Edelweiss
West Dundee, Illinois | Film Short
Drama
A gardener, flowers, and weeds. A simple premise that aims to connect with anyone dealing with chronic illness, whether that be mental, physical, or a combination of both. Told through a unique voice and captivating visuals, this film has the power to resonate with audiences and inspire hope.
Edelweiss
West Dundee, Illinois | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $14,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
46 supporters | followers
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A gardener, flowers, and weeds. A simple premise that aims to connect with anyone dealing with chronic illness, whether that be mental, physical, or a combination of both. Told through a unique voice and captivating visuals, this film has the power to resonate with audiences and inspire hope.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"We’re all made up of teeny tiny things called cells. You can think of them like flowers in a garden… Unfortunately, my body is also making a few weeds. Right now, my body is trying hard to get rid of those weeds. But it takes a lot of work.”
- Arthur
Edelweiss is a short film that pays homage to an episode of Arthur called "The Great McGrady". In this episode, audiences watch as one of the characters, Mrs. McGrady, deals with her cancer diagnosis and undergoes treatment. The episode breaks down cancer through the simple analogy of comparing our cells to flowers and cancer to weeds. It's an image that's easily visualized and understood. It also reimagines the negative imagery typically surrounding cancer and instead represents it through nature.
Sometime in the early 2000s, I got my first understanding of cancer after watching the Arthur episode “The Great MacGrady”.
In March 2020, just two weeks before the nationwide COVID-19 shutdown, I was 18, and I was diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Cancer.
In August 2025, I was 23 and had repeat surgery.
In 2026, I am 24, and Edelweiss is my post-college directorial debut and my chance to share an aspect of my cancer journey the best way I know how. Since being diagnosed, I've had to learn how to navigate the world in a different way. From understanding the nuances of insurance policies, to medical appointments dictating my schedule, to knowing I have to have a certain amount of savings set aside for medical bills, to memorizing the hold music of my doctors offices, to knowing life needs to halt at times so I can receive care, to the mental toll that cancer takes, to accepting that cancer is a chronic illness.
Cancer can be a truly isolating experience; however, just through the pre-production process, I've already met a few amazing individuals like Juliana who are living a similar journey. This film is unique in its potential to build community and grow connections among people who haven't yet felt seen. It takes the pain, struggle, and fear associated with cancer and, like the episode of Arthur, places it against the backdrop of nature. It immerses audiences into this emotional journey of chronic illness and aims to remove that isolation. By the end of it, audiences will realize that the wilting flowers juxtaposed against the woman's scar reveal neither one of them is alone in fighting their battle.
A woman struggling with her own cancer battle fights to save her garden from invasive weeds.
Edelweiss opens on a peaceful garden of edelweiss, the clear efforts of tireless work. The woman quickly realizes that her garden requires more treatment than she initially thought as weeds begin metastasizing through the soil and around her flowers. On her first attempt, she removes the weeds by hand; however, a few prove stubborn and reoccurant leading her to opt for more invasive options. As her focus shifts to more drastic measures, exhaustion sets in, and intrusive thoughts flood her mind. What started as an escape from reality now reflects it.
The role of the gardener is based a lot on the internal experience and thought patterns surrounding a cancer journey. With Medullary Thyroid Cancer specifically, treatment often resembles weeding a garden since surgery is the main tactic to limit growth. Throughout the film, the gardener is seen with a healing scar on her neck as the garden also evolves. Her determination is at the forefront of her actions as she knows the removal of the weeds is the only way for the flowers to survive.
"This project is close to my heart simply because it's telling an experience that is so unique to cancer patients in general. But I also think it examines a part of Medullary cancer that is an unfortunate reality. And that is that you're going to spend the rest of your life, weeding."
-Juliana Coleman (Lead Actress)
"...these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.” - The Sound of Music
Edelweiss, with its wooled white petals cradling the pops of yellow within, is a beautiful flower native to Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It's also made famous by the iconic and tear-jerking song of the same name in one of my favorite films, Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music.
Edelweiss ties itself to quite a few different meanings; however, strength, courage, and determination stand out most. The flower grows in some of the toughest alpine conditions in the world, surviving in rocky limestone and at altitudes of 5,900 to 9,800 feet in the Alps.
Despite the battle it faces to survive, it continues to bloom and grow, waiting to greet us.
"I really wanted to work on this because I think this is such an important story. When I first read the script, it really allows you to get inside the head of this character and understand how unmoored you can feel when you receive news like this. I just think the way Sarah wants to share her story will connect with so many other people."
