Candidate 49
New York City, New York | Film Short
Action, Thriller
Candidate 49 is a raw, action thriller. It confronts modern masculinity, inner collapse, and the cost of transformation. Supporting this film means backing honest, and challenging storytelling from a latino filmmaker; the kind that asks hard questions, and holds a mirror up to all of us.
Candidate 49
New York City, New York | Film Short
Action, Thriller
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,494 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
87 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Candidate 49 is a raw, action thriller. It confronts modern masculinity, inner collapse, and the cost of transformation. Supporting this film means backing honest, and challenging storytelling from a latino filmmaker; the kind that asks hard questions, and holds a mirror up to all of us.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
QUIET DESPERATION
Ezra is a man unraveling in silence. Trapped in a monotonous job selling insurance, emasculated in his relationship with his radiant girlfriend Tiana, and drowning in digital numbness, he feels detached from everything real. His body is soft, his mind clouded, and his spirit cracked.
At a dive bar, Ezra meets Val—a strange, almost divine woman who interrupts his night with a chilling offer. She examines him like a product, leaves him with a mysterious card, and disappears. In a moment of raw loneliness, Ezra calls the number on the card.
What arrives instead of a woman is a katana, filthy, ancient, and a book with cryptic instructions. And Thus begins the ritual.
SELF DISCIPLINE
The book demands devotion: clean the blade twice a day, read an hour each day, become more than average. Ezra embraces the transformation.
Over 63 days, he is changed. He may have the same face, but he is energetically unrecognizable. The distractions fall away, TikTok, cigarettes, video games, even his unhealthy relationship with Tiana. He trains his body, rewires his mind, and becomes something primal yet composed. However in his final days, his power corrupts him, darkness seeps in, violence surges forward, and his mercy begins to fade.
At the end of the book is a number. A voice tells him to bring the blade to the beach at sunrise. There, he meets another transformed man. They battle. It is brutal, savage, real. Ezra wins, but instead of killing his opponent, he chooses mercy. He weeps. Thanks the man. Turns his back...
FREEDOM
And is stabbed through the heart.
Behind him stands Val—elegant, cold, efficient. She pulls the blade out, retrieves a vial of Ezra’s blood, and discards him without ceremony.
“There is no space for the compassionate man in the society, my love,” she says.
The victor is collected and welcomed. The cycle resets. Tiana, Ezra’s girlfriend, appears on the motorcycle, there to confirm her mark arrived. The three women prepare the next blade. The next book. The next man.
Ezra was Candidate 49. He will not be the last.
Viisually we aim to blur the line between hyper reality and stylized fiction. Using the Arri Mini LF and full frame panavision lenses to a craft grounded, immersive experience. Handheld techniques inject volatility and instability in Ezra’s unraveling life, juxtaposing steadicam and split diopter shots which lend an eerie calm duality to his transformation. Harsh lighting and macro lenses pull viewers face-to-face with every bruise, breath, and breakdown, elevating intensity and intimacy
I believe films should do more than just entertain, films should inspire questions, they should be haunting and spark thought long after the credits have rolled. Candidate 49 doesn’t offer answers, its a ritual, and a question I ask myself, a question buried under routine, and silence.
This film is about identity, about the violence men inherit from generations past, and the transformations we long for. Our movie is about the cost of discipline, and the value of feeling in a world that’s numbing. We’ve all felt like our world was on fire and we’ve put on stoic smiles and said “everything is fine.” I’m making this film because I’ve lived in that silence, and I’ve seen it in the eyes and actions of other men.
Candidate 49 confronts that silence, it looks past the veil of performance and sprints to our ancient and ancestral foundations. It asks what it is to be a man. What it means to be a compassionate human in a machine that feeds on fear. And what’s left when everything gets stripped away. By supporting this film you’re helping tell a story that doesn’t beg to entertain, it demands to be felt. It’s not just timely, it’s necessary.
For us, it starts with Candidate 49 — a bold, original story that we believe in with everything we've got. We're currently in pre-production, gathering a talented and fiercely dedicated team from right here in New York City. The energy is electric . The ambition is high. Now we’re asking you to join us on this journey.
Making something this meaningful requires more than just passion. It requires resources.
With your help, we’ll be able to:
- Pay our artists and crew fairly — because great work deserves real support.
- Design a world that feels alive — rich, textured, and visually unforgettable.
