Hello!

My name is Toni Leigh Hampton. I’m a single mother and a junior at Wright State University, majoring in Motion Picture Production. For my Junior Thesis Film Project, I wrote and am directing a psychological horror short titled The People in the Paintings.

This story is deeply personal to me. It explores anticipatory grief, mourning something that hasn’t happened to you yet, but feels inevitable.

When I was a child, my great‑grandmother’s dementia was something I couldn’t understand. Her episodes frightened me because I had no framework for what was happening. As an adult, I understand more, but with that understanding comes with a quiet fear about what my own future might hold.

In the film, my protagonist endures a terrifying night of psychosis driven by her fear of inheriting dementia.

The funds raised will go directly toward equipment rentals, catering and crafty, festival submission fees, props, set dressing, costumes, and all the essential pieces that bring a film to life. Every contribution, no matter the size, moves us one step closer to bringing this vision to life.

As a thank you, if you include your name with your donation (or DM me if you want to donate anonymously), we will list you in the end credits!

Thank you for supporting students, independent artists, and future filmmakers!

-Toni