-Kaitlin Creadon (Production Designer)
Soft | Emotional | Bright | Thought-provoking | Intriguing | Authentic
There are two main components to the visual style of this film. The first is the gardener's reality, and the other is her intrusive thoughts. The style of reality features symmetrical framing, earth tones, and wide-framed shots juxtaposed with close-ups. The gardener's intrusive thoughts, however, are made up of unique angles, extreme close-ups, bokeh blurriness, and oversaturation.
"[Sarah] is so passionate about bringing this story to life and bringing this community together, both on the filmmaking side and on the cancer side of trying to be a voice and give a voice to what that experience is like. It means a lot to me to be able to be a part of that."
-John Klein (DP)
Our Director of Photography, John Klein, has extensive experience working in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years. John makes an incredible addition to this team with his expertise in short films, his experience and access to a variety of camera, lighting, and grip equipment, and his incredibly inventive approach to cinematography.
The budget for Edelweiss ensures every aspect of this production is supported while staying financially responsible. Our producer, Katelyn Henslin, is an expert in building film budgets and has carefully accounted for all expected and unexpected costs required to bring this film to life.
In order to greenlight Edelweiss, we need to receive at least 80% ($11,200) of our campaign target.
Crafty & Catering ($400): Making sure our team is well fed, hydrated, and energized.
Insurance ($500): Making sure we protect all the people, places, and things helping bring this film to life.
Production Design ($900): Creating the perfect garden for our gardener. Main production design items include the Edelweiss flowers, flower boxes, wardrobe, and set decorations.
Contingency Funds ($1000): A safety net for any unexpected expenses in order to keep the production on track and on budget.
Gear & Transportation ($1,200): Our Director of Photography comes with a lot of his own gear, however, there are a few particular items we will need to rent, including a probe len,s which will allow us to get up close in the garden. We also need to rent a van to get gear to and from the set.
Post-Production and Distribution ($1,180): Editing, sound design, color grade, score, and festival submissions to ensure the film reaches its target audience.
Cast and Crew Payments ($7,500): The majority of the budget is dedicated to making sure the cast and crew who have been and will be giving their time and energy to make this project happen are paid fairly.
"I feel strongly that Edelweiss is going to provide community and a safe space for other cancer patients and survivors, and it would be a mistake not to be a part of that."
-Katelyn Henslin (Producer)
Once Edelweiss has been shot, pieced together and polished by our amazing post-production team, and fully picture locked, it will be submitted to a list of thoroughly researched film festivals. From shorts-focused festivals such as Chicago International REEL's shorts, Indy Shorts, and Pittsburgh Shorts, to festivals our crew has raved about their time attending, including The Midwest Film Festival, The Chicago International Film Festival, and The Cleveland International Film Festival, to festivals with categories fitting Edelweiss's themes, such as the "Unstoppable Shorts" category at Slamdance and The Remission Film Festival.
The mission of this story is to explore a side of cancer, specifically Medullary Thyroid Cancer, that makes it a chronic illness. The goal is to connect with others, grow a community, and grow as a filmmaker. Film festivals, screenings, and outreach will come together to succeed in that mission and goal!
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Please consider matching your contribution to one of the following organizations. Throughout this campaign, information about these organizations will be shared on this page as well as on our socials.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Custom Raised Garden Boxes
Costs $200
Various garden boxes will be used interchangeably to allow for unique soil shots, as well as allow for efficiency in set changes
Cast and Crew Payments
Costs $7,500
Behind every great film is an even greater cast and crew
Edelweiss Flowers
Costs $100
You can't have a garden without flowers!
Props/Wardrobe
Costs $500
Various props and wardrobe items to set the scene
Crafty
Costs $200
Snacks keep us going
Lunch
Costs $200
People get hungry - we like to make sure to feed them
A Probe Lens
Costs $90
To fully immerse the audience into the garden
Insurance
Costs $500
Protecting people, places and things
Uhaul Rental
Costs $150
We've got a lot of props and gear to get out to the burbs, a U-Haul will be quite handy
Hard Drives
Costs $600
So we can save that footage somewhere
Post Production
Costs $1,500
So we can make the film pretty for all to see
Hair and Makeup Expendables
Costs $100
To make everyone look stunning
Contingency Fund
Costs $1,000
Because we're prepared for anything
Gear Rentals
Costs $360
Equipment rentals (aka things our DP is very excited to try out)
Distribution
Costs $1,000
To make sure this film reaches our target audeince and builds those connections
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Sarah Glees (Director/Writer) is a recent film school graduate who has been working in the industry since before she earned her diploma. While in school, she interned with NBC5 Chicago, was a PA for various independent short film productions, created a film festival at her university, and produced seven music videos that premiered at the Music Box Theater. She has since freelanced on indie film and commercial productions as a production coordinator as well as worked for Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and The Chicago International Film Festival. Edelweiss is inspired by her experience after being diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Cancer at 18. See more samples of Sarah's work here.
