Help Create Symbiosis: A Film by Erik Thiesen

What happened in room 303...

Hello and welcome to the world of Symbiosis, a short film written and directed by Erik Thiesen and developed by students from the University of Rhode Island, premiering in May 2025. We have a lot of work ahead of us and need your help to make this story come to life!

A Message from Our Director:

“In the spring of my third year as a university student, I began reflecting on my personal experiences and perspectives on the concept of relationships and the human condition, particularly within the concept of codependency. As a romantic at heart who tends to look at the world from that lens, it is impossible to ignore just how easily we as a people are capable of turning something that is supposed to be beautiful into something parasitic and toxic. Upon digging into my roots as a lover of classic sci-fi thrillers from the past, I was met with this idea of a symbiotic (a mutually beneficial bonding between living organisms) creature and how it can help accentuate these aforementioned ideas.

I could not be more grateful to have the opportunity to bring this story to life with so many people who are near and dear to my heart. There is a lot of work to be done between now and the finish line, but I welcome it fondly with open arms.”

Synopsis:

When Annie, a young ecology student, finds a mysterious and inexplicable organism, it becomes the new focus of her life. In doing so, she pushes away her relationship with Lionel, a boy who would do anything to be with her. After the organism escapes, Annie and Lionel will have to set aside their differences and find it before the unknown creature takes a more literal hold on their lives.

Meet Our Talented Cast & Crew:

Izzy Tiska as “Annie”

Gavin Drew as “Lionel”

Christian Owen as “David”

Lilliana Barresi as “Sara”

Director: Erik Thiesen

Writer: Erik Thiesen

Producer: Garrett Calusdian

Assistant Director: Garrett Calusdian

Script Supervisor: Lainey Sumner

Director of Photography: Rex Wichert

1st Assistant Camera: Madison Lawing

2nd Assistant Camera: Brooklynne Costa

Gaffer: Isaac Parker

Key Grip: Robert Vets

Best Electric: Cristobal Bustos

Grip: Owen Tierney

Sound Mixer: Luke Rotella

Sound Assistant: Justin Peters

Set Decorator: Anna Blaney

Key Makeup Artist: EJ Caraveo

Editor: Erik Thiesen

Social Media Manager: Owen Tierney

Behind-the-Scenes: Cadia Greene

How You Can Help:

Donations to this film are greatly appreciated to help us put together all of the necessary pieces of this puzzle. If you can’t donate, there are many other ways to help out, including following our Instagram account @symbiosis.shortfilm and sharing our status updates with your friends and families!

Thank you very much for helping us get this project along and for being a part of this journey with us. I look forward to all that comes next!

Graciously,

Erik Thiesen