Through the Wind Gate
Beacon, New York | Film Short
LGBTQ, Satire
In the style of The White Lotus, this sexy, devastating and hilarious half hour pilot is an ensemble satire that follows a community of people reinventing themselves posthumously. This show encourages the audience to consider our lives short and precious and that happiness is yours to create.
Through the Wind Gate
Beacon, New York | Film Short
LGBTQ, Satire
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $24,555 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
163 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
In the style of The White Lotus, this sexy, devastating and hilarious half hour pilot is an ensemble satire that follows a community of people reinventing themselves posthumously. This show encourages the audience to consider our lives short and precious and that happiness is yours to create.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
Heaven-on-Earth becomes purgatory when a group of millennials who transplanted from the city to the Hudson Valley discover their new lives aren't as perfect as they thought. In fact, their lives have ended entirely.

Filming of the Pilot Episode of Through the Wind Gate will take place June, 2023!
We have a phenomenal cast, stellar crew, beautiful locations booked and shoot dates LOCKED!
The last thing we need to make this dream a reality is YOUR support so please PLEDGE, LIKE and SHARE this campaign as far and wide as possible.
Watch this 4 mins video for a deeper dive into Through the Wind Gate
SYNOPSIS of the PILOT EPISODE
Daniel and Lilith are a progressive millennial couple that have moved out of the city mid-pandemic to reinvent their marriage. Within the serene landscape of the Hudson Valley, they not only have found peace, but enough trust in each other to dabble with the idea of opening their marriage. In an attempt to forge community and meet other people, they attend a dinner party hosted by Rosie, a shockingly gorgeous woman Daniel met on a dating app.
At the dinner they meet a diverse ensemble of other new-comers who are all blissfully happy with their move to greener pastures, They revel, dance, and trauma bond over their past tribulations with the little help of some psychedelic mushrooms. It's all bliss, vulnerability and joy until the very end, the ensemble realizes their lives haven't magically improved... they've ended. And the trauma's they thought that had overcome actually killed them. They discover their experience of the Hudson Valley is an afterlife of their own creation. Except for Lilith, who is in a coma and could wake up at any moment, leaving behind her husband and her idea of heaven in an unreachable eternity.
THIS FUNDRAISER IS TO COMPLETE PRODUCTION FOR THE PILOT EPISODE OF THROUGH THE WIND GATE.
However, a multi-episode first season has been outlined and developed. The goal is to shop the pilot around to move forward on production for the entire first season. We will do this by screening the pilot at top-tier television festivals and pitching to high-level industry investors already in our extensive network.
By getting the show produced, we will create more local jobs for Hudson Valley creatives, stimulating the local economy and telling a story about the Hudson Valley community, for the Hudson Valley community.

Characters Daniel and Lilith embracing each other and the chance to start over. BTS shot by Cinematographer @boasimon
THE FIRST SEASON (the biiiig picture)
For now, we're just focusing on production for the pilot. But the long term goal is to produce the entire first season. Join us on this ride!
Synopsis:
In the wake of realizing their reality isn't what it seems, the ensemble's perspective of their environment rapidly changes. Some characters represent Heaven, embracing the opportunity to experience liberation, sexual pleasure and love in ways they never have before. Some represent Hell, in that the shame of their past action weighs so heavily on them, that they cannot accept their current reality and must reconcile with their past. And Lilith represents purgatory, in the sense that she's not entirely dead. Rather, she's stuck between worlds, and may come to consciousness at any moment, leaving behind her husband and idea of bliss.
Through the Wind Gate explores themes of love, passion, forgiveness, shame, sexual exploration, community, bliss and healing.
It encompasses the many ways in which happiness is possible on the other side of trauma, whether that's within the pursuit of love with no bounds or by overcoming the shame of our past actions and the harm that was inflicted upon us. The ensemble of diverse characters and their companionate sub-plots each explore themes of mental health, radical acceptance, and healing.
This story is intended to inspire its audience to recognize that life is precious, short, and ours to create.
Filming will take place JUNE, 2023 in Newburgh, NY!
Covid tests will be provided prior to filming and PPE supplied for cast and crew.
THE CAST
Julia Barrett-Mitchell as Lilith
Julia Barrett-Mitchell has been acting since age 6. She has studied with New York City's top industry acting coaches Bob Krakower and Terry Knickerbocker in his two-year acting conservatory. She has starred in dozens of plays, independent feature and short films, including Behind Some Dark Cloud now streaming on Amazon Prime, and as the beloved character Rachel in the romance novel adaptation trilogy, Gabriel's Inferno, streaming on PassionFlix. Julia has directed films for the past ten years, including 18 music videos, some of which have millions of veiws and premiered on BBC, VEVO, NPR and Billboard Magazine to name a few. She has directed 2 short documentaries; the latest short, 45 Degrees is streaming now on HudsyTV.
Through the Wind Gate is Julia's long anticipated debut into long- form narrative filmmaking.

