About the Film

"The Morningstars" is an exciting and thought-provoking thesis film created by students from the New York Film Academy. This darkly comedic and emotionally gripping story follows Crowley, a demon who introduces his superhero girlfriend, Skadi, to his evil parents—only to find their love rejected. As he struggles between his family's expectations and his feelings for Skadi, he realizes she may not be what she seems.

Set in a unique blend of a 1950s nuclear family sitcom, The Morningstars explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle to be heard in a world that refuses to listen.

Why We Need Your Help

We are passionate about bringing this film to life with high production value, a talented cast, and a dedicated crew. Your generous contributions will go toward:

Production Design – Creating an authentic 1950s sitcom-style set. Equipment & Lighting – Ensuring top-notch cinematography.

Costumes & Makeup – Bringing the characters to life.

Post-Production – Editing, sound design, and special effects to enhance storytelling.

Festival Submissions – Showcasing the film on an international stage.

Meet the Team

David Smith – Executive Producer, Writer & Lead Actor

David’s foundation in acting stems from a rich theatrical background, having performed at the Chichester Festival Theatre in West Sussex, England, and the Wuppertaler Youth Theatre in NRW, Germany. He earned his LAMDA Bronze certification with "Distinction" and further honed his craft through multiple acting and directing courses at the New York Film Academy during his vacations. His passion for film led him to pursue a BFA in Acting for Film, which he will complete in 2025.

"The Morningatars" serves as David’s thesis film, marking the culmination of his studies at the New York Film Academy. In addition to his performance skills, he expanded his expertise by studying at the CMU College of Makeup, Art & Design in Toronto, Canada, further enriching his artistic versatility.

Matthew Arkema – Director

Matthew Arkema is an award-winning director, producer, and writer from Glenview, Illinois. His films have been screened internationally, earning recognition at prestigious festivals such as the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival and the Miami Independent Film Festival. With a strong passion for storytelling, Matthew currently has three short films in post-production and is developing his directorial debut feature film.

Beyond independent filmmaking, Matthew has gained industry experience as an Associate Producer for Justice Central TV at Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios. He holds a degree from Syracuse University, where he also studied at the renowned Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. His expertise in both creative and production roles makes him an invaluable force behind The Morningstars.

Siddharth Agrawal & Jaimin Maru – Producers

Introducing the dynamic duo behind our production, Siddharth Agrawal and Jaimin Maru!

Siddharth Agrawal is a seasoned producer, cinematographer, and editor from Udaipur, India, with over seven years of experience in the film industry. A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, Siddharth has worked on over 100 projects across various genres, including feature films, music videos, and documentaries. His recent film, Exsanguination, won Best Production at the International Film and Entertainment Festival Australia, among many other festivals, and was even screened at the NSW Parliament House.

Jaimin Maru, hailing from Gujarat, India, is a passionate producer, actor, and dancer with a deep love for storytelling. A graduate in Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy, Jaimin has an extensive background in theatre, having performed in numerous plays across different cities. He discovered his passion for acting through dance, a talent he’s nurtured since the age of five. The Morningstars is his third project as a producer, following Between the Lines, which is currently in its festival run, and Piroba, which is in post-production. With his creativity and determination, Jaimin is making waves in the world of filmmaking.

Join Us on This Journey!

We would be incredibly grateful for your support in making The Morning Star a success. Every contribution, big or small, helps bring this story to life. If you can't donate, sharing our campaign with friends and family means the world to us.

See you at the movies!