I'm Abby Boyd, the Writer and Director of Hold Still. Hold Still is my cumulative short film for my final year of study at George Brown College’s Video Design & Production program.

Have you ever wanted something so badly that the pressure to be perfect completely froze you?

This question is the heart of Hold Still.

My film follows Serena, a hyper-disciplined young painter preparing for the biggest artistic opportunity of her life, a 12-hour masterpiece challenge. She brings in a model for what’s supposed to be a breakthrough session, but her perfectionism tightens the room until something surreal happens: Her model, Callie, freezes in place. Time stops, and Serena is left alone with everything she’s been avoiding.

What begins as a magical, eerie pause becomes a mirror for her biggest fear: that control isn’t saving her, it’s suffocating her. When Callie eventually unfreezes, she offers the warmth and grounding Serena couldn’t give herself. Together, they discover the beauty in motion, connection and imperfection.

Your contribution will directly support the production and completion of Hold Still. Any amount you are able to give is greatly appreciated and truly makes a difference. As a thank you, all donors will receive a screen credit in the finished film, unless you would prefer to remain anonymous.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read, share, or support Hold Still! Even the smallest contribution helps us move this project forward and keeps student and independent filmmaking alive.

If you have any questions about the project, please message @holdstill_film or @abbyg_boyd on Instagram :)