High-strung grad student Jule is met with a villain from her past, inspiring her and her deadbeat roommate, Wren, to join forces and plot revenge. They unwittingly become a vigilante duo, scheming against sexual predators who have slipped through the cracks. As their illegal operation grows, so does the risk of being caught. Together, they weigh the risk of arrest against the rush of justice.

Inspiration:

The unlikely duo is a time honored trope. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Damage Ctrl takes this dynamic and uses it as a comfortable launchpad for an uncomfortable discussion.

"I wanted to tell a story about a couple of flawed, badass, weirdo women becoming unexpected friends. But in the framework for Damage Ctrl, I saw the opportunity to address something larger. As a survivor of sexual violence, I know that it can be hard to watch shows and movies that address sexual trauma. They feel exploitative at best, and triggering at worst. But by de-centering the predators and letting the hijinks and humor drive the film, I believe Damage Ctrl can make space for healing. It helped heal me."

-Farbota Lynn, Writer & Producer

Style:

Although Damage Ctrl covers heavy subject matter, the script is surprisingly lighthearted. It's driven by fast-paced vigilante shenanigans, creative camera movements, vibrant colors, and the reluctant friendship of our vigilante duo.

Impact:

Once completed, 10% of profits produced by Damage Ctrl will go towards an organization that supports survivors of sexual violence.

An average of 433,648 Americans over 12 years old are sexually assaulted each year. Less than 3% of perpetrators face consequences.*

Our culture shames, silences, and isolates survivors of sexual violence. We believe our film can help build the community and empathy required to heal. Damage Ctrl skirts around preachy philosophy, focusing instead on the flaws in our justice system, and correcting the mainstream media representation of sexual violence as a problem exclusively suffered by white women. A wide range of experiences are represented -- everyone deserves to feel seen.

Proof of Concept:

Ashley and Farbota produced a proof of concept for Damage Ctrl over the course of a weekend in November, 2023. This short film serves not only as a visual reference for the feature, but proves to us that this story has the power to bring a team of creatives together and make space for healing. The team was driven by our collective vision of a world where survivors are heard. They worked with impressive patience and care, and many shared unprompted and deeply personal stories, comforted by the knowledge that we all saw the injustice of our shared experiences.

Director's Statement:

"As I read Damage Ctrl, it immediately resonated on a personal level -- I thought of my cousin, my best friend -- we all know survivors of sexual assault whose cases were mishandled or who didn't even have enough faith in the system to report it. Yet the script explores these issues through the lens of a black comedy, creating a bold and provocative story.

"Im drawn to complex, women-centric narratives that defy simple archetypes, and Farbota's script weaves a deliciously layered relationship between its unlikely duo. I'm also compelled by the moral ambiguities of both vigilante justice, and pitting the stories of women who are not being heard against the presumption of innocence.

"I'm eager to bring this daring, uncompromising script to audiences ravenous for provocative stories that merge biting entertainment with serious, timely themes."

-Julia Kots, Director

What's Next?

With a director, producer, and casting team already on board, the next step in making Damage Ctrl happen is to begin casting and locking in key creatives. We have spoken to many interested artists and collaborators and are excited to have the funds we need to start growing our team.

Damage Ctrl is slated to film in Chicago, Spring 2025. Afterwards, we will premier in Chicago and at film festivals, followed by a limited theatrical release and ultimately availability on streaming services.

Follow us on instagram or visit our website for regular updates!

How Can You Help?

Donations from people like you can go a long way! Fundraising is often the biggest hurdle for indie filmmakers. Crowdfunding will not only give us the initial funds we need to begin taking on cast and crew, but will enable us to approach larger investors with proof that the public cares about this story. These initial funds are crucial for maintaining our momentum.

Sharing on social media is also a great way to support us. Sharing this campaign and encouraging people in your circles to donate creates much needed buzz for our film.

If we reach our goal of $15,000, we will push for a stretch goal of $20,000! This will enable us to lock in initial payments for locations and equipment rentals.

Setting New Standards:

Our production company, Handkerchief Films, is committed to building a healthy and sustainable working environment for filmmaking. By re-examining industry standards and prioritizing the health and safety of our collaborators, we aim to establish a higher standard that values the wellbeing of our cast and crew.

As a Chicago-based production company, we want to offer opportunities to our talented local artists and filmmakers, thus supporting and growing our community.