For our film, we wanted to include diversity in the cast, in the crew, and in the story. Yes, this is movie about the future, but at its root we follow diverse, young individuals learning to come together and think for themselves. We hope it can inspire the next generation (and prevent dystopia).

Think for yourself. 

That's sort of the thesis of this whole thing. When Kathleen, Natalie and I sat down and started putting this together, it all came back to that idea. We as a people, as young people, as the young, diverse catalysts for tomorrow, need to start thinking more for ourselves. Great. Easier said than done. 

Which side are you on? 

See, the problem is that the country we live in is incredibly divided. Polarized. Rather than the promotion of free thought, we live in a society that promotes choosing the proper side. Left vs. Right. Right vs. Wrong. Poor vs. Rich. Believers vs. Atheists. You're either with us, or against us. In an environment so split, we subdue opinions to fit the larger narrative of a group. When it comes to the topic of diversity, it's not just about a visual spectrum of inclusion, it also is about diversity of ideas. We need both. We are much so much stronger and so much better when we listen to each other.  

 

The crazy thing is this type of environment exists at the exact same time we are witnessing one of the most diverse and thought-conscious generations. The kids attending school right now, the ones at college, are some of the most forward thinking we've ever seen. They are not just ahead of the curve, they're creating the curve. 

Great. How does this relate to a science-fiction short film? Well, my two lovely co-creators and I wanted to tell a story that would address these truths about society, in hopes it would speak to that next generation of leaders, and encourage them to think independently. We thought the best way to show this was through the lens of Science-Fiction. We thought, what if we showed these exact same young people, but in the polar opposite environment? What would that look like? Our answer: 

 

 

The story.

This is a short film that follows students at a new school designed to turn budding adults into perfect members of society. It is set in the not too distant future, where the United States government has taken extreme measures to ensure the country’s security and success. One of these measures includes a complete restructuring of the U.S. education system. Gone of the days of traditional universities. Now, high school graduates test to attend the "Citizen's Training Academy."

 

Our film drops the audience into a typical classroom exercise at the facility. However, in today's particular exericse, the students are confronted with a mysterious individual who may know more about what really goes on at the school. They must decide what is real and who to trust before it's too late. 

 

The setting. 

ACADEMY takes place at the “Citizen’s Training Academy”, a futuristic facility designed to turn students into perfect members of society. Our classroom is fully equipped with advanced screening technologies, high-optic simulations, and an exquisite ventilation system. Oh, and a toaster. 

 

 

The tone. 

This is a science-fiction thriller set in the dystopic future. There are elements of dark comedy, mystery, and surrealism mixed throughout. 

 

The bottom line. 

We want to tell a story for the generation of tomorrow. Hopefully our diverse group of students in the film can inspire the real diverse students in this country to think for themselves and guide us on the right path. We're all in this together, one way or another, so why not contribute to a story that matters? Help us out, join our team, and let's change the world! Or at least avoid complete dystopia.