MASSIMO CHINOSI'S SENIOR THESIS FILM

Where are we? The question is historical not geographical. What are we living through? Where are we being taken? What have we lost? These questions echoed in my mind as I wrote Dawnland. The world feels increasingly unstable—from the climate crisis and environmental collapse, to the growing influence of dangerous billionaires, the erosion of civil rights, and the ongoing realities of war and genocide. Dawnland was born from a need to ask: How do we make sense of a world in constant upheaval—and how do we begin to heal?

There are countless ways to respond to a world in crisis—but for me, it started with writing a film. Our protagonist is numb, adrift in a world steeped in apathy. The news is relentless, the world feels broken, yet like so many of us, he looks away—detached, overwhelmed, complicit. This isn’t just fiction; it’s a reflection of how many of us live. But when do we finally say no? For him, that moment comes when he discovers a mysterious artifact that grants him vivid visions of a better world. Forced on a journey to return it, his journey becomes one of awakening. He begins to see that the artifact is more than just a relic—it’s a symbol of connection: to the land, to each other, and to a forgotten way of being. A rejection of the numbness we’ve come to accept. So with Dawnland--my hope is that we’re headed towards healing.

THE STORY:

Truman works in a museum archival office, quietly and solemnly moving through the motions of an unfulfilled life. His daily routine consists of inventorying, tallying, storing artifacts in boxes, and when he gets home, a can of pineapples and depressing news awaits him on his couch. He is stifled and suffers to something unseen. At night, dreams of true happiness haunt him, as he awakes to his less-than-ideal reality.

In the Mood for Love, Dir. Wong Kar-Wai

One day, a mysterious artifact comes across his desk that brings powerful visions, but soon a fatal threat emerges. Violently the artifact is stolen by a suited man who leads Truman on a thrilling chase through the city. In another act of violence, Truman narrowly escapes with the artifact in hand and an even bigger chase begins with an entirely different meaning.

Raiders of the Lost Ark, Dir. Spielberg

He is surprised by his new-found confidence, and soon realizes he must return the stone and keep it safe from existential threats. He embarks on a quest through the forest, and meets mysterious guides and spirits that aide him on his journey, such as a ballerina, a motorcyclist and a young soldier, but the danger isn’t over. The suited man returns and reveals the corporate interest in the artifact, and vows to destroy anyone who gets in the way.  There’s a tussle, but good prevails in the end as the young man finds the courage to face him.

8 1/2, Dir. Fellini

With his journey complete, he finally returns the stone—and in doing so, his life and his world is transformed. His heart opens to the world around him, guided now by the wisdom of the land and the voices of the ancestors.



La Chimera, Dir. Alice Rohrwacher

After this campaign is fully funded, we will move onto production starting in late September of 2025. Once finished the film will be showcased with MassArt's Senior Film/Video Showcase in May of 2026, and have it's own premiere in Boston- and after that, it will be submitted to film festivals and prepared for an online release. If we surpass 100% of our funding, the extra money will go towards film festival fees. Thank you so much for your support and caring about this vision! It wouldn't be possible without you.