Instagram: @juliabarrettmitchell
Connor Bond as Daniel
Connor Bond (he/him) is an actor/educator living in the Hudson Valley. He teaches acting and improv at Serious Comedy Theatre in Beacon, NY where he is also on their house improv team. Connor has acted in shows on Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, CBS, Comedy Central and more. In NYC he has appeared off-Broadway and also in The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park. He is so grateful to be a part of this pilot!

Instagram: @bond_connorbond
Joel Marsh Garland AS Peter
Joel Marsh Garland is an award winning actor and director.
In 2015 and 2016 he won SAG awards for his work in Orange is the New Black.
He has appeared on Broadway in Of Mice and Men. Off-Broadway, in Checkers at the Vineyard Theatre, and Essential Self Defense at Playwrights Horizons. He has extensive experience performing in off-off broadway theater in NYC.
Some notable film credits include The Week Of, Limitless, The Bounty Hunter, Birdman, The Night Listener, Ghost Team, The Grudge, Watching the Detectives, I Sell the Dead, Rocket Science, Snipes, Interstate 84, Lady in the Water, and The Believer. His television credits include Orange is the New Black, Godfather of Harlem, Hello Tomorrow, Billions, The Deuce, Feed the Beast, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to Death, Justified, The West Wing, Law and Order: SVU, Law and Order, Kings, Elementary, Third Watch, Blue Bloods, Benders, Life on Mars, The Big C, Chicago Fire and The Last O.G.

Instagram: @oneoldog
Olivia Applegate as Rosie
Olivia Applegate is an award-winning actress and singer originally from Texas. She received acclaim for her breakout role opposite Rooney Mara in Terrence Malick's film, Song to Song (2017), and as a quarter finalist on America's Got Talent (2006) as a singer. She has since starred in several television series including HBO's Euphoria (2019) and Bravo's Dirty John (2018), high-profile indie features including Krisha (2015) (SXSW Grand Jury Prize, Cannes), and written/produced/starred in award-winning films that have swept the festival circuit. With her feature directorial debut in pre-production and an upcoming album, Olivia is a multifaceted star on the rise.

Instagram: @oliviaapplegate.
LOOK BOOK

BTS photos by Frank Theodore @frank__theodore
The Dinner Party Ensemble Test Footage



BEHIND THE SCENES

Vertical Poster for Through the Wind Gate




Julia and Boa set up the Shot, Julia and Boa Review footage (Stills by @frank__Theodore)

Photos by Frank Theodore @frank__theodore
Thank you for your help in bringing this story to LIFE!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Actors Compensation!
Costs $3,810
Huge acting talent deserves compensation, and we're getting very discounted rates! Lucky ducks.
Production Team Salaries
Costs $8,625
This fee covers our Producer's, Acting Coaches, Assistant Directors and Production Assistants.
Sound Department
Costs $1,575
This film won't be as fun to watch if you can't also hear it. This fee will cover our Sound crew
Make Up Artists
Costs $1,200
Someones gotta make talent look pretty! Our kick ass make up team is up to the task.
Camera Department
Costs $4,050
1 Cinematographer named Boa + 2 Camera Assistants = One beautiful film.
Location Fees
Costs $2,000
This covers not only our filming location, but lodging too!
Transportation
Costs $800
Gotta get everyone from point A to point B!
Wardrobe and Props
Costs $700
Gotta wear stuff and gotta hold stuff!
Equipment Rental
Costs $1,636
We need lights and camera in order to have the action.
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $1,600
Pretty self explanatory! A girl and her crew's gotta eat!
Insurance
Costs $1,300
Safety first. This rate will cover insurance policies to protect everyone involved.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team