- Prioritize safety and professionalism on set — for a smooth and respectful production.
- Enter the film into major festivals — where Candidate 49 can reach a wider audience.
This isn’t just about funding a film. It’s about backing a vision — one that reflects the times we live in and the voices that need to be heard.
If you believe in bold storytelling and the power of independent film, we’d be honored to have your support.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast and Crew
Costs $6,000
A machine is the sum of its parts, if I want production to run smoothly and create a great film I need to pay fairly for the best talent.
Camera, Lights, Sound
Costs $1,500
Panavision has always championed imagery. The Mini follows that tradition by creating the best image on the market.
POST PRODUCTION
Costs $1,500
Hiring a great post team is possibly the most important part of production, every cut, every sound, and every color gets refined in post.
Production
Costs $3,000
Locations, Food, Travel, and miscellaneous expenses.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer / Director / Producer - Elias Tejada
Elias Tejada is an award-winning filmmaker, certified personal trainer, former Division I athlete, and a first generation American. His award-winning film MoNA skewers the art world’s obsession with performative activism. Though accepted into law school, Elias chose cinema over the courtroom — a path defined by action, surrealism, and imagery that cuts deep. His work strips away modern masks to reveal what’s primal, brutal, and human beneath. His latest project, Candidate 49, is a ritual-heavy odyssey through masculinity in crisis — a world where discipline is sacred, compassion is punished, and mercy costs life. And yes, there is a cult of assassins.
Cinematographer - Jeff Malo
Jeff Malo is a cuban American cinematographer with a passion for bold, cinematic storytelling, deeply inspired by the visually striking films of the late 80's, 90's, and early 2000s. Movies like blade Runner, The Abyss, Event Horizon, and the Matrix shaped the way he sees light, composition, and atmosphere-fueling his drive to create images that feel immersive and alive.
Jeff's approach is both technical and intuitive. He thrives on shepherding a project from prep through post, working closely with directors and clients to craft visuals that elevate the story. Whether it's designing 2D lighting plots and set layouts in pre-production or collaborating with his team of skilled creatives on set, every frame is built with purpose and passion. When Jeff is not behind the camera, he is dreaming up the next world to create.
Producer - Luke McCormick Gardiner
Luke is a filmmaker whose work blends rigorous academic inquiry with deeply personal storytelling. A Columbia University alum and participant in the FAMU international program, Luke draws heavily from both lived experience and queer theory to craft narratives that challenge normative structures. He has directed four short films, including Evergreen (currently in post-production.) A crowdfunded narrative shot with a professional, predominantly queer crew, and Burning, which earned the Harvardwood Prize for its focus on social change. His work has also screened at festivals including Obscura and Montclair Film Festival. Luke has worked extensively in both institutional and indie spaces-from assisting Alison Nyuyen on museum based video art, which has been featured at both the MoMA and the Whitney, to crew roles on narrative productions across NYC. Off-set, he is an unapologetic - and some would say masochistic-rewatcher of Children of Men, Titane, and Rosemary's Baby.
Casting Director - Sabrina Salcedo
Sabrina Salcedo is a second gen Dominican American, artist, producer, and multifaceted industry professional with a strong passion for visual storytelling and creative collaboration. A graduate of Pace University with a BBA in Arts & Entertainment Management. Sabrina has built her career at the intersection of artistry and logistics- contributing to both the look and completion of indie film, commercial projects and fashion events alike. Her experience includes work on student short films, production assistant and art department roles on commercials/ads, and presently spends most pf her time as an agent trainee. Sabrina's creative eye has also found a home in the world of fashion, with contributions to events like New York Fashion Week, where her attention to visual detail and aesthetic harmony shone through. Dedicated to fostering community and championing the next generation of filmmakers, Sabrina thrives on collaboration and the shared energy that emerges when passionate creatives come together. Her work reflects a deep love for visual aesthetics, storytelling, and the behind the scenes acumen that brings projects to life.
Producer - Corey Downey
everyone loves a good story, but there is a secret to storytelling that resonates with the soul.
Raised in a challenging home environment with a special needs younger sister, Corey Downey's early life was marked by responsibility, resilience, and deep emotional awareness. Difficult experiences shaped his understanding of human complexity and ignited a lifelong passion for transforming how people connect their outer and intrapersonal lives. With a unique background in both film and architecture, Corey brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work, blending the emotional depth of narrative with the structural precision of design. He is fascinated by the intersection of personal aesthetics, symbolism, and psychological storytelling; how form and feeling combine to shape perception.
