Five More Minutes - A short film exploring late-stage Dementia
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Film Short
Fantasy, Drama
Five More Minutes is a fantasy short film exploring the mind and memories of a woman living with late stage Dementia. Born from personal experience - this story is a hopeful exploration of the late stages of this disease, influenced by the family fantasy films of the 90’s and 2000’s.
Five More Minutes - A short film exploring late-stage Dementia
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Film Short
Fantasy, Drama
1 Campaigns | Wisconsin, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,585 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
65 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Five More Minutes is a fantasy short film exploring the mind and memories of a woman living with late stage Dementia. Born from personal experience - this story is a hopeful exploration of the late stages of this disease, influenced by the family fantasy films of the 90’s and 2000’s.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This film was born from an experience my daughter Sophia and I had with my grandfather Paul. Paul had been living with dementia for as long as Sophia has been alive, so he never fully understood who she is. But even though he never quite knew, he always lit up when she visited. He sat with her and watched her play with her dolls, a game on her iPad, or just held her hand. They brought each other comfort, and their relationship was so heartwarming. Unfortunately, Paul lost his battle with Dementia on January 12th, 2025.
As the disease progressed, Paul started to have episodes where he would shut down completely. His eyes would glaze over and he slumped a bit in his chair. He stayed nearly still, as if he'd shut down his battery for a recharge. Eventually he would come back to himself. You could see a bit of the old Paul in his eyes, if only for a moment. After a visit where the episodes seemed to happen more frequently, Sophia was worried as we got in the car to leave. We talked a lot about Grandpa Paul on the way home. At the height of that conversation, she asked me something that I think will stick with me forever.
"What is Grandpa thinking about when that happens to him? Where do you think he goes?” A phenomenal question. One that I didn't have the answer to. It baffled me for a few weeks, becoming the driving force behind the story for this film.
A young girl who has the perfect summer day, but something isn't quite right. She eats her favorite meals and lets her imagination soar with her friends, but she is reminded by her Mother that she cannot stay forever. A swirling blue potion, offered to her multiple times throughout the memory, is an anchor to her present self. Once she accepts this potion, her perfect summer day will end, and she knows it.
After sitting down to her favorite meal, the sun setting through the open windows as scent of a summer night wafts in and hits her nose one last time, she accepts that it is time to go home. Even though her Mother has been the one to remind her that she cannot stay, she still can't stand to see her leave. The girl (who of course we had to name Sophia), her heart full from a day unlike any other, pulls her mother close for one last hug. After wiping away the last lingering tears, and one last smile, Sophia finally drinks the potion.
When this idea came to me, the first image that stuck out in my head was the ending. Sophia, old and tired, sitting alone at a table in a care home. Smiling. Remembering. Just like Paul when he would come back to himself. You can still see that summer day in her face, you can see that kiddish smile, and you can see home in her eyes. And you can see all of that begin to fade as she forgets. But for one brief moment, she was herself again.
It brought me a lot of comfort, especially in Paul's final days, to think that he had a place like this to go to. A safe memory he could shelter himself in and feel loved while he waited to see what was on the other side. I realize now, more than ever, that this notion of deeply rooted safety & love is what everyone hopes their loved ones feel as they begin to fade from the world.
We are currently in the depths of pre production on Five More Minutes, building out our team and finding the perfect places to bring this story to life. We are aiming for an early summer '25 production, with dates set aside in late summer for reshoots/scheduling conflicts. If we are able to fully fund our campaign, any additional funds would be allocated towards the visual effects in the film (we are particularly interested in shooting in an LED volume in order to fully immerse our child actors).
Upon completion, we plan to submit to a few major festivals as well as partner with groups like the Remember Project, The Alzheimer's Association, Dementia Springs, and others to help bring this film to the loved ones and caretakers who need it the most. We will be meeting with different release platforms to determine the best approach for widespread release at a later date.
I hope this film's answer to Sophia's question will bring peace to more than just our family. That anyone watching someone live with dementia can experience this piece and see their loved one in the story. To think that in their darkest moments, they may have a perfect day to go back to, a favorite meal to savor, and lost loved ones to hug one last time. With your partnership, we can make this memory a reality. Thank you!
For Paul. Rest Easy, Grandpa. You've earned it.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $4,000
We've got some talented people working on this film, most for less than they should be. These funds would put them closer to full day rate.
Camera Package
Costs $2,500
We need the right gear to craft the look of a child's memory! First choice for cam would be Alexa Mini, lens package TBD.