Juliana Good (Lead Actress/Associate Producer) is a photographer, mother, and business owner of Juliana Bird Photography. Adding to her list of talents, she's also a trained Italian Opera singer. Juliana was diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Cancer in 2023. She and Sarah connected with one another through the MTC Facebook group, and it was instantly clear that there was no one better suited to play the role of the gardener in this film.
John Klein (Cinematographer) is a father, cinematographer, camera operator, lover of dogs, Instagram addict, and all-around happy dude. He's best known for award-winning films such as Chrysalis, Static Space, Cry It Out, and Never Not Yours. He has shot projects of all shapes, sizes, and budgets; from short films like the neo-noir Fate Accompli, to feature films such as the character-driven NightLights, to traveling around the globe for the Bangladesh documentary Strong Bodies Fight. John currently serves as the Director of the Digital Media Program at Elmhurst University. See more samples of John's work here.
Katelyn Henslin (Producer) is a Chicago based independent film producer and creative consultant with experience spanning indie features, commercials, and television of different sizes and budgets. Her projects have been recognized in the Chicago International Film Festival, Cinema Femme, NFFTY and other festivals around the world. Notable credits include her work on Chicago PD, Adult Children, Places of Worship, and her most recent feature Behind the Eight-Ball. Katelyn has also newly joined the team at the Midwest Film Festival as creative operations producer and director of the industry- focused, informational podcast, Reel Wisdom with NK. See more samples of Katelyn's work here.
Kaitlin Creadon (Production Designer) is an independent production designer in the Chicago area. She’s worked on a variety of projects of varying genres including the television pilot Inferno, and the short films Rear View and The Pool. She also has directing experience, including the nominated documentary For the Love of the Child focused on her own adoption story. Kaitlin is also an adjunct professor at DePaul University and Elmhurst University. See more samples of Kaitlin's work here.
Collin Rita (Production Coordinator) is a Chicago-based Production Coordinator with 5 years of on-set and production office experience spanning television, feature films, & commercials. Starting as a PA in 2020, he has quickly risen within the Chicago film scene. Some of his notable credits include Let’s Start a Cult, Somebody Somewhere, Adult Children, Ironheart, Heist 88, & The Bear. See more of Collin's work here.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"We’re all made up of teeny tiny things called cells. You can think of them like flowers in a garden… Unfortunately, my body is also making a few weeds. Right now, my body is trying hard to get rid of those weeds. But it takes a lot of work.”
- Arthur
Edelweiss is a short film that pays homage to an episode of Arthur called "The Great McGrady". In this episode, audiences watch as one of the characters, Mrs. McGrady, deals with her cancer diagnosis and undergoes treatment. The episode breaks down cancer through the simple analogy of comparing our cells to flowers and cancer to weeds. It's an image that's easily visualized and understood. It also reimagines the negative imagery typically surrounding cancer and instead represents it through nature.
Sometime in the early 2000s, I got my first understanding of cancer after watching the Arthur episode “The Great MacGrady”.
In March 2020, just two weeks before the nationwide COVID-19 shutdown, I was 18, and I was diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Cancer.
In August 2025, I was 23 and had repeat surgery.
In 2026, I am 24, and Edelweiss is my post-college directorial debut and my chance to share an aspect of my cancer journey the best way I know how. Since being diagnosed, I've had to learn how to navigate the world in a different way. From understanding the nuances of insurance policies, to medical appointments dictating my schedule, to knowing I have to have a certain amount of savings set aside for medical bills, to memorizing the hold music of my doctors offices, to knowing life needs to halt at times so I can receive care, to the mental toll that cancer takes, to accepting that cancer is a chronic illness.
Cancer can be a truly isolating experience; however, just through the pre-production process, I've already met a few amazing individuals like Juliana who are living a similar journey. This film is unique in its potential to build community and grow connections among people who haven't yet felt seen. It takes the pain, struggle, and fear associated with cancer and, like the episode of Arthur, places it against the backdrop of nature. It immerses audiences into this emotional journey of chronic illness and aims to remove that isolation. By the end of it, audiences will realize that the wilting flowers juxtaposed against the woman's scar reveal neither one of them is alone in fighting their battle.
