Support ELEA - A Chapman University Thesis Film

“my dreams are not full of flowers. Instead, they dwell on the oldest of things… fire, rock, and death, and things even older still.”

Welcome to our fundraising page for the Chapman University senior thesis film, ELEA.

ELEA is, at its core, a tribute to mothers and their sacrifices for their children; it is a fantasy retelling of the Greek tragedy of Hades and Persephone, influenced by the story of Princess Diana.

We are a team of Chapman University Students!

MEET THE KEY CREW!

Director - Dylan Flores

Producer - Ben Rosenthal

Writer - Jackson Spiner

Cinematographer - Sebastian Plaza

Production Designer - Gwendolyn Allison

Editor - Vivien Tritch

​Sound Designer - Kelli Whiteside

Composer - Asher Kaplan

Unit Production Manager - Izzy Betz

Location Manager - Skyler Poiley

OUR STORY.

In “Elea”, we follow Elea, a determined mother, and her two children as they navigate life in "The Underneath," a shadowy realm ruled by Elea's abusive husband, Theo. As Elea prepares for her coronation, she is haunted by the prospect of her children inheriting Theo’s legacy of anger, death, and hatred. Desperate to protect them, Elea devises a daring plan to escape to her homeworld, "Prism," where she hopes her children can grow up in a nurturing environment. However, her escape plans are interrupted when she is captured, forcing her to rely on her resourcefulness to ensure the safety and well-being of her family.

As the story unfolds, Elea's journey transforms into a quest for redemption and self-discovery. Together with her children, she discovers hope and resilience amidst the darkness, ultimately reclaiming her power and sense of self. “Elea” is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It delves into themes of resilience, family bonds, and the struggle for autonomy in a world full of adversity. Through Elea's trials and triumphs, the narrative underscores that even in the darkest circumstances, a glimmer of hope can light the way forward.

OUR "WHY"?

[For the longest time, I’ve been fascinated by the life of Princess Diana—a young woman who seemed to gain a world of glamour and royalty, but was actually trapped in something much darker and complicated. Her story feels personal to me because I’ve seen many people I care about find themselves in situations that initially looked perfect, but ended up being deeply damaging. This film is a way for me to share what I’ve learned from those experiences. It’s not just a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing illusions; it’s also a story about finding the courage to escape from situations that no longer serve us and the bravery it takes to start over. I hope this film resonates with anyone who has felt caught in a similar trap, offering both a warning and a message of empowerment]

-Dylan Flores

OTHER WAYS TO HELP!

We understand not everyone is in a position to financially assist us. However, sharing our mission is equally important. Please consider posting to Instagram, Facebook, and friends/family.

If you’d like to help further, please reach out to the producer, Ben Rosenthal, for more ways you can help!

OUR WORK/REFERENCES SO FAR-