Ascension - A Short Film
New York City, New York | Film Short
Fantasy, Drama
This film is a modern-day adaptation of the Asian legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival. We want to tap into the rich treasure trove of stories in East Asian culture to come up with new, original films. These are stories that can be universally understood and enjoyed by anyone.
Ascension - A Short Film
New York City, New York | Film Short
Fantasy, Drama
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
1 supporter | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,500
Goal: $14,000 for production
This film is a modern-day adaptation of the Asian legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival. We want to tap into the rich treasure trove of stories in East Asian culture to come up with new, original films. These are stories that can be universally understood and enjoyed by anyone.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Ascension is about love lost, and freedom found. As time runs out, a woman prepares to leave her home, encouraged by her anthropomorphic Rabbit companion.
Paulina Yeung (Producer) and Matheus Ting (Writer/Producer) are glad you've stopped by to check us out!
Alice: Will they remember me?
Alice gets up from her bed and starts getting ready. The time for departure is here. She starts preparing to leave — but where is she going? And why does she hesitate?
Greatness is waiting for her, but if only she ascends. Still, she lingers, even as an ominous figure approaches.
Alice is generous, kind, and strong. She refuses to be a victim of her circumstances, and actively seeks an escape. Even as she confronts her fears, she finds the courage to dream and move forward.
The moment of Decision to the moment of Action can take anywhere from a split second to a lifetime.
Jasper: Do you want them to remember you?
Jasper, a humanoid figure with a rabbit mask, is waiting for Alice. He reminds her - constantly - that Time is of the essence. He is keenly aware of the imminent Danger approaching, and is anxious for Alice to escape. Even as she stretches Time, he waits for her - albeit impatiently.
Jasper is sympathetic to Alice's plight, and is eager to help Alice in any way he can. Driven by a strong sense of Justice, he has Alice's best interests at heart, although he may express it in his own unique, playful way.
No person is an island, and everyone needs community, even if that is a single, slightly neurotic companion.
10 Reasons for Ascension // 9 Reasons Why
(This is a poem that Jasper recites in the film)
10 Fun Behind-The-Scenes Facts!
- The "A" logo for Ascension is designed to look like "升", the Chinese character for "ascend" (kudos to graphic designer Colin Moy!)
- The original script for Ascension was written in a single night (and then edited over several months)
- Matheus conceived this story because he loves mythology, and wanted to draw inspiration from an Asian legend
- This was also a challenge for him to write within certain set boundaries: 2 people, 1 setting
- The entire film takes place in the span of a minute
- The name "Alice" was chosen on purpose, in reference to a different Alice who also had a rabbit companion
- This was done to reflect the dichotomy and intersection of Eastern and Western cultures!
- Paulina & Matheus specifically looked for a femme director of Asian descent, to give justice to Alice's voice
- When Paulina, Matheus & Holly (the director) met for the first time, they were all wearing similar outfits
- If this project takes off, this will be the first in a trilogy of short films inspired by Asian legends!
9 Ways to Support Ascension!
- Donate! You can see all the lovely incentives we have for you on the right column.
- Follow Ascension on Instagram for more updates!
- Like, comment, tag us on social media
- Connect with Paulina Yeung: Instagram, Website
- Listen to Paulina's music
- Connect with Holly Maikin: Instagram, Website
- Support Holly's film, Sunflower Girl!
- Connect with Matheus Ting: Instagram, Website
- Share the story of Ascension with your friends!
Ascension is a project that promotes Asian stories told by Asian creatives. Paulina and Matheus hope that you will support this endeavor, and thank you in advance!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Department
Costs $3,500
This will cover equipment rental for filming, insurance costs and our crew's daily rates
Production Design / Art Department
Costs $5,000
This will cover costs for production design, wardrobe, hair and make up for our actors, set design, props plus fees for department crew
Casting
Costs $1,000
This will cover fees for our actors who will bring the characters to life
Post Production
Costs $3,000
After filming is over, the movie has to go into the editing process where music, sound and other elements are added.
Location costs
Costs $1,500
This will help us cover costs for renting our filming locations plus insurance
Share this update!