Meals & Accommodation
Costs $1,000
Rome wasn't built in a day, and this film won't be either. We've gotta keep our people housed and fed over our short shoot
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Cole J Sheldon is an independent filmmaker from Sheboygan, WI. Since his youth, he has been heavily influenced by the films of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Chris Columbus, and a host of storytellers who's films dominated the screen in the 1990's. He immerses himself in stories that explore the depths of emotion and what it means to be human, always trying to incorporate a hint of nostalgia in every film he creates. He has been honing his craft as a writer & director for nearly a decade.
Cole's most recent short film, Spark Plug, saw major success in film festivals across the midwest - winning awards for writing, directing, cinematography and best film. The film was released in partnership with Film Shortage and was met with great critical success from platforms like Short Films Matter, RedGrade.TV and Mometu.
Beah Travis is a director and producer working across film, television, and advertising. Beah started their career working in film and television in New York City, primarily on the Emmy-award-winning series A Crime to Remember. In 2017, Beah began writing their feature film script Belladonna. The project recently completed a year-long development lab with the Chicago International Film Festival and was part of five projects that pitched at the festival's Industry Days.
Beah's 2020 short film Way Upstate premiered at the Wisconsin Film Festival and won best cinematography at the Midwest Film Awards. Beah's most recent short Ten is currently being submitted to festivals.
In 2022, Beah launched the Belladonna Film Project, a nonprofit focused on producing regional independent film projects and providing accessible arts experiences in the Midwest. The organization has been holding monthly filmmaker meet-ups, organizing screening events, and providing production support for a number of short films.
John Carlo Rosillo is a Filipino director and cinematographer who is passionate about telling stories in a variety of genres, even with limited resources. After immigrating and moving to northern Wisconsin, John Carlo, who prefers to be called Carlo, taught himself various skills including editing and cinematography during his middle school years.
Carlo has worked in various positions in film & tv for national brands, while also dedicating his free time to creating award-winning short films with his production company Story Is Everything. His ultimate goal with his films is to transcend language barriers and use the power of film to establish an emotional connection with his audience, much like the films he watched when he first moved to the US had for him.
Justin started working on a film set when he was nineteen years old where his job in the camera department was to load the 35 mm film. He is now a narrative cinematographer and Union 52 Electric member in New York City.
Justin has worked on feature films, television series, and commercials in New York City and Los Angeles since 2011. His credits include Hulu’s Ramy, the Academy Award Winning film If Beale Street Could Talk, and the HBOMax Original Series Love Life.
Justin won Best Cinematography at the Midwest Film Awards for his work on the short film Way Upstate. You can see examples of his work on his website www.justinnewhouse.com and his film credits on his IMDb page.
Sophia is new to the acting world, but she has a naturally curious mind and a vibrant imagination. Her inquisitive nature inspired the story, and this film is the perfect vehicle to launch her acting career!
Sophia has previously starred in the short film “Delicious”, a 48 Hour Film Project production by False Take Films.
Chelsey Grant is a film, voice, simulation, commercial, and stage actor based in Minneapolis, MN. She received her BFA in Acting in 2016 and has been acting professionally for over 14 years.
She is most known for her work in "V/H/S/85", "Frogman", "Scare Package", and "Sanctified". Chelsey Grant is leading in numerous dramatic features that are set for release in 2024. Her international short film "A Visitant of Paris" has been running the festival circuit with recognition and screenings all over the world.
She has performed in works from classic Shakespearean, horror, family drama, and psychological thrillers.
Maureen Janson is a Chicago-born American film actor. A former dancer and choreographer, she recently turned to film, voiceover, and modeling - winning multiple awards for her performances along the way.
For the past 40 years, she contributed dance choreography to several films and to dozens of Midwest regional theatre productions.
Jon Gollner is a Wisconsin-born, Chicago-based editor and producer who strives to tell stories full of empathy, humor, and celebration of people and their passions. Jon has worked in the narrative, documentary, and advertising worlds since 2012. His recent credits include acclaimed and award-winning films such as Barney & Herb, The Premiere, Moving Parts, Spark Plug, and My Last Martini.
Jon also edits and produces multiple television shows and podcasts, including To Dine For with Kate Sullivan on PBS. His upcoming projects include To Dine For’s seventh season, the feature film Lucy is a Loser, and his third film as a writer/director, Ridgeview.
A multi-disciplinary team of creatives in-tune with every facet of the project from inception to execution, The Banditry Co. has the scope of services to tell your story in a truly unique and evocative way. Founded and led by a writer/strategist, designer and animator, they do the same for themselves and their clients.
With an impressive list of credits to their name (Beef, Sweet Tooth, Shrill, etc), the team at The Banditry Co. will be essential in bringing the larger than life world of a child's imagination to the screen.
