A Broken Bottle
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Family
An adaptation of a true story with the intention to create a safe space for others. Isolation, neglect, and mental hurdles. A Broken Bottle deals with the effects that substance abuse has on the individual and the family dynamic, switching between the perspectives of a father and daughter.
15 supporters | followers
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$960
Goal: $3,000 for production
An adaptation of a true story with the intention to create a safe space for others. Isolation, neglect, and mental hurdles. A Broken Bottle deals with the effects that substance abuse has on the individual and the family dynamic, switching between the perspectives of a father and daughter.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Addiction rarely affects just one person; it ripples through entire families, leaving behind animosity, heartbreak, and generational trauma. A Broken Bottle explores the devastating reality of alcoholism through the eyes of Jack, a father desperate to be better, and his teenage daughter, Leilah, who longs for the parent she knows still exists beneath the addiction. The themes we are exploring are isolation, neglect, and the mental hurdles an alcoholic and their family go through.
Rather than focusing on the addiction itself, Broken Bottle explores how addiction deeply impacts relationships, trust, and the emotional well-being of the family that is involved. We know that there are many people out there that can relate to our story, so our goal is to create a safe space for them to be heard. This short film will not only create a safe space, but become an outlet for people who struggle either with an addict in their life, or have an addiction themselves.
Inspiration from films like Beautiful Boy, Aftersun, The Glass Castle, and Lady Bird
Wishlist
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About This Team
Kaelyn Keys (Writer)
Kaelyn Keys is an aspiring screenwriter and filmmaker, passionate about creating character-driven narratives. She is currently pursuing a degree in Film at California State University, Fullerton. Although she has not yet worked professionally in the film industry, Kaelyn has written short scripts and poetry as a creative outlet. She’s eager to create stories that others are able to connect with and expand her knowledge of the production process. Her short film centered on a young girl navigating the challenges of having a different family dynamic reflects Kaelyn’s interest in stories that cover complex relationships, resilience, and the human experience.
Zarina Asrani (Director)
Zarina Asrani is a screenwriter, assistant director, and first time director. She attended Orange Coast College, and earned her associate's degree in Film & Television. In October 2025, she joined Back House Productions as a Co-lead Assistant Director. Having experience in writing short films and assistant directing, she is now approaching her directorial debut with Broken Bottle. Directing will be a new venture for her, and she is eager to learn the do's and don'ts while building connections along the road. Zarina has the passion and drive to continue to create films and bring stories to life that will bring a sense of comfort and connection with audiences all around.
Taylor Smith (Executive Producer)
Taylor Smith is a director, writer, and creative/executive producer. A recent graduate of CSU Fullerton, she earned her degree in Film and Television with Cum Laude honors. In October 2025, she founded Back House Productions, a creative collective focused on narrative and commercial storytelling, while also providing opportunities for young creatives. With experience directing and writing three short films and two music videos, and producing four additional short films, Taylor continues to develop stories that explore themes of identity, connection, and resilience. She is eager to develop deeper connections, absorb more information, and grow the creative world for emerging artists.
Marcela Valencia (Producer)
Marcela Valencia is a CSU Fullerton Alumni, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Television arts. In October 2025, she joined Back House Productions as a head Co-Producer, and has now produced one music video and three short films within less than a year, and it's not over for her. Marcela has experience directing, writing, and identifying captivating stories. She has a track record of enhancing audience engagement and production efficiency.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Addiction rarely affects just one person; it ripples through entire families, leaving behind animosity, heartbreak, and generational trauma. A Broken Bottle explores the devastating reality of alcoholism through the eyes of Jack, a father desperate to be better, and his teenage daughter, Leilah, who longs for the parent she knows still exists beneath the addiction. The themes we are exploring are isolation, neglect, and the mental hurdles an alcoholic and their family go through.
Rather than focusing on the addiction itself, Broken Bottle explores how addiction deeply impacts relationships, trust, and the emotional well-being of the family that is involved. We know that there are many people out there that can relate to our story, so our goal is to create a safe space for them to be heard. This short film will not only create a safe space, but become an outlet for people who struggle either with an addict in their life, or have an addiction themselves.
Inspiration from films like Beautiful Boy, Aftersun, The Glass Castle, and Lady Bird
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kaelyn Keys (Writer)
Kaelyn Keys is an aspiring screenwriter and filmmaker, passionate about creating character-driven narratives. She is currently pursuing a degree in Film at California State University, Fullerton. Although she has not yet worked professionally in the film industry, Kaelyn has written short scripts and poetry as a creative outlet. She’s eager to create stories that others are able to connect with and expand her knowledge of the production process. Her short film centered on a young girl navigating the challenges of having a different family dynamic reflects Kaelyn’s interest in stories that cover complex relationships, resilience, and the human experience.
Zarina Asrani (Director)
Zarina Asrani is a screenwriter, assistant director, and first time director. She attended Orange Coast College, and earned her associate's degree in Film & Television. In October 2025, she joined Back House Productions as a Co-lead Assistant Director. Having experience in writing short films and assistant directing, she is now approaching her directorial debut with Broken Bottle. Directing will be a new venture for her, and she is eager to learn the do's and don'ts while building connections along the road. Zarina has the passion and drive to continue to create films and bring stories to life that will bring a sense of comfort and connection with audiences all around.
Taylor Smith (Executive Producer)
Taylor Smith is a director, writer, and creative/executive producer. A recent graduate of CSU Fullerton, she earned her degree in Film and Television with Cum Laude honors. In October 2025, she founded Back House Productions, a creative collective focused on narrative and commercial storytelling, while also providing opportunities for young creatives. With experience directing and writing three short films and two music videos, and producing four additional short films, Taylor continues to develop stories that explore themes of identity, connection, and resilience. She is eager to develop deeper connections, absorb more information, and grow the creative world for emerging artists.
Marcela Valencia (Producer)
Marcela Valencia is a CSU Fullerton Alumni, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Television arts. In October 2025, she joined Back House Productions as a head Co-Producer, and has now produced one music video and three short films within less than a year, and it's not over for her. Marcela has experience directing, writing, and identifying captivating stories. She has a track record of enhancing audience engagement and production efficiency.