"The Troglodyte" - Independent Feature Film

Watch the concept trailer here

We’re two independent student filmmakers raising funds for our next feature film, The Troglodyte, a historical fantasy about ambition, redemption, and a mysterious force hidden in the wilderness. After self-funding our first feature, we’re ready to take the next step in our filmmaking journey, but we need your help to bring this story to life. What started as a simple high school project with the boys has evolved into a passion project on a much larger scale.

SYNOPSIS

In a small colonial town riddled with plague and superstition, Henry, a young scholar chasing fame and discovery, is met with only disappointment. When a mythical being tied to his past reemerges from the wilderness, he becomes entangled in a dangerous struggle between cults, faith, ambition, and something more ancient than the earth itself.

GENRE

"The Troglodyte" is a historical fantasy film set in the 1700s. It follows an ancient mystery while often colliding with familiar faces and events from American history. It is a heartwarming, suspenseful, mythic, action-packed, and gritty epic. Think the conflict of "E.T." meets the adventurous world of "Pirates of the Caribbean."

THE WORLD

Imagine a coastal colonial settlement wrestling with a deadly sickness in the wake of the American Revolution. The village is on edge. Rumors circulate about cults and witchcraft. Whispers about powerful inventors and failed scientists echo among the elite. Behind all of this lies a force of nature, wielding immense power that, in the right hands, could save the town or bring about destruction.

PRODUCTION PLAN

We are deeply passionate about this story and committed to bringing its world to life in a way that feels authentic and immersive. To achieve this, we will film on location throughout the beautiful landscapes of Cape May County, using its bays, marshes, and leaning into its historic environments to capture the atmosphere of colonial America without relying heavily on digital effects.

To portray the vast and dangerous wilderness beyond the town, we also hope to travel to the cliffs, caves, and waterfalls of Kentucky, whose dramatic landscapes will help create a world that feels both hostile and enchanting.

This will be our first film utilizing our new collection of professional cinema equipment. Audiences can expect high-quality audio, sharp cinematic imagery, detailed production design, and grounded practical effects that help bring the story’s mythic elements to life.

THE TEAM

"The Troglodyte" will be brought to life by an award-winning crew of dedicated filmmakers. The project will be led and co-directed by the Wenker brothers, twins who previously collaborated on their independent feature film "Bloodlust". Noah Wenker will write and produce the film, drawing on his education as a film major at Asbury University and years of experience creating independent films. Nathaniel Wenker serves as Director of Photography and editor, bringing a strong visual approach and extensive hands-on experience with professional cinema equipment through his videography work.

The rest of the team is made up of experienced local filmmakers, actors, and collaborators who have worked together on numerous projects. Their shared passion for storytelling and problem-solving allows ambitious ideas to become reality on screen.

Nate & Noah's portfolio can be found by clicking here

WHY SUPPORT US?

Independent films are incredibly important in today’s world. As much of the entertainment industry becomes dominated by massive franchises and algorithm-driven content, independent filmmaking offers something different: stories driven by passion, creativity, and personal vision. The Troglodyte aims to capture that spirit through grounded storytelling, mythic adventure, and meaningful themes. Every part of the film will be crafted by real artists and collaborators, because we believe audiences still value stories made with genuine care.

But to bring this vision to life, we need your support. Our last feature film was fully self-funded to prove that we could make a film on our own. With "The Troglodyte," we want to raise the level of detail and production quality to fully realize the world of the story. Achieving that requires travel, detailed production design, and proper support for our cast and crew. We’re continuing to invest heavily out of our own pockets, but your support will help us take this film to the level it deserves. Every contribution goes directly into the making of the film, and all supporters will receive a special thanks in the credits when the film is completed. no sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made as per GoFundMe policy.

Your support helps fund:

- Period sets, costumes, and props ($2000)

- Filming locations, permits, & insurance ($1000)

- Travel expenses ($1000)

- Equipment and gear ($1500)

- Practical and visual effects elements ($200)

- Cast and crew support ($500)

We are currently wrapping up pre-production and preparing for production, and early funding is crucial to securing locations, building sets, and locking in our cast and crew. The sooner we reach our goal, the sooner we can begin bringing this film to life. If this is a film you would like to see, we’d truly appreciate your support. Whether it’s donating, sharing this campaign, or checking out our merch, every bit helps us move one step closer to making The Troglodyte a reality.

Thank you!

~Nate and Noah Wenker & Sliced Bread Studios team