Julia Barrett-Mitchell : Writer, Director, Producer and Lead Actor
Julia Barrett-Mitchell is a filmmaker and actor born and raised in New York City. She has been acting professionally since she was a child, began writing original material in middle school, and found her passion for filmmaking by age 15. She majored in Film Production and Religion at Brooklyn and Hunter college. She graduated from the acting conservatory, The Terry Knickerbocker Studio in 2017, where she studied directly with Terry for two years, and has studied for years with Bob Krakower, both of whom have coached A-list movie stars such as Michell Williams, Sam Rockwell, Austin Butler, Rooney Mara and more.
At 21, Julia starred in her first feature film, Behind Some Dark Cloud, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Julia was also a beloved supporting lead character, Rachel, in the Romance novel adaptation trilogy Gabriel's Inferno for PassionFlix, a romance specific streaming service owned by Tosca Musk. She has appeared in TV shows like Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Law and Order SVU, as well as Not Fade Away by David Chase and dozens of short films.
Julia has produced and directed 18 music videos, some of which have premiered on NPR, BBC, Vevo, Nylon and Billboard Magazine to name a few.
She wrote the pilot script for Through the Wind Gate, in early 2022 and began production later that year. She founded her production company, Better Than Bad Films, in 2023.

Joel Marsh Garland : Producer / Co-Star
Joel Marsh Garland is an award winning actor and director. He has appeared on Broadway in Of Mice and Men. Off-Broadway, in Checkers at the Vineyard Theatre, and Essential Self Defense at Playwrights Horizons. Some notable film credits include The Week Of, Limitless, The Bounty Hunter, Birdman, The Night Listener, Ghost Team, The Grudge, Watching the Detectives, I Sell the Dead, Rocket Science, Snipes, Interstate 84, Lady in the Water, and The Believer.
His television credits include Orange is the New Black, Godfather of Harlem, Hello Tomorrow, Billions, The Deuce, Feed the Beast, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to Death, Justified, The
West Wing, Law and Order: SVU, Law and Order, Kings, Elementary, Third
Watch, Blue Bloods, Benders, Life on Mars, The Big C, Chicago Fire and The Last O.G.
In 2015 and 2016 he won sag awards for his work in Orange is the New Black. His short dance film 219 Gates won various awards for directing and editing. He has lent his voice to numerous video games and been the lead singer for an experimental circus/funk band. He can be found @oneoldog on instagram.

Seth Chitwood: Producer
Seth Chitwood has been producing and creating films for the past decade. As the creative director of Angelwood Pictures, he has an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory for Screenwriting and a B.A. in Film Studies from Rhode Island College. He is best known for producing Amazon Prime's "Luna, The Witch," and the 70-episode web series "Family Problems" and mini-series "The Girl in the Attic." He won several web awards as the creator and showrunner of the digital series "Lungs: The Series" in 2016. He is currently producing the projects "Revelation," "Pickleball is Life: Dill With It" and "He'll Be Home for Christmas." www.sethchitwood.com

Emil Benjamin : Co-Director
Emil Benjamin is a writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor based out of New York City. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he received a BFA in Theatre Arts from Boston University and MFA in Film Directing & Screenwriting from Columbia University, where he now serves as adjunct faculty. His award-winning documentary feature, OYATE, premiered at Big Sky, ran the festival circuit, and will be available on VOD in Spring 2023. His short films WHITE PEOPLE, WE CAN DO IT, and THE BREAKDOWN PARABLES have played at dozens of festivals worldwide. Currently, he is directing a feature documentary about scientists working to prevent the next pandemic and co-writing the UNTITLED SAM AND OMAR PROJECT from director Nadav Kurtz (PARAISO) and producer Diane Quon (MINDING THE GAP). Emil is the founder of Irrelevant Media, an international production company and artist collective whose filmmakers have screened and won prizes at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, TIFF, SXSW, Rotterdam, and more.