This perspective has taken Corey across borders and into collaboration with visionary artists from around the world. Whether behind the camera or on the stage, he continues to explore how art and science together can offer new ways of seeing — and new ways of healing.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
QUIET DESPERATION
Ezra is a man unraveling in silence. Trapped in a monotonous job selling insurance, emasculated in his relationship with his radiant girlfriend Tiana, and drowning in digital numbness, he feels detached from everything real. His body is soft, his mind clouded, and his spirit cracked.
At a dive bar, Ezra meets Val—a strange, almost divine woman who interrupts his night with a chilling offer. She examines him like a product, leaves him with a mysterious card, and disappears. In a moment of raw loneliness, Ezra calls the number on the card.
What arrives instead of a woman is a katana, filthy, ancient, and a book with cryptic instructions. And Thus begins the ritual.
SELF DISCIPLINE
The book demands devotion: clean the blade twice a day, read an hour each day, become more than average. Ezra embraces the transformation.
Over 63 days, he is changed. He may have the same face, but he is energetically unrecognizable. The distractions fall away, TikTok, cigarettes, video games, even his unhealthy relationship with Tiana. He trains his body, rewires his mind, and becomes something primal yet composed. However in his final days, his power corrupts him, darkness seeps in, violence surges forward, and his mercy begins to fade.
At the end of the book is a number. A voice tells him to bring the blade to the beach at sunrise. There, he meets another transformed man. They battle. It is brutal, savage, real. Ezra wins, but instead of killing his opponent, he chooses mercy. He weeps. Thanks the man. Turns his back...
FREEDOM
And is stabbed through the heart.
Behind him stands Val—elegant, cold, efficient. She pulls the blade out, retrieves a vial of Ezra’s blood, and discards him without ceremony.
“There is no space for the compassionate man in the society, my love,” she says.
The victor is collected and welcomed. The cycle resets. Tiana, Ezra’s girlfriend, appears on the motorcycle, there to confirm her mark arrived. The three women prepare the next blade. The next book. The next man.
Ezra was Candidate 49. He will not be the last.
Viisually we aim to blur the line between hyper reality and stylized fiction. Using the Arri Mini LF and full frame panavision lenses to a craft grounded, immersive experience. Handheld techniques inject volatility and instability in Ezra’s unraveling life, juxtaposing steadicam and split diopter shots which lend an eerie calm duality to his transformation. Harsh lighting and macro lenses pull viewers face-to-face with every bruise, breath, and breakdown, elevating intensity and intimacy
I believe films should do more than just entertain, films should inspire questions, they should be haunting and spark thought long after the credits have rolled. Candidate 49 doesn’t offer answers, its a ritual, and a question I ask myself, a question buried under routine, and silence.
This film is about identity, about the violence men inherit from generations past, and the transformations we long for. Our movie is about the cost of discipline, and the value of feeling in a world that’s numbing. We’ve all felt like our world was on fire and we’ve put on stoic smiles and said “everything is fine.” I’m making this film because I’ve lived in that silence, and I’ve seen it in the eyes and actions of other men.
Candidate 49 confronts that silence, it looks past the veil of performance and sprints to our ancient and ancestral foundations. It asks what it is to be a man. What it means to be a compassionate human in a machine that feeds on fear. And what’s left when everything gets stripped away. By supporting this film you’re helping tell a story that doesn’t beg to entertain, it demands to be felt. It’s not just timely, it’s necessary.
For us, it starts with Candidate 49 — a bold, original story that we believe in with everything we've got. We're currently in pre-production, gathering a talented and fiercely dedicated team from right here in New York City. The energy is electric . The ambition is high. Now we’re asking you to join us on this journey.
Making something this meaningful requires more than just passion. It requires resources.
With your help, we’ll be able to:
- Pay our artists and crew fairly — because great work deserves real support.
- Design a world that feels alive — rich, textured, and visually unforgettable.
- Prioritize safety and professionalism on set — for a smooth and respectful production.
- Enter the film into major festivals — where Candidate 49 can reach a wider audience.
This isn’t just about funding a film. It’s about backing a vision — one that reflects the times we live in and the voices that need to be heard.
