What remains, when everything else fades away?

What Remains is a film about freedom: the freedom to tell a story without defining it, to express emotion without naming it, to say goodbye without words. The story follows Luca and Sam, both in their early twenties, as they navigate a transitional space between identities and life stages. It is a sensory, fragmented narrative that explores loss, solitude, and the quiet intimacy between two young men - a story about a human moment of connection, grief, and transformation.

"I believes that each project has its own unique life, and that it is the responsibility of the director and crew to nurture, shape, and realize that life as it needs to be expressed. For him, sound and image are inseparable in cinematic storytelling, each carrying equal emotional weight. He approaches the audience with respect and intelligence, inviting multiple interpretations rather than offering easy answers. Bernardo experiences cinema as a way of understanding both himself and the world, using storytelling as a mirror and a bridge. His strongest influences include Xavier Dolan and Luca Guadagnino, whose work inspires him to pursue emotional honesty and visual poetry."

-Director’s statment, Bernardo Battistini

Meet the CREW!

- Bernardo Battistini is an emerging director and photographer based in Edinburgh. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Photography and Audio-visual Media and has worked professionally as a photographer - a background that deeply informs his visual approach to filmmaking.

Currently completing a Master’s in Filmmaking with a focus on Cinematography, Bernardo’s work often delves into emotionally driven narratives cantered on identity, intimacy, and transformation, with a particular emphasis on queer, romantic, and coming-of-age stories. He is especially drawn to cinema in which sound and image are the true protagonists. His goal is to craft impactful short films for the festival circuit and to develop a distinct voice as a director.

Bernardo Battistini

-Antoaneta is currently studying Producing at master’s level, with a background in film, media, and the visual arts. Her journey started in art school and evolved through roles in casting, coordination, and creative development.

She illustrated two drama books by Oscar-stage actor Dimiter D. Marinov, now housed in the U.S. National Library. Her work spans editorial at ELLE Magazine, production at NOVA Broadcasting, and curating the Masters of Photography series, featuring legends like Vivian Maier, Arnold Newman, and Mary Ellen Mark.

From sketching pages to running sets, Antoaneta blends artistic vision with sharp production instincts. In 2025, her focus on bold, intimate storytelling was recognised when her graduation documentary won Best Picture at the Royal Television Society Awards, along with an individual award for sound.

Antoaneta D. Ninovska

- Erin McKenzie is a Sound Designer, Recordist, Performer, and Film Composer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has a bachelor’s degree in Popular Music where she trained extensively in musical performance, production, and composition. She has worked professionally in these fields, allowing her to bring a rich musical sensibility to her work in film. Currently completing a master’s degree in film, specialising in sound, her work in sound design reflects a deep passion for both audio and storytelling.

Erin is particularly drawn to films with emotionally driven narratives that explore human experiences and their environments. Her passion lies in using sound design and composition to elevate narrative, working in a way that is both intuitive and immersive. Erin continues to develop her practice through collaborative work on experimental short films, exploring how sound design and music can shape cinematic storytelling.

Erin McKenzie

- Bio Lou Small (they/she) is a queer picture editor and visual artist currently pursuing an MA in Film at Screen Academy Scotland, where they specialise in editing. With a background in contemporary art, Lou holds a First-Class Honours degree in Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. Their practice is grounded in a commitment to experimentation in the edit, with a particular interest in non-diegetic storytelling and the emotional potential of montage. As a trans artist, Lou is passionate about centring queer narratives in film, advocating for moving, sensitive portrayals that challenge conventional representations and foreground lived experience.

Cinematic References

Locations and Vision

The short is minimalist and visually driven, composed of static, carefully framed shots. With minimal camera movement, it adopts a quiet, almost voyeuristic gaze - observing the characters’ inner worlds with subtle intensity.

Purpose of the Crowdfunding

This campaign supports the production of our graduation film. While minimal in style, the film’s execution requires careful planning and collaboration.

Your support will help cover:

Equipment and transport logistics – a major portion of our budget will go toward safely transporting camera, lighting, and sound gear between multiple locations.

Cast and crew transportation – covering travel for our actors and essential crew members who aren’t based nearby.

Art department – the story relies on interior spaces and visual detail, so funds will help us build, dress, and style each set with intention.

Make-up and costume – we're working with a make-up artist to support the emotional tone of the film through subtle styling.

Graphic designer – for promotional artwork, title design, and festival submission materials.

On-set catering – to provide proper meals and snacks for our cast and crew throughout long shooting days.

Post-production & festival fees – covering the final edit, sound mix, color grading, and entry into festivals where we hope to share the film widely, especially within queer, independent, and auteur-focused circuits.

Rewards For Your Contribution:

£10 or under

A heartfelt thank-you from the entire crew!

£25 and above

• Early access to the short film via private streaming (before official release)

• Your name included in the credits

£50 and above

• Behind-the-scenes video (making-of)

• Early access to the film

• Credit appearance

£100 and above

• Exclusive on-set photos

• PDF shot list and a copy of the script

• “Special Thanks” in the credits

• All previous rewards

£250 and above

• A featured credit as Honorary Supporter in the film’s credits

• All materials from earlier tiers (on-set photos, script, shot list)

• “Special Thanks” and full credit appearance

• Behind-the-scenes video

• Early access to the film

Even a small contribution brings us closer to telling this story with the care, clarity, and creative integrity it deserves.

Follow us on Instagram @whatremains_film.

Thanks for your support!