The Imagined City is an upcoming short film set within the shifting landscape of a Canadian city and concerning the people caught within.

We have all seen isolation and social disconnect grow within the built spaces that surround us, enhanced by the housing and cost of living crises.

Inspired by films such as The Last Laugh (1924), Metropolis (1927), Vagabond (1985), our film explores these contemporary effects of urban decay on people through the story of Rowan, a worker for a road construction crew.

Rowan, after failing to fall asleep late after a night shift, explores the empty streets and avenues that she helps construct. Seeking some form of relief in the few vestiges of community that she is able to encounter.

As Rowan explores, the city reshapes and collapses against itself in endless layers of construction/destruction. An environment suspended in both newness and decay. Liminal, in every sense of the word.

This project will be achieved through the collaboration of an amazing team of emerging artists based within Treaty 7 Territory and the city of Calgary. We are looking to use this short as an opportunity to learn together, engage with our local arts community, and explore themes and issues connected to the built environment that we share.

TIMELINE/PRODUCTION

Filming is set to happen over three days in February 2026, with the film to move through post-production over the winter/spring and be released in within the year. After completion, we hope to also submit to local and international festivals and have a public event screening of the finished film within Calgary.

THE CAMPAIGN

This crowdfunding campaign is intended to cover costs in production, casting and the required filming permits.

Every little bit helps. Even $5 helps us get a little closer to our goal. If you are able to contribute $50 or more, you will receive a credit and special thanks within the final film upon release. [Please include your name as you donate if you desire to be credited.] If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this project and following our journey on social media. We will be providing updates periodically through both production + post production through our instagram page.

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Thank you for your interest in supporting independent filmmakers. Whether you are able to contribute or not, I hope you enjoy this small contribution to the vivid collection of stories coming from this community.

I’ll see you around town.

Austin Dalke - Writer/Director

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To follow our journey, find us on Instagram

| This project is committed against the use of generative AI. Also to avoid other practices in our production that harm the environment and our creative communities. |