Boa Simon : Cinematographer
Boa Simon has worked as a cinematographer for film, commercial, music videos and unscripted content for over a decade, shooting for Funny or Die, Diplo, Activision/Blizzard, Playboy, the Lakers, and many others. His work has earned recognition with nominations at the ASC Awards, the Indie Series Awards, the Webbies, the BAFTAs, and SXSW; a piece by artist Christopher Richmond which Boa shot was purchased by LACMA for their permanent collection. He recently joined long-time commercial production collaborators Ember Lab in their debut as a game studio, helping out as a cinematographer, lighting artist, and designer for "Kena: Bridge of Spirits," which won Best Indie Game at the 2021 Game Awards. Boa is a father to two humans and a dog.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
Heaven-on-Earth becomes purgatory when a group of millennials who transplanted from the city to the Hudson Valley discover their new lives aren't as perfect as they thought. In fact, their lives have ended entirely.

Filming of the Pilot Episode of Through the Wind Gate will take place June, 2023!
We have a phenomenal cast, stellar crew, beautiful locations booked and shoot dates LOCKED!
The last thing we need to make this dream a reality is YOUR support so please PLEDGE, LIKE and SHARE this campaign as far and wide as possible.
Watch this 4 mins video for a deeper dive into Through the Wind Gate
SYNOPSIS of the PILOT EPISODE
Daniel and Lilith are a progressive millennial couple that have moved out of the city mid-pandemic to reinvent their marriage. Within the serene landscape of the Hudson Valley, they not only have found peace, but enough trust in each other to dabble with the idea of opening their marriage. In an attempt to forge community and meet other people, they attend a dinner party hosted by Rosie, a shockingly gorgeous woman Daniel met on a dating app.
At the dinner they meet a diverse ensemble of other new-comers who are all blissfully happy with their move to greener pastures, They revel, dance, and trauma bond over their past tribulations with the little help of some psychedelic mushrooms. It's all bliss, vulnerability and joy until the very end, the ensemble realizes their lives haven't magically improved... they've ended. And the trauma's they thought that had overcome actually killed them. They discover their experience of the Hudson Valley is an afterlife of their own creation. Except for Lilith, who is in a coma and could wake up at any moment, leaving behind her husband and her idea of heaven in an unreachable eternity.
THIS FUNDRAISER IS TO COMPLETE PRODUCTION FOR THE PILOT EPISODE OF THROUGH THE WIND GATE.
However, a multi-episode first season has been outlined and developed. The goal is to shop the pilot around to move forward on production for the entire first season. We will do this by screening the pilot at top-tier television festivals and pitching to high-level industry investors already in our extensive network.
By getting the show produced, we will create more local jobs for Hudson Valley creatives, stimulating the local economy and telling a story about the Hudson Valley community, for the Hudson Valley community.

Characters Daniel and Lilith embracing each other and the chance to start over. BTS shot by Cinematographer @boasimon
THE FIRST SEASON (the biiiig picture)
For now, we're just focusing on production for the pilot. But the long term goal is to produce the entire first season. Join us on this ride!
Synopsis:
In the wake of realizing their reality isn't what it seems, the ensemble's perspective of their environment rapidly changes. Some characters represent Heaven, embracing the opportunity to experience liberation, sexual pleasure and love in ways they never have before. Some represent Hell, in that the shame of their past action weighs so heavily on them, that they cannot accept their current reality and must reconcile with their past. And Lilith represents purgatory, in the sense that she's not entirely dead. Rather, she's stuck between worlds, and may come to consciousness at any moment, leaving behind her husband and idea of bliss.
Through the Wind Gate explores themes of love, passion, forgiveness, shame, sexual exploration, community, bliss and healing.
It encompasses the many ways in which happiness is possible on the other side of trauma, whether that's within the pursuit of love with no bounds or by overcoming the shame of our past actions and the harm that was inflicted upon us. The ensemble of diverse characters and their companionate sub-plots each explore themes of mental health, radical acceptance, and healing.
This story is intended to inspire its audience to recognize that life is precious, short, and ours to create.
Filming will take place JUNE, 2023 in Newburgh, NY!
Covid tests will be provided prior to filming and PPE supplied for cast and crew.
THE CAST
Julia Barrett-Mitchell as Lilith
Julia Barrett-Mitchell has been acting since age 6. She has studied with New York City's top industry acting coaches Bob Krakower and Terry Knickerbocker in his two-year acting conservatory. She has starred in dozens of plays, independent feature and short films, including Behind Some Dark Cloud now streaming on Amazon Prime, and as the beloved character Rachel in the romance novel adaptation trilogy, Gabriel's Inferno, streaming on PassionFlix. Julia has directed films for the past ten years, including 18 music videos, some of which have millions of veiws and premiered on BBC, VEVO, NPR and Billboard Magazine to name a few. She has directed 2 short documentaries; the latest short, 45 Degrees is streaming now on HudsyTV.
Through the Wind Gate is Julia's long anticipated debut into long- form narrative filmmaking.