About This Team
Holly Maikin
Director
Holly M. Kaplan is a second-generation Chinese-American filmmaker born and raised in New York City. Driven by ties to her mixed Cantonese heritage, her work explores narratives focused on diversity, the Asian diaspora, and femme perspectives. She directs short-form content and music videos and has been featured on the Shiny Awards Creator List.
In 2022, Holly was chosen for NALIP and Netflix's “Narrative Short Incubator for Women of Color” to write, direct, and produce Sunflower Girl. The film has screened at over 40 festivals worldwide and was nominated for the "Mark Braunstein Award for Best Short Narrative" at the Woodstock Film Festival, winning the "Prix du Public" (Audience Award) at Ciné Junior, France's largest youth film festival. She is currently developing the feature-length script of SUNFLOWER GIRL with Stowe Story Labs.
Holly has served as a Co-Executive Producer/Director's Assistant on Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (HBO Max) and was a former apprentice to the late Independent Producer/Director Ben Barenholtz. She earned her BA in Film & Media Arts from American University and completed a filmmaking program at (FAMU) Academy of Performing Arts in Prague; she is also an alumnus of LaGuardia Arts High School.
Matheus Ting
Writer, Producer
Matheus is an actor, writer and producer, who was born and raised in Singapore. After graduating with a BA in Musical Theatre, he co-produced, wrote, directed, choreographed, music arranged, and starred in his own cabaret, On Display, with his co-producer, Valerie Choo. The show featured Matheus and Valerie as lead performers, at the world-renowned Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, to rave reviews. He has recorded and produced songs along with accompanying music videos with co-producer Paulina Yeung.
As a performer, Matheus has been seen off-Broadway, on a Broadway National Tour, and in national commercials. His writing was last performed in the Asian-Jewish theatre show, “What Do I Do With All This Heritage?”, which toured LA, Boston and New York. As a storyteller, Matheus wants to showcase Asian excellence in everyday life. He loves collaborating with like-minded individuals with a passion for creating art.
Paulina Yeung
Producer
Paulina is a classically-trained singer, teaching artist, and producer based in New York City. She has performed as a principal artist with various theater companies and music festivals. She was cast as Tuptim in the National and International Touring Companies of the Tony-award winning musical The King and I. As a singer, her voice can be heard on films and TV shows (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, The Staircase).
She has produced, directed and recorded various musical projects, including songs and music videos, for herself and other artists. She hopes to create and produce stories with co-producer/writer Matheus Ting that will inspire Asian communities around the world.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Ascension is about love lost, and freedom found. As time runs out, a woman prepares to leave her home, encouraged by her anthropomorphic Rabbit companion.
Paulina Yeung (Producer) and Matheus Ting (Writer/Producer) are glad you've stopped by to check us out!
Alice: Will they remember me?
Alice gets up from her bed and starts getting ready. The time for departure is here. She starts preparing to leave — but where is she going? And why does she hesitate?
Greatness is waiting for her, but if only she ascends. Still, she lingers, even as an ominous figure approaches.
Alice is generous, kind, and strong. She refuses to be a victim of her circumstances, and actively seeks an escape. Even as she confronts her fears, she finds the courage to dream and move forward.
The moment of Decision to the moment of Action can take anywhere from a split second to a lifetime.
Jasper: Do you want them to remember you?
Jasper, a humanoid figure with a rabbit mask, is waiting for Alice. He reminds her - constantly - that Time is of the essence. He is keenly aware of the imminent Danger approaching, and is anxious for Alice to escape. Even as she stretches Time, he waits for her - albeit impatiently.
Jasper is sympathetic to Alice's plight, and is eager to help Alice in any way he can. Driven by a strong sense of Justice, he has Alice's best interests at heart, although he may express it in his own unique, playful way.
No person is an island, and everyone needs community, even if that is a single, slightly neurotic companion.
10 Reasons for Ascension // 9 Reasons Why
(This is a poem that Jasper recites in the film)
10 Fun Behind-The-Scenes Facts!
- The "A" logo for Ascension is designed to look like "升", the Chinese character for "ascend" (kudos to graphic designer Colin Moy!)
