Twice Burned Short Film

Hello! My name is Christopher and I'm the writer and director of Twice Burned, a short film for my final thesis project with the University of Winnipeg film program. The film centres on a closeted individual who, after their sexuality is publicly exposed, must confront their own identity.

The Film

Wealth, opulence, and excess – celebrity actors Clair and Biel are the power couple of the decade, and everyone knows it. Clair is tested, however, when the tabloids release photos of her in an affair with a woman named Olivia, a model photographer.

Hounded by the press, we follow Clair as she navigates her heteronormative public persona, against her authentic personal self. This narrative is told through a series of Clair's memories: bringing together the elegance of Hollywood, and an incredibly intimate portrait of her character.

The inspiration for this film stems from my own experiences of coming to terms with my sexuality. Though we live in an increasingly accepting world, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination based on their sexuality and/or identity. In recent years especially, we have seen that the threats against this community continue to rise. This film, I am hoping, will be a source of reflection towards the harassment 2SLGBTQ+ individuals experience. In addition, through the vulnerability we see in Clair’s character, the film asks the audience to question their own identity –sexuality or otherwise– and see what is behind the face all of us put on for society.

The aesthetics and emotional tone of this film were deeply inspired by the authors of Modernist literature, such as Djuna Barnes, while the aesthetics were inspired by the fashion and art found in the zeitgeist of 1970’s Los Angeles culture.

Production and Financing

We are currently in pre-production; the cast has been hired, we are continuing to revise the script, and costumes and sets are being designed. Shooting will take place mid-May. Post-production elements, like editing and music score, will continue for several weeks thereafter.

We’ve assembled an amazing team to work together on the short film, but as this is a student production, we have limited financial resources – this is where you come in. We’ve put in our own personal investments, but crowd-funding will allow us to better create the emotional tone and aesthetics we’re aiming for. Donations through GoFundMe will give it that little bit extra, greatly increasing the quality of the film.

As this is non-profit, the funds will only be used to offset expenses. Your contributions will go towards:

Those that contribute will be mentioned in the credits of the film if that is their preference. Contributions to the above will allow us to better achieve the vision of our film.

After the Film

The film is scheduled to be completed this summer. Once it is completed, all those who donate will be given a private link to view the film. We are then planning to submit the film to several film festivals, after which the film will be made available to the public online.

If you reached this far in the message, thank you! No matter how large the donation, we are incredibly grateful. We want to make the best possible film, and this will be all the more possible with your support.

Photos above are samples of work by our Director of Photography Kenji Dyck, and our Set Photographer Danielle Sneezby.