Canyonlands Short Film: Inspired by a true story

Mission Statement

At its core, Canyonlands is a raw exploration of love and relationships—how they evolve and how they’re tested. Set against the backdrop of the Utah desert, it captures how even in moments of loss and uncertainty, we find ways to rebuild. Often in the most unexpected ways.

The Story

Canyonlands follows a married couple who decide to leave civilization and build their life on the road, embracing the freedom and unpredictability of van life. While deep in remote southern Utah, their van is broken into and a sense of security is shattered. What was once an endless adventure suddenly feels isolating and dangerous.

Stripped of their belongings and faced with an uncertain path forward, they must confront not only the harsh reality of their situation but also the cracks in their relationship. Canyonlands is a story about resilience, love, and what it truly means to call someone home.

The inspiration for this short film came from a true story...

Aubri & Mel embraced the freedom of van life and were robbed while camping in southern Utah. What stuck out was the way their relationship evolved through this experience. Their adventure became a confrontation with vulnerability, and loss, but ultimately found the resilience to stay together. It was a powerful reminder of how unpredictable life can be and how we respond to the unexpected challenges that come our way. Their raw emotional journey inspired the creation of this story that reflects not just the event itself, but the profound transformation that comes with facing impactful moments during relationships.

(Picture: Aubri Wiscombe & Melinda Kenagy at Grand Canyon, CO)

VISUAL APPROACH

We aim to capture the untamed beauty of the Utah desert through a raw, naturalistic style that invites the audience into the world of the characters. Using intimate handheld shots, we’ll emphasize the vulnerability of the characters’ experiences, while the vast landscapes will highlight the isolation of the wilderness. This contrast between expansive open spaces and tight interiors of the van will serve as a visual metaphor for the emotional journey the characters undergo in their relationship—moving from a sense of freedom to confrontation with loss.

Inspired by indie films like Nomadland and Thelma & Louise, we want the cinematography to feel immersive and organic. The camera will act as a silent observer and reflecting the intimacy of their story while also showcasing the overwhelming nature of the world around them.

Ultimately, we want to create a visual experience that feels personal and deeply human, one that invites the viewer to live in the moment with the characters and experiencing the emotional weight of their journey.

This story will resonate with audiences because of what it explores. The experience of being robbed while living their dream of van life reveals how quickly freedom can turn into turn into tests of trust and survival. This narrative is one that speaks to the universal human experience while also shining a light on the unique challenges faced by queer individuals, making it a story that needs to be shared now more than ever.

Love & Loss – The film examines how relationships are tested when faced with sudden loss, exploring whether love is enough to hold people together or if some fractures can’t be repaired.

Resilience – When security is stripped away, survival is both physical and emotional. This story highlights the strength it takes to keep moving forward after an unexpected setback.

Identity – In moments of crisis, we often discover who we really are. This film asks what happens when the life you’ve built is upended and forces you to redefine yourself.

"The idea for this short film came from an hearing the story about my two close friends living van life and unexpectedly becoming victims of a theft while in southern Utah. Witnessing their journey and how they dealt with the situation left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to explore the themes of trust, vulnerability, and resilience in a more intimate, cinematic way.

Through this film, I aim to capture not just the event, but the emotional depth behind it. Exploring the bond between the two characters, and the shift in their relationship as they are forced to deal with this unexpected violation of their space and sense of security. I believe this story is universal in its resilience of hardships during relationships and I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever faced a challenge that forced them to look within.

Stylistically, I aim to create a raw, grounded atmosphere that places the audience right alongside the characters. I want viewers to feel the isolation and the tension of being out in the wilderness, but also the quiet intimate moments of reflection and growth that follow."

-Ebrahim Ghaeini

Bringing Canyonlands to life requires a dedicated team, the right resources, and a commitment to telling this story with authenticity. Your support will help us cover essential costs, from production expenses to post-production and festival submissions. Every contribution directly impacts the film, ensuring we can create something truly special and bring this story to audiences in the best possible way!

Funding Breakdown:

Pre Production - $800

Lodging - $2000

Catering - $1500

Equipment - $1500

Art Dept - $1500

Day Rates - $7500

Travel Expenses - $1000

Post Production - $3000

Festivals - $1200