- The original script for Ascension was written in a single night (and then edited over several months)
- Matheus conceived this story because he loves mythology, and wanted to draw inspiration from an Asian legend
- This was also a challenge for him to write within certain set boundaries: 2 people, 1 setting
- The entire film takes place in the span of a minute
- The name "Alice" was chosen on purpose, in reference to a different Alice who also had a rabbit companion
- This was done to reflect the dichotomy and intersection of Eastern and Western cultures!
- Paulina & Matheus specifically looked for a femme director of Asian descent, to give justice to Alice's voice
- When Paulina, Matheus & Holly (the director) met for the first time, they were all wearing similar outfits
- If this project takes off, this will be the first in a trilogy of short films inspired by Asian legends!
9 Ways to Support Ascension!
- Donate! You can see all the lovely incentives we have for you on the right column.
- Follow Ascension on Instagram for more updates!
- Like, comment, tag us on social media
- Connect with Paulina Yeung: Instagram, Website
- Listen to Paulina's music
- Connect with Holly Maikin: Instagram, Website
- Support Holly's film, Sunflower Girl!
- Connect with Matheus Ting: Instagram, Website
- Share the story of Ascension with your friends!
Ascension is a project that promotes Asian stories told by Asian creatives. Paulina and Matheus hope that you will support this endeavor, and thank you in advance!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Department
Costs $3,500
This will cover equipment rental for filming, insurance costs and our crew's daily rates
Production Design / Art Department
Costs $5,000
This will cover costs for production design, wardrobe, hair and make up for our actors, set design, props plus fees for department crew
Casting
Costs $1,000
This will cover fees for our actors who will bring the characters to life
Post Production
Costs $3,000
After filming is over, the movie has to go into the editing process where music, sound and other elements are added.
Location costs
Costs $1,500
This will help us cover costs for renting our filming locations plus insurance
Share this update!
About This Team
Holly Maikin
Director
Holly M. Kaplan is a second-generation Chinese-American filmmaker born and raised in New York City. Driven by ties to her mixed Cantonese heritage, her work explores narratives focused on diversity, the Asian diaspora, and femme perspectives. She directs short-form content and music videos and has been featured on the Shiny Awards Creator List.
In 2022, Holly was chosen for NALIP and Netflix's “Narrative Short Incubator for Women of Color” to write, direct, and produce Sunflower Girl. The film has screened at over 40 festivals worldwide and was nominated for the "Mark Braunstein Award for Best Short Narrative" at the Woodstock Film Festival, winning the "Prix du Public" (Audience Award) at Ciné Junior, France's largest youth film festival. She is currently developing the feature-length script of SUNFLOWER GIRL with Stowe Story Labs.
Holly has served as a Co-Executive Producer/Director's Assistant on Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (HBO Max) and was a former apprentice to the late Independent Producer/Director Ben Barenholtz. She earned her BA in Film & Media Arts from American University and completed a filmmaking program at (FAMU) Academy of Performing Arts in Prague; she is also an alumnus of LaGuardia Arts High School.
Matheus Ting
Writer, Producer
Matheus is an actor, writer and producer, who was born and raised in Singapore. After graduating with a BA in Musical Theatre, he co-produced, wrote, directed, choreographed, music arranged, and starred in his own cabaret, On Display, with his co-producer, Valerie Choo. The show featured Matheus and Valerie as lead performers, at the world-renowned Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, to rave reviews. He has recorded and produced songs along with accompanying music videos with co-producer Paulina Yeung.
As a performer, Matheus has been seen off-Broadway, on a Broadway National Tour, and in national commercials. His writing was last performed in the Asian-Jewish theatre show, “What Do I Do With All This Heritage?”, which toured LA, Boston and New York. As a storyteller, Matheus wants to showcase Asian excellence in everyday life. He loves collaborating with like-minded individuals with a passion for creating art.
Paulina Yeung
Producer
Paulina is a classically-trained singer, teaching artist, and producer based in New York City. She has performed as a principal artist with various theater companies and music festivals. She was cast as Tuptim in the National and International Touring Companies of the Tony-award winning musical The King and I. As a singer, her voice can be heard on films and TV shows (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, The Staircase).
She has produced, directed and recorded various musical projects, including songs and music videos, for herself and other artists. She hopes to create and produce stories with co-producer/writer Matheus Ting that will inspire Asian communities around the world.