Instagram: @juliabarrettmitchell
Connor Bond as Daniel
Connor Bond (he/him) is an actor/educator living in the Hudson Valley. He teaches acting and improv at Serious Comedy Theatre in Beacon, NY where he is also on their house improv team. Connor has acted in shows on Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, CBS, Comedy Central and more. In NYC he has appeared off-Broadway and also in The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park. He is so grateful to be a part of this pilot!

Instagram: @bond_connorbond
Joel Marsh Garland AS Peter
Joel Marsh Garland is an award winning actor and director.
In 2015 and 2016 he won SAG awards for his work in Orange is the New Black.
He has appeared on Broadway in Of Mice and Men. Off-Broadway, in Checkers at the Vineyard Theatre, and Essential Self Defense at Playwrights Horizons. He has extensive experience performing in off-off broadway theater in NYC.
Some notable film credits include The Week Of, Limitless, The Bounty Hunter, Birdman, The Night Listener, Ghost Team, The Grudge, Watching the Detectives, I Sell the Dead, Rocket Science, Snipes, Interstate 84, Lady in the Water, and The Believer. His television credits include Orange is the New Black, Godfather of Harlem, Hello Tomorrow, Billions, The Deuce, Feed the Beast, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to Death, Justified, The West Wing, Law and Order: SVU, Law and Order, Kings, Elementary, Third Watch, Blue Bloods, Benders, Life on Mars, The Big C, Chicago Fire and The Last O.G.

Instagram: @oneoldog
Olivia Applegate as Rosie
Olivia Applegate is an award-winning actress and singer originally from Texas. She received acclaim for her breakout role opposite Rooney Mara in Terrence Malick's film, Song to Song (2017), and as a quarter finalist on America's Got Talent (2006) as a singer. She has since starred in several television series including HBO's Euphoria (2019) and Bravo's Dirty John (2018), high-profile indie features including Krisha (2015) (SXSW Grand Jury Prize, Cannes), and written/produced/starred in award-winning films that have swept the festival circuit. With her feature directorial debut in pre-production and an upcoming album, Olivia is a multifaceted star on the rise.

Instagram: @oliviaapplegate.
LOOK BOOK

BTS photos by Frank Theodore @frank__theodore
The Dinner Party Ensemble Test Footage



BEHIND THE SCENES

Vertical Poster for Through the Wind Gate




Julia and Boa set up the Shot, Julia and Boa Review footage (Stills by @frank__Theodore)

Photos by Frank Theodore @frank__theodore
Thank you for your help in bringing this story to LIFE!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Actors Compensation!
Costs $3,810
Huge acting talent deserves compensation, and we're getting very discounted rates! Lucky ducks.
Production Team Salaries
Costs $8,625
This fee covers our Producer's, Acting Coaches, Assistant Directors and Production Assistants.
Sound Department
Costs $1,575
This film won't be as fun to watch if you can't also hear it. This fee will cover our Sound crew
Make Up Artists
Costs $1,200
Someones gotta make talent look pretty! Our kick ass make up team is up to the task.
Camera Department
Costs $4,050
1 Cinematographer named Boa + 2 Camera Assistants = One beautiful film.
Location Fees
Costs $2,000
This covers not only our filming location, but lodging too!
Transportation
Costs $800
Gotta get everyone from point A to point B!
Wardrobe and Props
Costs $700
Gotta wear stuff and gotta hold stuff!
Equipment Rental
Costs $1,636
We need lights and camera in order to have the action.
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $1,600
Pretty self explanatory! A girl and her crew's gotta eat!
Insurance
Costs $1,300
Safety first. This rate will cover insurance policies to protect everyone involved.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team

