“What does it mean to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?”

To preface this film, I wanted to talk about my why. Why am I making this? Why does it matter?

On January 6, 2024, I was walking home from my subway stop when I started hearing loud popping noises. At first, I thought it was the sound of a car engine backfiring. But then more sounds came — uneven and sporadic, like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Except this was mid-afternoon on an early January day. I looked around to see what was happening and saw an older woman and a few other people running on the other side of the street. That was when the reality of it settled in.

I had no idea if someone was open firing on the street or where exactly the sounds were coming from, but I knew I had to get out of there. My thoughts were racing: What would my mom do if I didn’t make it? Should I hide under the belly of parked cars? Do I make a run for it? If I can just make it around that street corner, maybe I’ll be okay. Then my instincts kicked in — I knew I had to keep moving.

In the days and weeks that followed, I experienced severe panic attacks and constantly woke up from nightmares, reliving that day. My body was in survival mode, always preparing for the worst. That moment altered my perception of safety. I still jump at sudden loud noises, wary of walking out in public. I no longer feel safe walking alone.

Unfortunately, I am not the only one who has had this experience, and it’s more common than many would like to admit. A walk home on a sunny afternoon. A Super Bowl celebration. A Sunday at the Texas State Fair. A normal day, going to school.

What does it mean to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when you're exactly where you’re supposed to be, and your sense of safety is taken away from you?

My goal with this project is to create a space for meaningful conversations about gun violence and its impact on survivors. We often hear about these tragedies happening so commonly, yet there's little focus on what survivors endure in the aftermath. The piece draws from my own experiences as well as the journals and words of other survivors, including those from Sandy Hook, Parkland, and the Kansas City Super Bowl Parade.

Why Dance?

Movement can express emotions in spaces where words can’t. There is a rawness and authenticity in dance that imitates human movement. Unfiltered, leaning into the imperfections. Body language and expression that feels so familiar yet so new at the same time.

There was no doubt in my mind that this needed to be presented in this form. To feel something without necessarily relying on words and dialogue to make sense of it all. To understand and make sense of the thoughts running through my mind and take something that is so personal, so internal and, to an extent, intangible and to create something that can be seen and felt visually. To create a space where conversations regarding this topic can be had, utilizing a format that is more approachable than solely dialogue on its own. To dive deeper into the varied experiences and the impacts and repercussions of it all.

Where Are The Costs Going To?

All funds raised will help go into the basic costs of production including the following:

Shoot Space Rental: $2500

Rehearsal Spaces for Dancers: $750

Camera Gear & Lighting Rentals: $2000

Production Design Builds: $2000

Transportation of Equipment: $500

Insurance: $350

Meals for Crew on Set: $500

Post Production: $1500

Why Crowdfund?

In the past, I'd typically just try and make a passion project on my own dime and ask for a bunch of favors to cut costs. But, I feel that in order to do justice for this story, I have to do it right.

I believe this film has something powerful to say, and I want to tell it with as few compromises as possible. The funds raised will go directly towards making this film better than it could ever be if I were to rely solely on my own resources.

I am not receiving any payment from this budget at all. Every dollar will be used to support the talented cast and crew, allow us to rent industry-standard production equipment, secure our main shooting location, and acquire rehearsal spaces for our dancers. It will also cover essentials such as food for the team during production and transportation, including renting a U-Haul to move gear across the streets of New York.

To learn more about the film, our treatment deck is available here .

The Team

Director + Producer: AnnAnn Puttithanasorn

Assistant Director: Dan Silver

Producers: Xenia Fong, Ginny Huang, Sam Katz, Dan Silver, Sami Foulk

Choreographer: Kanon Sugino

Director of Photography: Tom Ford

Production Designer: Luke Polihrom

Stylist: Lexi Mischnick

Music: Paul Gaeta

Editor: Brandon Garcia

Please join us in bringing this project to life. If you're unable to support financially, please share with as many people as you can — it helps a ton. I can't wait to see what we create alongside each one of you.

With deep gratitude,

AnnAnn