Cocoon - A Short Film

Hello! My name is Maximum Blue and I am a 24-year-old filmmaker based in Montreal. I recently completed my BFA in Film Production at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Concordia University. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to complete my thesis short film in school, so I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands! This January 3–5, I’ll be creating this short film, Cocoon, with some of my closest friends and favourite collaborators.

But, of course, making a film costs money—whether it’s renting gear, covering transport, buying costumes, or keeping everyone fed. That’s where I need your help! Any amount, big or small, would make a huge difference and help bring this project to life just the way we’ve envisioned it. I’m endlessly grateful for any support you can offer!

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

A cinematic, slice-of-life, honest telling of the tribulations of trying to get one’s shit together in your mid-20s: a quarter-life crisis so to speak.

Jobless and heartbroken, Eli has spent the past month in a cocoon of isolation. Distant friendships, estranged family, and messy heartbreak mark this uncertain chapter of his life.

The film will follow a day in the life of Eli as he emerges from his self-created hibernation and attempts to reengage with the relationships (social, familial, romantic) that he has been avoiding.

It’s a coming-of-age dramedy, set against the backdrop of Montreal’s winter. We aim to capture the spirit, aesthetics, and people of this lively city in a way that feels authentic.

Thank you so much for reading this, and if you’re able to support the project (even by sharing this with others), I’d be so grateful! Let’s make this film happen together. ❤️

ABOUT THE TEAM:

Maximum Blue - Writer/Director

Maximum Blue is a Toronto-born, Montreal-based director and filmmaker whose work explores themes of human relationships, memory, and change through diverse genres and mediums. He has made short films, music videos, and documentaries He has showcased his films at festivals like TIFF Jump Cuts.

Atlin Hofer - Lead Actor

The project is a close collaboration between myself and one of my closest friends (and actors) Atlin Hofer. Atlin graduated with a BFA in Acting from Toronto Metropolitan University, and has performed in multiple plays and short films. He is about to leave Canada and move to England, so this projects acts as a final sendoff, commemorating our friendship and artistic collaborations!

Chelsea Harada - Producer

Chelsea is a Montreal-based producer, and one of the co-founders of Hydrangea Films, a non-profit aiming to produce short films directed by underrepresented filmmakers. She graduated from Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, and has so far produced more than 15 projects.

Spencer Wither - Cinematographer

Spencer is a filmmaker/cinematographer from Toronto, Canada currently studying at Toronto Metropolitan University. Growing up in dance and theatre, she has always been inspired by storytelling. As a cinematographer, she is drawn to spontaneity and natural light in both documentary and narrative filmmaking.