Sandcastles: A Short Documentary
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Reflecting on true events, Sandcastles is a love letter disguised as a film. It celebrates a home and a family that have been together for over four generations on the ever-changing land of Cape Cod.
Overview
This short documentary explores a house filled with memories, but ultimately, it’s about much more: the nostalgia of growing up with a second home, how places shape who we are, and the creeping damage of climate change. It reflects how our houses and the memories they hold may one day be washed away.
Director's Note
Sandcastles is about a house on Cape Cod that has been with my family for four generations. I’ve traveled there every year of my childhood until I was about 18, and then time slipped away, leaving the house somewhat abandoned, waiting for us to return. I always knew I wanted to film something there, and when archives of the house dating back to the 1950s were discovered and shared last year, I knew this was the time to do it. Although this home was a big factor in my upbringing, there is still so much about its history that I am eager to learn about through this film.
Why This Story Matters
For decades, Cape Cod’s shores have faced relentless erosion, with beaches losing 3-5 feet per year and sometimes as much as 30 feet in a single storm. Historic homes that have stood for centuries are disappearing, and with them, generations of cherished memories. Sandcastles is a deeply personal reflection on this change, growing older, and moving forward.
While this documentary primarily focuses on Cape Cod, climate change and natural disasters affect homes and land all over the world. Our ability to place meanings in our ideas of home makes this film so special.
In the News / Resources
Commonwealth Beacon - ‘FEMA Quietly Removes Erosion Hazard Tool’
7 News Boston - ‘Cape Cod Home Suspended on Stilts’
Funding
We are seeking $10,000 to make this film and bring the story to life. Funds will go towards production, post-production, and distribution.
Every contribution brings us closer to sharing this story with communities where it can truly make an impact.
Donations
$100+
Special Thanks in credit
$200+
Ticket to a screening event
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content packet
Special Thanks in credit
$500+
Early access to the film
Ticket to a screening event
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content packet
Special Thanks in credit
$1000+
Associate Producer credit
Early access to the film
Ticket to a screening event
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content packet
$2000+
Executive Producer credit
VIP ticket to a screening event
Early access to the film
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content packet
All donors will be listed in the film credits.
Film Festivals
Sandcastles is not just a personal reflection, but a cinematic ode for those who can resonate with feeling a sentimental pull from the places that shaped them. Once completed, we plan to share this film with audiences around the world through festivals where stories like this can spark reflection, emotion, and conversation.
Aesthetic
Through a mixed-media approach of live footage and archival material from the 1950s to the early 2000s, Sandcastles forces us to face the reality of change. As rising tides and erosion reshape Cape Cod’s coastline, the grainy look of the film becomes a quiet reflection on the fragility of memory, the inevitability of environmental change, and the deep emotional connections that we carry throughout our lifetime.
Crew and Collaborators
Laura Hoffheimer (Director / Producer) is a writer and filmmaker from New Hampshire who is passionate about telling stories of human connection. Coming from a creative screenwriting background, she is excited to step into the documentary field and learn more about the history of her family's home.
Madeline Kennedy (Producer / Cinematographer) is a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer who grew up between Grand Bahama Island and North Carolina, giving her a deep personal connection to the theme of second homes. Her work centers on environmental storytelling, and she’s excited to be part of a project that highlights the growing impacts of climate change on coastal communities.
Jessica Hinojosa (Producer) is a documentary filmmaker whose work focuses on telling heartfelt stories of individuals and families. With a passion for storytelling, Jessica is committed to capturing moments that transcend time, weaving together the past, present, and future in a way that deeply resonates with audiences. She looks forward to capturing a story about the preservation of memories.
Partners
Love and Legacy Films is deeply committed to preserving the stories that shape families and communities. Sandcastles is a project that resonates with us on a personal level. It’s a beautiful reflection on the passage of time and the places that define us. Laura’s vision for this documentary aligns with our passion for capturing stories that explore the intersection of family, memory, and the enduring connections that bind us across generations. We’re excited to bring this project to life because it celebrates a family’s legacy and highlights the urgency of preserving our history for future generations in the face of environmental change.
Thank you!
All support of any kind is greatly appreciated, and if you have any questions or comments, please reach out!
Organizer
Laura Hoffheimer
Organizer
Truro, MA