Help us make a short film!

Hi, my name is Molly and I’m the Writer/Director of Kenopsia.

Everyone experiences liminality at some point in their lives, but what exactly is liminality? Liminal space refers to the state of being in between; the uncertain transition between where you’ve been and where you’re going. Liminal experiences can look like changing jobs, moving out of home, graduation, even living through a pandemic. Liminal space also refers to the online aesthetic, which you’re probably more familiar with. This aesthetic draws on depictions of physical liminal spaces - abandoned, empty places that often appear surreal. We want to utilise the visual aesthetics of liminal space to explore the psychological implications of liminality.

These liminal stages in our lives can be incredibly challenging to navigate. Facing the unknown can be scary and disorienting, but it’s also a place full of potential. The possibilities ahead of you are endless, and there is so much more to experience. Through Kenopsia we want to encourage viewers to self-reflect and understand that it’s okay to just exist in this liminal state instead of trying to fight it. Kenopsia invites viewers to embrace the unknown, and find solace in the transformative nature of liminality.

Our protagonist Alex, a young woman on the precipice of an uncertain career change into the arts, finds herself navigating through an unusual, transformative space that reflects her inner struggles with this change. Through Alex's journey of transition we aim to uncover what kind of self exists in this space between selves.

Our goal is to show the importance of resilience in the face of uncertainty and the significance of confronting one's fears and insecurities, but on the personal side: this story is particularly relevant to us, some of us are embarking on a career change. With your donations we can step this up from a student film to something we can be proud of as filmmakers, nurturing our beloved creative community directly and indirectly.

As a group of film students approaching graduation and preparing for a period of significant change, Kenopsia is a representation of our lived experience, and of many graduates before us.

Developing films/art is a state of creative being and we devised Kenopsia as a platform to explore this experience of change through the medium of film.

Our crew is experienced in short film productions, all part-time mature age students nearing graduation. This capstone film project is a culmination of 3-4 years of developing our filmmaking skills and dedication to our craft at SAE Creative Media Institute in Perth.

Molly Magee (Writer/Director), Cade Nieves (Producer) alumni, Jarrod Hayden (Assistant Producer/Editor), Jj Dillon (Director of Photography), Jacqueline Cockerell (Head of Production Design), Melissa Devlin (Gaffer) and Juliana Menero (Sound Design)

So, what’s the story?

Genre: Psychological drama

Alex, fresh out of art school and stuck in a corporate gig, is feeling totally uninspired and burnt out. She's at a crossroads, wondering if she should just throw in the towel on her art altogether. But then, something strange happens. An eccentric art friend convinces her to buy some new paints. So, begrudgingly, Alex picks up the brush again. But the moment she starts painting, Alex is suddenly in a surreal world. In this uncanny realm, Alex has to learn a few things about herself…but we don’t want to give it all away yet.

How will we do this? (the bite sized version)

To make a film about an artist, you have to make art - thankfully the wonderful Jacquie, our Production Designer is one of the hardest working people we know. This film is a collaborative investment of our minds, bodies and kickass capabilities, and we really want to showcase what we’ve learned these last 4 years.

It’s more than just our time and energy though. We are using our network and the amazing art and film communities of Perth to link us to great shooting locations and legendary people. We want to highlight the supportive function of film for filmmakers and audiences, and having a budget allows us to nurture the love and support of these wonderful people who already invest so much of their time and money to make the world better, empowering all of us to self-reflect.

How can you help?

Support local!! Support creatives!! Your contribution will help us bring our passion project to life.

We are well into pre-production, and with your support we are hoping to reach our goal of $5k to help bring our vision to reality. Through your generosity, we would fund set design/props/costumes, locations, our wonderful cast, catering, marketing and branding and entry into film and art festivals.

At $2000 - We can pay our actors and cover their costs, to thank them for their work!

At $3000 - We can feed the crew, ensuring everyone can work to their best and buy a few canvases and paint supplies!

At $4000 - We can afford a set design kitty for our amazing Prod Designer, Jacquie!

At $5000 - Location, location, location! We can pay for places to film at and set dress them to look like the film we’re aspiring for

What about more than $5000? We can do all of the above and more! Our production can reach its highest potential and possibilities to bring this story on screen in a more effective way. Allowing for greater locations, set design, lighting equipment, costumes, high quality colour/sound grading and building an audience through marketing and distribution. We dream of booking out a sweet space to premiere our film in for an authentic liminal space experience.

If we do not reach our entire goal, funds will still go towards paying our actors, locations and production design.

Note: Our filming equipment will be supplied by our SAE Campus in Perth alongside specialised equipment we’ve personally invested in to pull off the look we want for Kenopsia.

What will you get out of this?

You are already helping to grow the community behind Kenopsia, helping us get it out to a wider audience.

You will have the knowledge that you have helped to develop a thought-provoking film that will help early WA filmmakers build our industry connections, showcasing our skills and attracting attention to our future projects.

Special thanks - Supporters will receive special thanks in the film credits.

Online live screening - Any donation over $50 can join our live screening of the film, estimated in October 2024.

Behind the scenes featurette - Any donation over $200 will receive access to behind the scenes looks at the making of the film.

Sponsors - For larger investments over $500, see your name or company logo on the big screen! Sponsor credits, alongside invitations to test audience screenings or our film premiere in Perth, Western Australia (excluding flights and accommodation).

If you’ve gotten all the way down here, thank you! Here are some other ways you can help…

Help us with our daily positive affirmations to the algorithm! Share our campaign on social media, we’d greatly appreciate any support through the grapevine of your family and friends!

For updates on the production, find us on Instagram @ kenopsiashortfilm - follow us through the behind the scenes making of Kenopsia, learn more about us as a team of emerging filmmakers and know when it gets released!

From all of us at Kenopsia, thank you for your consideration and contribution. Here’s to the beauty of the liminal space!