If you believe in bold storytelling and the power of independent film, we’d be honored to have your support.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast and Crew
Costs $6,000
A machine is the sum of its parts, if I want production to run smoothly and create a great film I need to pay fairly for the best talent.
Camera, Lights, Sound
Costs $1,500
Panavision has always championed imagery. The Mini follows that tradition by creating the best image on the market.
POST PRODUCTION
Costs $1,500
Hiring a great post team is possibly the most important part of production, every cut, every sound, and every color gets refined in post.
Production
Costs $3,000
Locations, Food, Travel, and miscellaneous expenses.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer / Director / Producer - Elias Tejada
Elias Tejada is an award-winning filmmaker, certified personal trainer, former Division I athlete, and a first generation American. His award-winning film MoNA skewers the art world’s obsession with performative activism. Though accepted into law school, Elias chose cinema over the courtroom — a path defined by action, surrealism, and imagery that cuts deep. His work strips away modern masks to reveal what’s primal, brutal, and human beneath. His latest project, Candidate 49, is a ritual-heavy odyssey through masculinity in crisis — a world where discipline is sacred, compassion is punished, and mercy costs life. And yes, there is a cult of assassins.
Cinematographer - Jeff Malo
Jeff Malo is a cuban American cinematographer with a passion for bold, cinematic storytelling, deeply inspired by the visually striking films of the late 80's, 90's, and early 2000s. Movies like blade Runner, The Abyss, Event Horizon, and the Matrix shaped the way he sees light, composition, and atmosphere-fueling his drive to create images that feel immersive and alive.
Jeff's approach is both technical and intuitive. He thrives on shepherding a project from prep through post, working closely with directors and clients to craft visuals that elevate the story. Whether it's designing 2D lighting plots and set layouts in pre-production or collaborating with his team of skilled creatives on set, every frame is built with purpose and passion. When Jeff is not behind the camera, he is dreaming up the next world to create.
Producer - Luke McCormick Gardiner
Luke is a filmmaker whose work blends rigorous academic inquiry with deeply personal storytelling. A Columbia University alum and participant in the FAMU international program, Luke draws heavily from both lived experience and queer theory to craft narratives that challenge normative structures. He has directed four short films, including Evergreen (currently in post-production.) A crowdfunded narrative shot with a professional, predominantly queer crew, and Burning, which earned the Harvardwood Prize for its focus on social change. His work has also screened at festivals including Obscura and Montclair Film Festival. Luke has worked extensively in both institutional and indie spaces-from assisting Alison Nyuyen on museum based video art, which has been featured at both the MoMA and the Whitney, to crew roles on narrative productions across NYC. Off-set, he is an unapologetic - and some would say masochistic-rewatcher of Children of Men, Titane, and Rosemary's Baby.
Casting Director - Sabrina Salcedo
Sabrina Salcedo is a second gen Dominican American, artist, producer, and multifaceted industry professional with a strong passion for visual storytelling and creative collaboration. A graduate of Pace University with a BBA in Arts & Entertainment Management. Sabrina has built her career at the intersection of artistry and logistics- contributing to both the look and completion of indie film, commercial projects and fashion events alike. Her experience includes work on student short films, production assistant and art department roles on commercials/ads, and presently spends most pf her time as an agent trainee. Sabrina's creative eye has also found a home in the world of fashion, with contributions to events like New York Fashion Week, where her attention to visual detail and aesthetic harmony shone through. Dedicated to fostering community and championing the next generation of filmmakers, Sabrina thrives on collaboration and the shared energy that emerges when passionate creatives come together. Her work reflects a deep love for visual aesthetics, storytelling, and the behind the scenes acumen that brings projects to life.
Producer - Corey Downey
everyone loves a good story, but there is a secret to storytelling that resonates with the soul.
Raised in a challenging home environment with a special needs younger sister, Corey Downey's early life was marked by responsibility, resilience, and deep emotional awareness. Difficult experiences shaped his understanding of human complexity and ignited a lifelong passion for transforming how people connect their outer and intrapersonal lives. With a unique background in both film and architecture, Corey brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work, blending the emotional depth of narrative with the structural precision of design. He is fascinated by the intersection of personal aesthetics, symbolism, and psychological storytelling; how form and feeling combine to shape perception.
This perspective has taken Corey across borders and into collaboration with visionary artists from around the world. Whether behind the camera or on the stage, he continues to explore how art and science together can offer new ways of seeing — and new ways of healing.