Joey O’Connor is a composer, conductor, and performer based in the Midwest area. He performed at Carnegie Hall in 2018 and has earned over 20 awards for his original compositions including the 2022 Prodigy International Film Festival Award for “Best Original Score”. He has worked with creatives based in Los Angeles, Chicago, Madison, and New Jersey, and feels most fulfilled composing music for collaborative projects connecting community through art.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This film was born from an experience my daughter Sophia and I had with my grandfather Paul. Paul had been living with dementia for as long as Sophia has been alive, so he never fully understood who she is. But even though he never quite knew, he always lit up when she visited. He sat with her and watched her play with her dolls, a game on her iPad, or just held her hand. They brought each other comfort, and their relationship was so heartwarming. Unfortunately, Paul lost his battle with Dementia on January 12th, 2025.
As the disease progressed, Paul started to have episodes where he would shut down completely. His eyes would glaze over and he slumped a bit in his chair. He stayed nearly still, as if he'd shut down his battery for a recharge. Eventually he would come back to himself. You could see a bit of the old Paul in his eyes, if only for a moment. After a visit where the episodes seemed to happen more frequently, Sophia was worried as we got in the car to leave. We talked a lot about Grandpa Paul on the way home. At the height of that conversation, she asked me something that I think will stick with me forever.
"What is Grandpa thinking about when that happens to him? Where do you think he goes?” A phenomenal question. One that I didn't have the answer to. It baffled me for a few weeks, becoming the driving force behind the story for this film.
A young girl who has the perfect summer day, but something isn't quite right. She eats her favorite meals and lets her imagination soar with her friends, but she is reminded by her Mother that she cannot stay forever. A swirling blue potion, offered to her multiple times throughout the memory, is an anchor to her present self. Once she accepts this potion, her perfect summer day will end, and she knows it.
After sitting down to her favorite meal, the sun setting through the open windows as scent of a summer night wafts in and hits her nose one last time, she accepts that it is time to go home. Even though her Mother has been the one to remind her that she cannot stay, she still can't stand to see her leave. The girl (who of course we had to name Sophia), her heart full from a day unlike any other, pulls her mother close for one last hug. After wiping away the last lingering tears, and one last smile, Sophia finally drinks the potion.
When this idea came to me, the first image that stuck out in my head was the ending. Sophia, old and tired, sitting alone at a table in a care home. Smiling. Remembering. Just like Paul when he would come back to himself. You can still see that summer day in her face, you can see that kiddish smile, and you can see home in her eyes. And you can see all of that begin to fade as she forgets. But for one brief moment, she was herself again.
It brought me a lot of comfort, especially in Paul's final days, to think that he had a place like this to go to. A safe memory he could shelter himself in and feel loved while he waited to see what was on the other side. I realize now, more than ever, that this notion of deeply rooted safety & love is what everyone hopes their loved ones feel as they begin to fade from the world.
We are currently in the depths of pre production on Five More Minutes, building out our team and finding the perfect places to bring this story to life. We are aiming for an early summer '25 production, with dates set aside in late summer for reshoots/scheduling conflicts. If we are able to fully fund our campaign, any additional funds would be allocated towards the visual effects in the film (we are particularly interested in shooting in an LED volume in order to fully immerse our child actors).
Upon completion, we plan to submit to a few major festivals as well as partner with groups like the Remember Project, The Alzheimer's Association, Dementia Springs, and others to help bring this film to the loved ones and caretakers who need it the most. We will be meeting with different release platforms to determine the best approach for widespread release at a later date.
I hope this film's answer to Sophia's question will bring peace to more than just our family. That anyone watching someone live with dementia can experience this piece and see their loved one in the story. To think that in their darkest moments, they may have a perfect day to go back to, a favorite meal to savor, and lost loved ones to hug one last time. With your partnership, we can make this memory a reality. Thank you!
For Paul. Rest Easy, Grandpa. You've earned it.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $4,000
We've got some talented people working on this film, most for less than they should be. These funds would put them closer to full day rate.
Camera Package
Costs $2,500
We need the right gear to craft the look of a child's memory! First choice for cam would be Alexa Mini, lens package TBD.
Meals & Accommodation
Costs $1,000
Rome wasn't built in a day, and this film won't be either. We've gotta keep our people housed and fed over our short shoot
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Cole J Sheldon is an independent filmmaker from Sheboygan, WI. Since his youth, he has been heavily influenced by the films of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Chris Columbus, and a host of storytellers who's films dominated the screen in the 1990's. He immerses himself in stories that explore the depths of emotion and what it means to be human, always trying to incorporate a hint of nostalgia in every film he creates. He has been honing his craft as a writer & director for nearly a decade.