A woman struggling with her own cancer battle fights to save her garden from invasive weeds.
Edelweiss opens on a peaceful garden of edelweiss, the clear efforts of tireless work. The woman quickly realizes that her garden requires more treatment than she initially thought as weeds begin metastasizing through the soil and around her flowers. On her first attempt, she removes the weeds by hand; however, a few prove stubborn and reoccurant leading her to opt for more invasive options. As her focus shifts to more drastic measures, exhaustion sets in, and intrusive thoughts flood her mind. What started as an escape from reality now reflects it.
The role of the gardener is based a lot on the internal experience and thought patterns surrounding a cancer journey. With Medullary Thyroid Cancer specifically, treatment often resembles weeding a garden since surgery is the main tactic to limit growth. Throughout the film, the gardener is seen with a healing scar on her neck as the garden also evolves. Her determination is at the forefront of her actions as she knows the removal of the weeds is the only way for the flowers to survive.
"This project is close to my heart simply because it's telling an experience that is so unique to cancer patients in general. But I also think it examines a part of Medullary cancer that is an unfortunate reality. And that is that you're going to spend the rest of your life, weeding."
-Juliana Coleman (Lead Actress)
"...these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.” - The Sound of Music
Edelweiss, with its wooled white petals cradling the pops of yellow within, is a beautiful flower native to Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It's also made famous by the iconic and tear-jerking song of the same name in one of my favorite films, Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music.
Edelweiss ties itself to quite a few different meanings; however, strength, courage, and determination stand out most. The flower grows in some of the toughest alpine conditions in the world, surviving in rocky limestone and at altitudes of 5,900 to 9,800 feet in the Alps.
Despite the battle it faces to survive, it continues to bloom and grow, waiting to greet us.
"I really wanted to work on this because I think this is such an important story. When I first read the script, it really allows you to get inside the head of this character and understand how unmoored you can feel when you receive news like this. I just think the way Sarah wants to share her story will connect with so many other people."
-Kaitlin Creadon (Production Designer)
Soft | Emotional | Bright | Thought-provoking | Intriguing | Authentic
There are two main components to the visual style of this film. The first is the gardener's reality, and the other is her intrusive thoughts. The style of reality features symmetrical framing, earth tones, and wide-framed shots juxtaposed with close-ups. The gardener's intrusive thoughts, however, are made up of unique angles, extreme close-ups, bokeh blurriness, and oversaturation.
"[Sarah] is so passionate about bringing this story to life and bringing this community together, both on the filmmaking side and on the cancer side of trying to be a voice and give a voice to what that experience is like. It means a lot to me to be able to be a part of that."
-John Klein (DP)
Our Director of Photography, John Klein, has extensive experience working in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years. John makes an incredible addition to this team with his expertise in short films, his experience and access to a variety of camera, lighting, and grip equipment, and his incredibly inventive approach to cinematography.
The budget for Edelweiss ensures every aspect of this production is supported while staying financially responsible. Our producer, Katelyn Henslin, is an expert in building film budgets and has carefully accounted for all expected and unexpected costs required to bring this film to life.
In order to greenlight Edelweiss, we need to receive at least 80% ($11,200) of our campaign target.
Crafty & Catering ($400): Making sure our team is well fed, hydrated, and energized.
Insurance ($500): Making sure we protect all the people, places, and things helping bring this film to life.
Production Design ($900): Creating the perfect garden for our gardener. Main production design items include the Edelweiss flowers, flower boxes, wardrobe, and set decorations.
Contingency Funds ($1000): A safety net for any unexpected expenses in order to keep the production on track and on budget.
Gear & Transportation ($1,200): Our Director of Photography comes with a lot of his own gear, however, there are a few particular items we will need to rent, including a probe len,s which will allow us to get up close in the garden. We also need to rent a van to get gear to and from the set.
Post-Production and Distribution ($1,180): Editing, sound design, color grade, score, and festival submissions to ensure the film reaches its target audience.
Cast and Crew Payments ($7,500): The majority of the budget is dedicated to making sure the cast and crew who have been and will be giving their time and energy to make this project happen are paid fairly.
"I feel strongly that Edelweiss is going to provide community and a safe space for other cancer patients and survivors, and it would be a mistake not to be a part of that."
-Katelyn Henslin (Producer)
Once Edelweiss has been shot, pieced together and polished by our amazing post-production team, and fully picture locked, it will be submitted to a list of thoroughly researched film festivals. From shorts-focused festivals such as Chicago International REEL's shorts, Indy Shorts, and Pittsburgh Shorts, to festivals our crew has raved about their time attending, including The Midwest Film Festival, The Chicago International Film Festival, and The Cleveland International Film Festival, to festivals with categories fitting Edelweiss's themes, such as the "Unstoppable Shorts" category at Slamdance and The Remission Film Festival.
