Support Appalachian Art - "Blame Island" Film

A tight-knit college friend group struggles as Kai and Kora turn their platonic relationship flirtatious. The rest of the group has their own opinions on this. After prying about their date, Kai's overly sarcastic personality gets him in trouble. Will they all be able to mend their relationship, or has Kai's sarcastic personality shunned him from his friends?

This quintessential college experience is coming to life.

UPDATE Jan 22: Blame Island has wrapped its first set weekend - a smashing success, including some of the most ambitious shots done in a student film. We have built the basis for a portfolio/film festival powerhouse. With one last set weekend and the ever-daunting film festival submission process, we will still accept gifts until May 2025. Every gift will better this project and its chance of success.

DIRECTOR: Hey! I'm Maxwell Burton, the Writer & Director of Blame Island. This film means a lot to me and, with your help, could impact the lives of many with its story. Relationships are difficult, and the young, overly confident brains of college students don't make relationships any easier. Blame Island addresses the complexity of relationships, asks philosophical questions, and is a tribute to Athens.

ATHENS: No, not Athens, Greece, but the equally as influential Athens, Ohio. Sitting in the heart of Appalachia, it has been the hub of extreme intellectual and emotional growth for my partner, Henry Pausch, and me. Our talented crew has spent these last years with us in Athens and understands the importance of place in this film.

CREW: It will be no small feat to make this project come to life, but you can entrust this talented crew to get it done. This is not my first time working with these creatives. These are some of the most hardworking and passionate filmmakers I know.

My Partner, Henry Pausch, and I have been working on creative projects together for the better half of 8 years. Theater, band, choir, podcasts, films, photo sessions, stories, you name it, we have done it. His skill set as an editor is refined every day because of his unwavering passion for the art. This film will not be possible without his expertise.

With a turnaround time of only 2 weeks, my Director of Photography, Eliana D'Astici, and I were able to shot-list, schedule, and shoot a short film titled Stand With(Out).

My Assistant Director and I created the winning film for a 48-hour film competition. We wrote, shot, cut, colored, and sound-designed the film all in 48 hours. Oh, and in that time... just for funsies, we made an 'acidic and rhythmic' music video and rap.

WE HAVE A CAST! This talented crew of people has committed to acting/public speaking as a career and are committed to bringing these characters to life.

Kai: Alex Imwalle

Kora: Sophie Trefz

Peyton: Gabe Marusic

Alex: James Walkowski

Just wait until you hear about the rest of the crew...

We look forward to sharing this project with you in the coming year. Your support means a lot.