It is important that the fundraising process not only benefits the project, but people, local artists, and the community of Philadelphia as well by incorporating them throughout development. Our student team is not much older than our protagonists, which makes this a story to be told right now.

“Fire in an Empty Room” tells the story of Henry Roberts, a hardworking high school student stuck between his future and his self destructive best friend Jay Marconi. The script explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and independence. At the heart of the story lies the struggle between compassion and corruptive violence which, if left unattended, can grow like a flame into a house fire. Jay represents a hot anger, passion, and life. In contrast, Henry represents cold anger, calculated, melting and hardening. This project is especially meaningful to me because I believe in the characters and reality embedded within the story that many students face when pondering their futures’. Entering college, I felt lost in some ways. I was weighed down by fear of the future while I drifted apart from the people I had known my whole life. My hope is that in making a film I wish to see myself, I can help someone feel less alone with their fears. If I can help create an experience surrounded by a talented and passionate crew, then I can walk away knowing my time and energy was well spent. I am grateful for the exciting opportunity to bring likeminded people together and help create an impact on an audience."

                                                       - Kurt Ammermann, Writer and Director of Fire in an Empty Room

This films brooding tone and stylistic aesthetic has been described as Thelma & Louise meets Dazed and Confused with two turbulent boys on the cusp of adulthood at the center. 

From top to bottom: Ian Coyle (Producer), Kurt Ammermann (Director), Saba Ahmed (Director of Photograhpy)

This is a story that the Producer and Director feel confident and passionate about telling. As young men, we've had the unique experience of coming of age in a time of uncertainty. We have both described this film as a cathartic performance for all the unexpressed emotions we have felt growing up. For one reason or another, lifelong friends split apart. Neither one knows why; despite them both wondering. We are blessed to have to oppourtunity to bring this thesis to our audience. As we are both preparing to graduate college, we feel a sense of wonder and (albeit less dramatic) uncertainty that our main characters Henry and Jay feel throughout the film. We are in the prime position in both of our lives to bring our personal struggles and stories to the screen.

Which...

Makes this the perfect time to crowdfund!!

Despite the many restrictions COVID has presented to film production on all scales, our team is determined to see this story through and ensure that it gets filmed in 2021. With a set limited to key crew and 2-4 actors a day, we will be providing resources and guidelines to keep every member of this film (and their loved ones) safe and secure amid unsafe conditions. Much like a fire spreading in an empty room, our team is riding high from the momentum of the pre production process. Our storyboards are drawn, test shooting has been done, and hype within our social circle has been generated. We know people want to see us make this film. Our team is composed of creative young college students who have strong networks of supportive friends and family that love to fund their projects. We are bringing this story to every person that has felt obscured by the pressure of time and has lost a strong relationship due to forces out of their control. We hope to heal our own mental wounds along with giving the curently wounded another resource to listen to as story containing the words and emotion that they have had a hard time expressing themselves.