The mission of this story is to explore a side of cancer, specifically Medullary Thyroid Cancer, that makes it a chronic illness. The goal is to connect with others, grow a community, and grow as a filmmaker. Film festivals, screenings, and outreach will come together to succeed in that mission and goal!
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Please consider matching your contribution to one of the following organizations. Throughout this campaign, information about these organizations will be shared on this page as well as on our socials.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Custom Raised Garden Boxes
Costs $200
Various garden boxes will be used interchangeably to allow for unique soil shots, as well as allow for efficiency in set changes
Cast and Crew Payments
Costs $7,500
Behind every great film is an even greater cast and crew
Edelweiss Flowers
Costs $100
You can't have a garden without flowers!
Props/Wardrobe
Costs $500
Various props and wardrobe items to set the scene
Crafty
Costs $200
Snacks keep us going
Lunch
Costs $200
People get hungry - we like to make sure to feed them
A Probe Lens
Costs $90
To fully immerse the audience into the garden
Insurance
Costs $500
Protecting people, places and things
Uhaul Rental
Costs $150
We've got a lot of props and gear to get out to the burbs, a U-Haul will be quite handy
Hard Drives
Costs $600
So we can save that footage somewhere
Post Production
Costs $1,500
So we can make the film pretty for all to see
Hair and Makeup Expendables
Costs $100
To make everyone look stunning
Contingency Fund
Costs $1,000
Because we're prepared for anything
Gear Rentals
Costs $360
Equipment rentals (aka things our DP is very excited to try out)
Distribution
Costs $1,000
To make sure this film reaches our target audeince and builds those connections
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Sarah Glees (Director/Writer) is a recent film school graduate who has been working in the industry since before she earned her diploma. While in school, she interned with NBC5 Chicago, was a PA for various independent short film productions, created a film festival at her university, and produced seven music videos that premiered at the Music Box Theater. She has since freelanced on indie film and commercial productions as a production coordinator as well as worked for Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and The Chicago International Film Festival. Edelweiss is inspired by her experience after being diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Cancer at 18. See more samples of Sarah's work here.
Juliana Good (Lead Actress/Associate Producer) is a photographer, mother, and business owner of Juliana Bird Photography. Adding to her list of talents, she's also a trained Italian Opera singer. Juliana was diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Cancer in 2023. She and Sarah connected with one another through the MTC Facebook group, and it was instantly clear that there was no one better suited to play the role of the gardener in this film.
John Klein (Cinematographer) is a father, cinematographer, camera operator, lover of dogs, Instagram addict, and all-around happy dude. He's best known for award-winning films such as Chrysalis, Static Space, Cry It Out, and Never Not Yours. He has shot projects of all shapes, sizes, and budgets; from short films like the neo-noir Fate Accompli, to feature films such as the character-driven NightLights, to traveling around the globe for the Bangladesh documentary Strong Bodies Fight. John currently serves as the Director of the Digital Media Program at Elmhurst University. See more samples of John's work here.
Katelyn Henslin (Producer) is a Chicago based independent film producer and creative consultant with experience spanning indie features, commercials, and television of different sizes and budgets. Her projects have been recognized in the Chicago International Film Festival, Cinema Femme, NFFTY and other festivals around the world. Notable credits include her work on Chicago PD, Adult Children, Places of Worship, and her most recent feature Behind the Eight-Ball. Katelyn has also newly joined the team at the Midwest Film Festival as creative operations producer and director of the industry- focused, informational podcast, Reel Wisdom with NK. See more samples of Katelyn's work here.
Kaitlin Creadon (Production Designer) is an independent production designer in the Chicago area. She’s worked on a variety of projects of varying genres including the television pilot Inferno, and the short films Rear View and The Pool. She also has directing experience, including the nominated documentary For the Love of the Child focused on her own adoption story. Kaitlin is also an adjunct professor at DePaul University and Elmhurst University. See more samples of Kaitlin's work here.
Collin Rita (Production Coordinator) is a Chicago-based Production Coordinator with 5 years of on-set and production office experience spanning television, feature films, & commercials. Starting as a PA in 2020, he has quickly risen within the Chicago film scene. Some of his notable credits include Let’s Start a Cult, Somebody Somewhere, Adult Children, Ironheart, Heist 88, & The Bear. See more of Collin's work here.