Brina Ilardo, a senior film student at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I’m the producer, director, and writer of a thesis film with my assistant producer, Kolby Lynch, and assistant director, Hannah Rose Solis.

Synopsis:

After a tragic car accident, a woman named Marie is left to battle with amnesia. She wakes in a world where most feels familiar, yet nothing is quite right. As she gathers her past piece by piece, she faces struggles of trust, moments that don’t align, secrets written in silence, and a truth that grows more dangerous the closer she gets to it.

The Last Piece is a short psychological thriller that explores memory, betrayal, and the uncertain line between reality and illusion. Marie’s amnesia becomes both her prison and key, trapping her in this perception of reality while slowly unlocking a past she may wish she’d never uncovered. The story unfolds like a puzzle, shifting the audience’s perspective, drawing them deeper into Marie’s broken world.

Why This Project Matters:

As not just a thesis film, but a stepping stone in the careers of my crew and me as filmmakers. This project will be submitted to festivals and showcased at the FDU Senior Thesis Screening in May 2026.

To show our gratitude, the end credits will feature a “Special Thank You," honoring every donor whose support made this film possible.

Where Funds Go:

Casting - to give those talented actors a fair pay

Production Design - sets, props, and costumes

Transportation - travel to locations for crew, actors, and equipment

Food - must keep the talent fueled and happy

How You Can Help:

Donations of any amount! Every dollar counts!

Share this campaign with family, friends, colleagues, your neighbor’s dog, anybody!

Follow the adventure on @thelastpuzzle_film for behind-the-scenes and any updates!

Thank you:

Your support means the world to the crew and I. With your help, The Last Piece can turn from an idea to a reality on the big screen. I appreciate every single one of you for taking the time to help us take this huge step towards our future careers.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller