100 Meters
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Film Short
Sport, Drama
Quinn, a para athlete, fights to earn a spot on her high school's able-bodied swim team despite being the only disabled athlete attempting to make the roster. Battling ableism from the coaching staff, she contends with her grief regarding her disability as her younger sister tries out alongside her.
100 Meters
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Film Short
Sport, Drama
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,080 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
25 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Quinn, a para athlete, fights to earn a spot on her high school's able-bodied swim team despite being the only disabled athlete attempting to make the roster. Battling ableism from the coaching staff, she contends with her grief regarding her disability as her younger sister tries out alongside her.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY: How do you reclaim your freedom and identity in a place that now feels so strangely foreign?
Two years after becoming paralyzed, Quinn is determined to try out again for her high school’s swim team despite being the only disabled athlete attempting to make the roster. At tryouts, Quinn finds she's facing more than the disadvantage her impairment gives her against her competitors. Up against her former coach, who wants to maintain the optics of his team, as well as her own grief as she swims against her sister for a spot, Quinn knows her tryout stands for something far larger than simply making a team. She just doesn't realize it until she is forced to decide whether it is better to sacrifice her goal or her self-worth.
WHY THIS? WHY NOW? Sports and storytelling are inherently unifying, but even so, disabled people remain under-represented in both of these areas. Seldom ever, though, are we represented in both at the very same time.
Authentic representation of disability accounts for less than 5% of characters we see on our screens despite the fact that nearly 30% of Americans have some form of disability according to the CDC. Stories written by disabled people and created with disabled people are going untold simply because we haven’t been given the platform to tell them. 100 Meters is changing that.
Additionally, as a lifelong competitive swimmer and 4x Paralympic World Champion, I’ve become highly aware of the disparity that continues exists in the inclusion of para athletes in team settings, particularly at the high school and collegiate levels. It is something that I and countless other para athletes have encountered, and it needs to change. In our film, Quinn tackles the ableism she faces head on. Though change doesn’t happen overnight, I hope this film demonstrates how equally talented and deserving para athletes are of existing in these athletic spaces.
Quinn’s story stands for something far larger than grief and ableism. It takes the single-note stereotypes my community is often written as and utterly flips the narrative. Quinn is grieving, but she’s determined. She’s discriminated against, but she’s stubborn and clawing back. She’s a bit short-tempered, but she’s full of love to give. She’s human. And she’s got a lot of fight in her.
I know, because in many ways, Quinn’s story is a variation of my own.
And while 100 Meters is not necessarily based on true events, it is inspired by true experiences.
THE LOOK: Our film’s visual world is a direct reflection of Quinn’s reality and headspace, shifting primarily between isolation and freedom. On the pool deck and in the locker room, it is cool-toned and lonely. Quinn often finds herself on the outside looking in, comparing herself both to the other athletes and to the athlete she once was. She's constantly fighting for her worth to be known.
It's in the water, though, where Quinn comes alive. She's powerful, determined, and unequivocally free. It's as if Quinn enters an entirely new world beneath the surface of the water -- one that's lighter, dynamic, and grows with her. The pool, in and of itself, becomes a sort of character.
Then there's her family's home, which is warm and cluttered in a familiar, comforting sort of way. This is the place Quinn feels safe enough to be honest with herself and her family, even if she doesn't always know how to be.
THE PLAN: 100 Meters is currently in pre-production and has been officially green-lit by NYU Tisch School of the Arts for production. We have locked a dedicated team of department heads, secured major locations integral to our shoot, and have begun the casting process.
We are ready to bring Quinn’s story to life, but we need help.
We are raising $10,500 in 45 days. This is the minimum we need to safely and successfully bring 100 Meters into production while ensuring the film is completed at the highest quality attainable. The funds raised will go directly towards transporting our crew and equipment to Wisconsin, renting essential equipment and locations, and soliciting small business in the greater Milwaukee area. It will also allow us to reach the largest audience we can once we enter distribution and our festival run.
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You can support our film in these three ways:
PLEDGE a donation to our project. Any amount truly helps and is so appreciated. This will not only help bring 100 Meters to life in production, but also allows us to finish the edit and share it with the world in 2027!
SHARE our campaign with your friends and family! Send the link and spread our story. Share our Instagram link as well: @100metersfilm
Click the blue “FOLLOW” button at the top of our page!
As a disabled writer and director, it is my mission to bring stories featuring disabled characters to the screen. Because if I wanted and needed stories like this, I know there are thousands of people out there who want and need them too. 100 Meters is the first of many I hope to tell.
Thank you so much for reading about our project. Your support, love, and time mean the world.
Katie Kubiak
Writer/Director of 100 Meters
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Director of Photography)
Costs $400
Our film cannot be made without our talented DP. His eye is integral to the telling of this story. This covers a roundtrip for our DP.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Gaffer)
Costs $400
The head of our lighting crew and crucial for telling Quinn's story in a resonant, authentic way. This covers a roundtrip for our gaffer.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Key Grip)
Costs $400
Responsible for safely rigging our camera & lights, our KG will work with our DP to tell Quinn's story. This covers a roundtrip for our KG.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Production Designer)
Costs $400
Responsible for all of our set decoration and bringing Quinn's world to life. This covers a roundtrip for our production designer.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Sound Mixer)
Costs $400
Sound plays a major role in storytelling and it's crucial that our sound is the best quality. This covers a roundtrip for our sound mixer.
Roundtrip flight from MKE to WI + bus/train fares (for Talent)
Costs $500
We cannot tell this story without a cast of talented actors. This ensures that we can transport our talent to and from our Wisconsin set.
On the Road from NYC to MKE
Costs $1,000
5 of our crew members will be driving from NYC to WI (14 hours!) to transport equipment and props. This is for gas and lodging.
Underwater Camera Rig
Costs $2,000
Our film features many striking underwater shots, which require a rig and equipment for the safety of our equipment and team.
Art Design
Costs $1,100
Bringing the world of competitive swimming to life through accurate design (suits, caps, scenic production) is important to our film!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $2,000
We have lots of essential equipment we need to rent for our shoot. Our camera, G&E, and sound crew need the best resources we can get!
Post-Production
Costs $700
To ensure that 100 Meters is set up for the best success, we need to get the best editors, composers, colorists, and sound designers we can.
Festival Run
Costs $1,200
100 Meters will be entering the festival circuit in 2026/2027. This allows us to submit to as many festivals as possible.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR:
KATIE KUBIAK is an NYC-based documentarian, director, writer, producer, journalist, and Team USA swimmer studying Film & Television as well as Broadcast Journalism at New York University. Her most recent project, a documentary entitled Black Line, won the student film Audience Choice award at the NYU Sports Film Festival this past spring. She has gained pre-production experience working for companies such as SportsNet and Bona Fide Productions. A professional swimmer, Kubiak is a 4x World Champion and 6x World Record holder in Paralympic swimming.
PRODUCERS:
CARTER NARANJO (they/them) is an Ecuadorian-American studying Film & TV and Art History at NYU. Co-President of NYU Tisch’s Femmes In Film, Naranjo has experience in Producing, Cinematography, and Writing, just having produced a short film Tusuy! that shot in Peru May of 2025 as well Spit Out Your Bones which will be entering festivals in 2026. Upcoming writing and directing projects include Naranjo’s feature screenplay Breaking Horizons adapted for the stage at the West End’s Bush Theatre in London, UK this coming December 2025 and short film Faith which will be entering festivals come 2026.
JULIA KRYS is a creative professional with a wide range of experience across entertainment and digital media. She has contributed to projects in indie film, Off-Broadway theatre, late-night comedy, and branded entertainment, including an internship with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Most recently, she managed Funny or Die's social media presence and produced stand up comedy shows in LA. She is passionate about the intersection of creativity and operations.
CAMILLE YOUNT is a third-year student at NYU Tisch pursing a BFA in Film & Television production. Her speciality is in Directing, Writing, and Producing for film. She released her debut short film “Your Love’s a F***ing Drag” in August 2025.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY:
RYAN ONDO is a Japanese-American filmmaker studying Film & TV Production at NYU, specialising as a cinematographer and colorist. Drawing from his multicultural heritage, his work aims to capture—through atmosphere and texture—the subtle humanity that ebbs within all narratives. He hopes you enjoy the film!
UNDERWATER CINEMATOGRAPHER:
ASHLEY HENEGAN is a South African filmmaker who strives to create films that juxtapose beauty and pain while focusing on capturing raw human experiences and creating moral questions. She was raised an athlete, specifically a swimmer, and went as far as competing internationally twice in her swimming career. In Spring 25’ she was a part of the Intermediate Sports Documentary class where she had the opportunity to be an underwater DP for two swimming documentaries which premiered at the NYU Sports Film Festival. Ashley’s goal is to find a way to merge her two passions of swimming and creating films into one while bringing the stories of her own, as well as those around her, to life.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER:
CASSANDRA BOOKER (she/her) is studying at the Sands College of Performing Arts’ BFA Production Design for Screen and Stage program with a concentration in Scenic and Costume Design. Most recently, she served as an Assistant Scenic Designer at Sand Musical Theater’s production of Hair, directed by Mayte Natalio. Cassandra has also worked on various films before, including Spit Out Your Bones (Head Costume Designer) which will premiere at festivals starting in 2026, as well as She’s Got It (Art Assistant).
EDITOR:
DANNY LEE is an NYC based director and editor who is currently studying Film & TV Production at NYU Tisch. As an editor, he gained experience in multiple different formats, working at companies such as NBCUniversal’s Bravo, Digital department as an assistant editing intern.
SOUND MIXER:
I'm CALEB KIM (he/him), a Korean-American filmmaker and sound mixer based in New York. I will be mixing for 100 Meters. I see cinema as a bridge between people from different worlds, cultures, and experiences. I can't wait for production!
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER:
MADELINE WEISS is a drama student at NYU Tisch, training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She is a passionate storyteller, whether through acting or crafting engaging online content. A former competitive swimmer of 14 years, she is thrilled to have collaborated with Katie in bringing this story to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY: How do you reclaim your freedom and identity in a place that now feels so strangely foreign?
Two years after becoming paralyzed, Quinn is determined to try out again for her high school’s swim team despite being the only disabled athlete attempting to make the roster. At tryouts, Quinn finds she's facing more than the disadvantage her impairment gives her against her competitors. Up against her former coach, who wants to maintain the optics of his team, as well as her own grief as she swims against her sister for a spot, Quinn knows her tryout stands for something far larger than simply making a team. She just doesn't realize it until she is forced to decide whether it is better to sacrifice her goal or her self-worth.
WHY THIS? WHY NOW? Sports and storytelling are inherently unifying, but even so, disabled people remain under-represented in both of these areas. Seldom ever, though, are we represented in both at the very same time.
Authentic representation of disability accounts for less than 5% of characters we see on our screens despite the fact that nearly 30% of Americans have some form of disability according to the CDC. Stories written by disabled people and created with disabled people are going untold simply because we haven’t been given the platform to tell them. 100 Meters is changing that.
Additionally, as a lifelong competitive swimmer and 4x Paralympic World Champion, I’ve become highly aware of the disparity that continues exists in the inclusion of para athletes in team settings, particularly at the high school and collegiate levels. It is something that I and countless other para athletes have encountered, and it needs to change. In our film, Quinn tackles the ableism she faces head on. Though change doesn’t happen overnight, I hope this film demonstrates how equally talented and deserving para athletes are of existing in these athletic spaces.
Quinn’s story stands for something far larger than grief and ableism. It takes the single-note stereotypes my community is often written as and utterly flips the narrative. Quinn is grieving, but she’s determined. She’s discriminated against, but she’s stubborn and clawing back. She’s a bit short-tempered, but she’s full of love to give. She’s human. And she’s got a lot of fight in her.
I know, because in many ways, Quinn’s story is a variation of my own.
And while 100 Meters is not necessarily based on true events, it is inspired by true experiences.
THE LOOK: Our film’s visual world is a direct reflection of Quinn’s reality and headspace, shifting primarily between isolation and freedom. On the pool deck and in the locker room, it is cool-toned and lonely. Quinn often finds herself on the outside looking in, comparing herself both to the other athletes and to the athlete she once was. She's constantly fighting for her worth to be known.
It's in the water, though, where Quinn comes alive. She's powerful, determined, and unequivocally free. It's as if Quinn enters an entirely new world beneath the surface of the water -- one that's lighter, dynamic, and grows with her. The pool, in and of itself, becomes a sort of character.
Then there's her family's home, which is warm and cluttered in a familiar, comforting sort of way. This is the place Quinn feels safe enough to be honest with herself and her family, even if she doesn't always know how to be.
THE PLAN: 100 Meters is currently in pre-production and has been officially green-lit by NYU Tisch School of the Arts for production. We have locked a dedicated team of department heads, secured major locations integral to our shoot, and have begun the casting process.
We are ready to bring Quinn’s story to life, but we need help.
We are raising $10,500 in 45 days. This is the minimum we need to safely and successfully bring 100 Meters into production while ensuring the film is completed at the highest quality attainable. The funds raised will go directly towards transporting our crew and equipment to Wisconsin, renting essential equipment and locations, and soliciting small business in the greater Milwaukee area. It will also allow us to reach the largest audience we can once we enter distribution and our festival run.
You can support our film in these three ways:
PLEDGE a donation to our project. Any amount truly helps and is so appreciated. This will not only help bring 100 Meters to life in production, but also allows us to finish the edit and share it with the world in 2027!
SHARE our campaign with your friends and family! Send the link and spread our story. Share our Instagram link as well: @100metersfilm
Click the blue “FOLLOW” button at the top of our page!
As a disabled writer and director, it is my mission to bring stories featuring disabled characters to the screen. Because if I wanted and needed stories like this, I know there are thousands of people out there who want and need them too. 100 Meters is the first of many I hope to tell.
Thank you so much for reading about our project. Your support, love, and time mean the world.
Katie Kubiak
Writer/Director of 100 Meters
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Director of Photography)
Costs $400
Our film cannot be made without our talented DP. His eye is integral to the telling of this story. This covers a roundtrip for our DP.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Gaffer)
Costs $400
The head of our lighting crew and crucial for telling Quinn's story in a resonant, authentic way. This covers a roundtrip for our gaffer.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Key Grip)
Costs $400
Responsible for safely rigging our camera & lights, our KG will work with our DP to tell Quinn's story. This covers a roundtrip for our KG.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Production Designer)
Costs $400
Responsible for all of our set decoration and bringing Quinn's world to life. This covers a roundtrip for our production designer.
Roundtrip flight from NYC to MKE (for our Sound Mixer)
Costs $400
Sound plays a major role in storytelling and it's crucial that our sound is the best quality. This covers a roundtrip for our sound mixer.
Roundtrip flight from MKE to WI + bus/train fares (for Talent)
Costs $500
We cannot tell this story without a cast of talented actors. This ensures that we can transport our talent to and from our Wisconsin set.
On the Road from NYC to MKE
Costs $1,000
5 of our crew members will be driving from NYC to WI (14 hours!) to transport equipment and props. This is for gas and lodging.
Underwater Camera Rig
Costs $2,000
Our film features many striking underwater shots, which require a rig and equipment for the safety of our equipment and team.
Art Design
Costs $1,100
Bringing the world of competitive swimming to life through accurate design (suits, caps, scenic production) is important to our film!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $2,000
We have lots of essential equipment we need to rent for our shoot. Our camera, G&E, and sound crew need the best resources we can get!
Post-Production
Costs $700
To ensure that 100 Meters is set up for the best success, we need to get the best editors, composers, colorists, and sound designers we can.
Festival Run
Costs $1,200
100 Meters will be entering the festival circuit in 2026/2027. This allows us to submit to as many festivals as possible.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR:
KATIE KUBIAK is an NYC-based documentarian, director, writer, producer, journalist, and Team USA swimmer studying Film & Television as well as Broadcast Journalism at New York University. Her most recent project, a documentary entitled Black Line, won the student film Audience Choice award at the NYU Sports Film Festival this past spring. She has gained pre-production experience working for companies such as SportsNet and Bona Fide Productions. A professional swimmer, Kubiak is a 4x World Champion and 6x World Record holder in Paralympic swimming.
PRODUCERS:
CARTER NARANJO (they/them) is an Ecuadorian-American studying Film & TV and Art History at NYU. Co-President of NYU Tisch’s Femmes In Film, Naranjo has experience in Producing, Cinematography, and Writing, just having produced a short film Tusuy! that shot in Peru May of 2025 as well Spit Out Your Bones which will be entering festivals in 2026. Upcoming writing and directing projects include Naranjo’s feature screenplay Breaking Horizons adapted for the stage at the West End’s Bush Theatre in London, UK this coming December 2025 and short film Faith which will be entering festivals come 2026.
JULIA KRYS is a creative professional with a wide range of experience across entertainment and digital media. She has contributed to projects in indie film, Off-Broadway theatre, late-night comedy, and branded entertainment, including an internship with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Most recently, she managed Funny or Die's social media presence and produced stand up comedy shows in LA. She is passionate about the intersection of creativity and operations.
CAMILLE YOUNT is a third-year student at NYU Tisch pursing a BFA in Film & Television production. Her speciality is in Directing, Writing, and Producing for film. She released her debut short film “Your Love’s a F***ing Drag” in August 2025.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY:
RYAN ONDO is a Japanese-American filmmaker studying Film & TV Production at NYU, specialising as a cinematographer and colorist. Drawing from his multicultural heritage, his work aims to capture—through atmosphere and texture—the subtle humanity that ebbs within all narratives. He hopes you enjoy the film!
UNDERWATER CINEMATOGRAPHER:
ASHLEY HENEGAN is a South African filmmaker who strives to create films that juxtapose beauty and pain while focusing on capturing raw human experiences and creating moral questions. She was raised an athlete, specifically a swimmer, and went as far as competing internationally twice in her swimming career. In Spring 25’ she was a part of the Intermediate Sports Documentary class where she had the opportunity to be an underwater DP for two swimming documentaries which premiered at the NYU Sports Film Festival. Ashley’s goal is to find a way to merge her two passions of swimming and creating films into one while bringing the stories of her own, as well as those around her, to life.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER:
CASSANDRA BOOKER (she/her) is studying at the Sands College of Performing Arts’ BFA Production Design for Screen and Stage program with a concentration in Scenic and Costume Design. Most recently, she served as an Assistant Scenic Designer at Sand Musical Theater’s production of Hair, directed by Mayte Natalio. Cassandra has also worked on various films before, including Spit Out Your Bones (Head Costume Designer) which will premiere at festivals starting in 2026, as well as She’s Got It (Art Assistant).
EDITOR:
DANNY LEE is an NYC based director and editor who is currently studying Film & TV Production at NYU Tisch. As an editor, he gained experience in multiple different formats, working at companies such as NBCUniversal’s Bravo, Digital department as an assistant editing intern.
SOUND MIXER:
I'm CALEB KIM (he/him), a Korean-American filmmaker and sound mixer based in New York. I will be mixing for 100 Meters. I see cinema as a bridge between people from different worlds, cultures, and experiences. I can't wait for production!
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER:
MADELINE WEISS is a drama student at NYU Tisch, training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She is a passionate storyteller, whether through acting or crafting engaging online content. A former competitive swimmer of 14 years, she is thrilled to have collaborated with Katie in bringing this story to life.