In May, I graduated from the University of Florida. It was such an exciting and proud moment, but also terrifying. For the first time in my life, I had no idea what was next. That uncertainty led me to look toward my future, but I found myself reflecting on my past... both the beauty and the pain over the last 10 years.

I was lucky to grow up surrounded by love. I had a supportive family, great friends, and some unforgettable experiences. But along with this came periods of deep depression, and I struggled with my sexuality. Those personal highs and lows became my motivation to create Brackish. I want to tell a story about people who face similar struggles and show how love and connection can help them persevere.

From the beginning, I knew Brackish needed to take place by the beach. It has always been a place of peace and reflection for me. Growing up, I went with my dad all the time and, despite the chaos that surrounds the beaches in Florida (what do you expect?), it has become a symbol of comfort and reflection for me.

I was researching water-related terms, and I came across the word brackish: a mix of fresh and saltwater. It immediately felt right. The film, like its title, explores how blending the good and the bad can create something unexpectedly beautiful.

After finding the title (a little backwards, I know), I began developing the characters and finally started writing the script. That's how Brackish was born.

Brackish is a short, LGBTQ+ drama about two best friends in college whose bond is tested when one begins to spiral into a depression. They are forced to confront their inner turmoils and buried feelings that will change their friendship forever.

One of the things that I have learned over the years is that having people I trust and love to talk to about things going on in my mind can make all the difference. With this film, I want to offer a deeply personal look at how pain can open us to passion, understanding, and self-acceptance. The film uses themes of friendship, mental health, and sexuality to explore vulnerability with honesty and restraint.

Water runs throughout the film as a central metaphor, reflecting how love and human connection can keep us from drowning.

Brackish will blend the naturalistic beauty and psychological depths of Aftersun with the raw and complex relationship between Oliver and Elio in Call Me by Your Name.



As I mentioned earlier, I'm in a period of transition. In January, I'll be moving to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker and working in the entertainment industry. It's exciting, but also bittersweet.

Brackish feels like a reflection of this exact moment. It is a cinematic representation of when everything feels uncertain, but anything is possible.

My hope, and what I truly believe this film does, is capture the feeling of standing on the edge of something new while still carrying the weight of what came before. It is almost like it is the "Brackish" period of my life.

In many ways, this story is my way of saying goodbye to Florida. It's a love letter to my time here... to the people and places that have shaped me. I want this film to honor where I came from before I take my next step forward to LA.

Making Brackish now allows me to channel all the emotion, fear, and hope that comes with change into something tangible. I also hope that this film helps others who feel alone in their struggles know there’s no shame in asking for help and talking about what’s going on.

Ben Riley

Ben is an engineering student who prides himself on being dependable. He is the one who shows up when things are wrong, who keeps everything neat, and tries to exude that he has everything figured out. Deep down, he uses his rationality as an armour against his emotions.

This armour is cracked by his best friend's threat of suicide, which forces him to confront his fear of being vulnerable.

At Ben's core, he is loyal, compassionate, and thoughtful. Throughout this film, he is forced to surrender to his emotions and learn to admit his feelings for Jordan to him.

Jordan Bishop

Jordan is an artistic soul who wears his heart on his sleeve. Since the death of his mother in high school, his world has been collapsing - his father has become a drug addict, and his family didn't accept him after coming out.

The weight of the world became too much, and he planned on attempting to commit suicide. When Ben stops him and they discuss what led to him feeling he had no other choice, Jordan is forced to face his desire to be seen and understood.

At Jordan's core, he is sensitive, emotional, and deeply human. Throughout the film, he finds the courage to love and to be loved.

Joey Milberg | Writer & Director

Joey Milberg recently graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Media Production with a specialization in Digital Film and Television and a minor in the Sociology of Social Justice and Public Policy. During his time there, he has worked on over twenty productions in a variety of roles. His senior thesis film, which he wrote and directed, was nominated for a Suncoast Emmy and has been accepted into seven film festivals to date.

Through his films, his goal is to create compelling work that portrays queer, unique stories. He tries to capture the nuances, struggles, and triumphs of the queer experience, offering glimpses into lives and history that have been underrepresented on screen. He strives to push the boundaries of storytelling, experimenting with narrative structures and visual aesthetics. His work is driven by a passion for authenticity and a desire to challenge perspectives, ensuring that voices from the LGBTQ+ community are not only heard but celebrated.

After this film, he plans to relocate to Los Angeles to further pursue his career within the entertainment industry.

Amber Guaglieri | Producer

Amber Guaglieri is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Media Production, Management, and Technology while also being a member of the ROTC program. This is the third film she has produced with Milberg, and she is excited to continue to help tell emotionally resonant stories that explore identity, mental health, and transformation.

As a producer, Guaglieri balances having a creative vision with being disciplined when bringing stories to life. She champions underrepresented voices on screen, and whether she is helping with development, managing logistics, or guiding films through post, she is committed to creating a welcoming, creative environment to make sure stories reach their full potential.

Katheleen Carnivale | Production Designer 

Katheleen Carnivale is the production designer behind Brackish. A recent graduate of the University of Florida, getting a BS in Media Production, Management, and Technology with a minor in Theatre Production. During her time at the school, she has worked on over 5 films as the production designer.

Carnivale has a passion for storytelling and creating a colorful and believable world through set design, costuming, and so much more. As the production designer, key elements are the overall look and aesthetic, as well as the collaboration with the team to create our vision. Through her design alone, the film's characters have a fleshed-out background that helps the audience to be fully immersed in this unique story, allowing for its full impact to hit.

Gwendalyn Aca | Editor

Gwendalyn Aca is the editor for Brackish, which is soon to go into production in South Florida! Whether it is through a documentary or narrative film, Aca’s storytelling skills shine through while engaging the audience by creating a connection with the characters. With a strong understanding of pacing and flow, she immerses the audience into these stories.

As a graduate from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, she has received a Bachelor of Science in Media Production, Management, and Technology.

Currently, Aca is collaborating with other filmmakers in the South Florida area to bring their visions to life. With a handful of projects this year, she strives to take on opportunities to tell stories that she connects to personally, such as ones that inspire creative thinking, encourage the arts, and themes of mental health and inclusivity.

Our goal is to raise $3,000 to complete this film! The script is finalized, and we are currently in pre-production. Below is an exact breakdown of where the money will be going.

Cast & Crew - $1,000: Making sure that everyone helping to make this film possible is properly compensated for their work! This includes our cast, crew, and our post-production team.

Equipment - $500: With nearly 1/3 of the film taking place in the ocean, we need to obtain equipment that will keep our current equipment dry.

Food - $300: To have snacks, water, and meals for our hardworking cast and crew!

Locations - $400: To film at the locations we need for the film!

Production Design - $250: To make our sets feel real, lived-in, and true to our characters.

Costume Design - $150: To give our characters costumes that feel true to their characters.

Festival Submissions - $400+: Any money we make past this is to help us get our film seen in festivals worldwide!

Thank you so much for considering donating to our film! Any donation is extremely appreciated! If you are unable to donate, we would love it if you could spread the word by sharing this with friends and family or on social media!

To stay up to date with our project, check out our Instagram!