Julia Barrett-Mitchell : Writer, Director, Producer and Lead Actor
Julia Barrett-Mitchell is a filmmaker and actor born and raised in New York City. She has been acting professionally since she was a child, began writing original material in middle school, and found her passion for filmmaking by age 15. She majored in Film Production and Religion at Brooklyn and Hunter college. She graduated from the acting conservatory, The Terry Knickerbocker Studio in 2017, where she studied directly with Terry for two years, and has studied for years with Bob Krakower, both of whom have coached A-list movie stars such as Michell Williams, Sam Rockwell, Austin Butler, Rooney Mara and more.
At 21, Julia starred in her first feature film, Behind Some Dark Cloud, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Julia was also a beloved supporting lead character, Rachel, in the Romance novel adaptation trilogy Gabriel's Inferno for PassionFlix, a romance specific streaming service owned by Tosca Musk. She has appeared in TV shows like Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Law and Order SVU, as well as Not Fade Away by David Chase and dozens of short films.
Julia has produced and directed 18 music videos, some of which have premiered on NPR, BBC, Vevo, Nylon and Billboard Magazine to name a few.
She wrote the pilot script for Through the Wind Gate, in early 2022 and began production later that year. She founded her production company, Better Than Bad Films, in 2023.

Joel Marsh Garland : Producer / Co-Star
Joel Marsh Garland is an award winning actor and director. He has appeared on Broadway in Of Mice and Men. Off-Broadway, in Checkers at the Vineyard Theatre, and Essential Self Defense at Playwrights Horizons. Some notable film credits include The Week Of, Limitless, The Bounty Hunter, Birdman, The Night Listener, Ghost Team, The Grudge, Watching the Detectives, I Sell the Dead, Rocket Science, Snipes, Interstate 84, Lady in the Water, and The Believer.
His television credits include Orange is the New Black, Godfather of Harlem, Hello Tomorrow, Billions, The Deuce, Feed the Beast, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to Death, Justified, The
West Wing, Law and Order: SVU, Law and Order, Kings, Elementary, Third
Watch, Blue Bloods, Benders, Life on Mars, The Big C, Chicago Fire and The Last O.G.
In 2015 and 2016 he won sag awards for his work in Orange is the New Black. His short dance film 219 Gates won various awards for directing and editing. He has lent his voice to numerous video games and been the lead singer for an experimental circus/funk band. He can be found @oneoldog on instagram.

Seth Chitwood: Producer
Seth Chitwood has been producing and creating films for the past decade. As the creative director of Angelwood Pictures, he has an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory for Screenwriting and a B.A. in Film Studies from Rhode Island College. He is best known for producing Amazon Prime's "Luna, The Witch," and the 70-episode web series "Family Problems" and mini-series "The Girl in the Attic." He won several web awards as the creator and showrunner of the digital series "Lungs: The Series" in 2016. He is currently producing the projects "Revelation," "Pickleball is Life: Dill With It" and "He'll Be Home for Christmas." www.sethchitwood.com

Emil Benjamin : Co-Director
Emil Benjamin is a writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor based out of New York City. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he received a BFA in Theatre Arts from Boston University and MFA in Film Directing & Screenwriting from Columbia University, where he now serves as adjunct faculty. His award-winning documentary feature, OYATE, premiered at Big Sky, ran the festival circuit, and will be available on VOD in Spring 2023. His short films WHITE PEOPLE, WE CAN DO IT, and THE BREAKDOWN PARABLES have played at dozens of festivals worldwide. Currently, he is directing a feature documentary about scientists working to prevent the next pandemic and co-writing the UNTITLED SAM AND OMAR PROJECT from director Nadav Kurtz (PARAISO) and producer Diane Quon (MINDING THE GAP). Emil is the founder of Irrelevant Media, an international production company and artist collective whose filmmakers have screened and won prizes at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, TIFF, SXSW, Rotterdam, and more.

Boa Simon : Cinematographer
Boa Simon has worked as a cinematographer for film, commercial, music videos and unscripted content for over a decade, shooting for Funny or Die, Diplo, Activision/Blizzard, Playboy, the Lakers, and many others. His work has earned recognition with nominations at the ASC Awards, the Indie Series Awards, the Webbies, the BAFTAs, and SXSW; a piece by artist Christopher Richmond which Boa shot was purchased by LACMA for their permanent collection. He recently joined long-time commercial production collaborators Ember Lab in their debut as a game studio, helping out as a cinematographer, lighting artist, and designer for "Kena: Bridge of Spirits," which won Best Indie Game at the 2021 Game Awards. Boa is a father to two humans and a dog.