Cole's most recent short film, Spark Plug, saw major success in film festivals across the midwest - winning awards for writing, directing, cinematography and best film. The film was released in partnership with Film Shortage and was met with great critical success from platforms like Short Films Matter, RedGrade.TV and Mometu.
Beah Travis is a director and producer working across film, television, and advertising. Beah started their career working in film and television in New York City, primarily on the Emmy-award-winning series A Crime to Remember. In 2017, Beah began writing their feature film script Belladonna. The project recently completed a year-long development lab with the Chicago International Film Festival and was part of five projects that pitched at the festival's Industry Days.
Beah's 2020 short film Way Upstate premiered at the Wisconsin Film Festival and won best cinematography at the Midwest Film Awards. Beah's most recent short Ten is currently being submitted to festivals.
In 2022, Beah launched the Belladonna Film Project, a nonprofit focused on producing regional independent film projects and providing accessible arts experiences in the Midwest. The organization has been holding monthly filmmaker meet-ups, organizing screening events, and providing production support for a number of short films.
John Carlo Rosillo is a Filipino director and cinematographer who is passionate about telling stories in a variety of genres, even with limited resources. After immigrating and moving to northern Wisconsin, John Carlo, who prefers to be called Carlo, taught himself various skills including editing and cinematography during his middle school years.
Carlo has worked in various positions in film & tv for national brands, while also dedicating his free time to creating award-winning short films with his production company Story Is Everything. His ultimate goal with his films is to transcend language barriers and use the power of film to establish an emotional connection with his audience, much like the films he watched when he first moved to the US had for him.
Justin started working on a film set when he was nineteen years old where his job in the camera department was to load the 35 mm film. He is now a narrative cinematographer and Union 52 Electric member in New York City.
Justin has worked on feature films, television series, and commercials in New York City and Los Angeles since 2011. His credits include Hulu’s Ramy, the Academy Award Winning film If Beale Street Could Talk, and the HBOMax Original Series Love Life.
Justin won Best Cinematography at the Midwest Film Awards for his work on the short film Way Upstate. You can see examples of his work on his website www.justinnewhouse.com and his film credits on his IMDb page.
Sophia is new to the acting world, but she has a naturally curious mind and a vibrant imagination. Her inquisitive nature inspired the story, and this film is the perfect vehicle to launch her acting career!
Sophia has previously starred in the short film “Delicious”, a 48 Hour Film Project production by False Take Films.
Chelsey Grant is a film, voice, simulation, commercial, and stage actor based in Minneapolis, MN. She received her BFA in Acting in 2016 and has been acting professionally for over 14 years.
She is most known for her work in "V/H/S/85", "Frogman", "Scare Package", and "Sanctified". Chelsey Grant is leading in numerous dramatic features that are set for release in 2024. Her international short film "A Visitant of Paris" has been running the festival circuit with recognition and screenings all over the world.
She has performed in works from classic Shakespearean, horror, family drama, and psychological thrillers.
Maureen Janson is a Chicago-born American film actor. A former dancer and choreographer, she recently turned to film, voiceover, and modeling - winning multiple awards for her performances along the way.
For the past 40 years, she contributed dance choreography to several films and to dozens of Midwest regional theatre productions.
Jon Gollner is a Wisconsin-born, Chicago-based editor and producer who strives to tell stories full of empathy, humor, and celebration of people and their passions. Jon has worked in the narrative, documentary, and advertising worlds since 2012. His recent credits include acclaimed and award-winning films such as Barney & Herb, The Premiere, Moving Parts, Spark Plug, and My Last Martini.
Jon also edits and produces multiple television shows and podcasts, including To Dine For with Kate Sullivan on PBS. His upcoming projects include To Dine For’s seventh season, the feature film Lucy is a Loser, and his third film as a writer/director, Ridgeview.
A multi-disciplinary team of creatives in-tune with every facet of the project from inception to execution, The Banditry Co. has the scope of services to tell your story in a truly unique and evocative way. Founded and led by a writer/strategist, designer and animator, they do the same for themselves and their clients.
With an impressive list of credits to their name (Beef, Sweet Tooth, Shrill, etc), the team at The Banditry Co. will be essential in bringing the larger than life world of a child's imagination to the screen.
Joey O’Connor is a composer, conductor, and performer based in the Midwest area. He performed at Carnegie Hall in 2018 and has earned over 20 awards for his original compositions including the 2022 Prodigy International Film Festival Award for “Best Original Score”. He has worked with creatives based in Los Angeles, Chicago, Madison, and New Jersey, and feels most fulfilled composing music for collaborative projects connecting community through art.