Ghost in the Graveyard
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Horror
Trapped inside a shifting labyrinth where the walls seem to come alive, and something ancient is closing in, Cua, a Breather, must decide how she wants to move through the dark with two ghosts. A supernatural thriller about choosing intention over fear, and who we become when no path is guaranteed.
Ghost in the Graveyard
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Horror
1 Campaigns | California, United States
27 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$4,885
Goal: $10,000 for production
Trapped inside a shifting labyrinth where the walls seem to come alive, and something ancient is closing in, Cua, a Breather, must decide how she wants to move through the dark with two ghosts. A supernatural thriller about choosing intention over fear, and who we become when no path is guaranteed.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WHAT KIND OF PERSON DO YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME WHEN THE OUTCOME IS UNCERTAIN?
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THEN HOW DO YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THAT?
"Ghost in the Graveyard" follows Cua, a passive young woman who awakens in a shifting underworld after death, where the world itself seems alive. There, she encounters two lost souls — Aiden, a protective survivor, and Eddy, a cynical wanderer. Together, they must navigate a labyrinth of moving walls and unfinished regrets in search of the Safe Zone. As uncertainty lurks around every corner and an ancient presence haunts the halls, they are forced to confront who they are — and who they might become.
But the ever-changing walls and looming darkness are only part of the trial standing between them and rebirth. They must also face Hollows, hidden traps, and other restless ghosts — forces that challenge what it truly means to live with intention.
INSPIRATION
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"Ghost in the Graveyard” was inspired by a game I played as a kid with my cousins — a hide-and-seek tag game played in the dark. One player is chosen as the Tagger while the others — the “ghosts” — hide in silence. Before the game begins, the Tagger secretly marks a Safe Zone with the only light in the dark. To win, the ghosts must leave their hiding places and reach that light before the Tagger catches them.
If the Tagger catches you before you reach the light…
You’re out.
But now, as an adult, I realize it was more than a game. It taught lessons about self and choice: do you stay hidden forever, hoping the tagger doesn’t find you, or do you take the risk and run? When the Safe Zone is right there, do you help others along the way, or sabotage them for your own survival?
WHY US?
"Ghost in the Graveyard" is a film for anyone still finding who they are. It is a story of Becoming.
WHY NOW?
I actually finished my script, but then a personal moment solidified it for me. I learned that a beloved relative who raised me and guided me through my young adulthood was diagnosed with cancer.
.jpg)
I flew home immediately to be with her. Sitting in her living room, lit only by a single lamp, I was reminded of how every moment with her had inspired me to be a better person.
Then, to my surprise, she said a line I had written in my script — and I knew in that moment: this story had to be told. It is a story far greater than myself.
It is a story about the POWER OF BECOMING.
KEY THEMES
.jpg)
Beyond its fantastical underworld — where walls shift, and ancient creatures move through the shadows — the heart of "Ghost in the Graveyard" lies in its core themes: connection, becoming, hope, and legacy. It is the emotional depth that rises from the darkness that gives this short film its meaning.
TONE & COMPARABLE REFERENCES
.jpg)
Comparable References
A hauntingly beautiful story where your choices impact everything: friendship, purpose, and legacy.
- Nosferatu (2024): Love and Sacrifice
- The Haunting of Hill House (2018): Secrets and Legacy
- Crimson Peak (2015): Beauty and Mystery
- Squid Game S1 (2021): Lessons and Decisions
- Alice in Borderland S1 (2020): Friendship and Hope
.jpg)
Visually, "Ghost in the Graveyard" will lean into cooler tones — blues, greys, and deep shadows — creating a stark, atmospheric world that mirrors the emotional isolation of its characters. Inspired by the tonal depth of the films referenced above, the story will balance intimate character moments with the tension of survival. At its core, it explores complex individuals forced to make difficult choices as they grapple with both the physical dangers of the labyrinth and the internal struggle to understand themselves.
BUDGET
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Our Goal is $10,000.
The Seed&Spark campaign will directly support:
- Fair pay for our wonderful and hardworking cast and crew.
- Production costs, such as location, craft services, set, and wardrobe designs.
- Post-production costs, such as editing, coloring, music, and film festival runs.
BUDGET GOALS
If the campaign exceeds our targeted budget, additional funds will allow us to provide higher wages to our entire cast and crew, invest in elevated production design to deepen the mysteries and horror of our shifting underworld, strengthen our festival strategy so "Ghost in the Graveyard" can reach wider audiences, and also develop a strategy as we build toward expanding this story into a feature.
- $10,000: Covers basic production essentials (fair pay to cast and crew, food, insurance, locations, and equipment.)
- $15,000 (Stretch Goal): Allows us to increase production design, hire more crew members, and cast more actors to capture the world of the story more effectively.
- $20,000 - $25,000 (Full Stretch Goal): Funds post-production (editing, sound mixing, music licensing, color grading, VFX) and support marketing and distribution.
Independent films are powered by community.
Ways you can support this project and the team:
- Pledge! Your support moves this project forward. Every contribution directly helps us honor this story and bring it to life. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real impact.
- Follow! Click “Follow” on Seed&Spark (it’s more important than you think!). We want to share every step of making "Ghost in the Graveyard" with you — the chaos, the magic, all of it. Scroll on up and follow along!
- Share! Share our campaign and social media posts — every repost, tag, and conversation helps bring this story to more people who might connect with it.
We are currently in active development and pre-production. The script is finalized, and we have an amazing team ready to get started!
This story was born from a cherished childhood memory, the love and wisdom of a relative, and the question of who we choose to become. Bringing it to life means honoring the people who shaped us and creating space for stories that reflect who we are and who we can be.
Your support — whether through a pledge, a follow, or a share — makes you part of this legacy. Thank you for believing in this story and in the power of becoming.
.jpg)
Let's get to the Safe Zone together!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $3,000
From our Directors to PAs, the crew is the backbone of the project. Their dedication and hard work are the reasons the project was made.
Cast
Costs $2,000
The cast is what brings this project to life. Their talents, passion, and dedication carry the project to the finale.
Location
Costs $2,500
Our labyrinth exists in one location, but transforming it into a mysterious, immersive world requires thoughtful production design support.
Crafties/Food
Costs $1,500
Taking care of our team is our top priority, so we will provide food and drinks to ensure our team is cared for.
Wardobe
Costs $500
Our world transcends time—these ghosts have lingered for years, wearing clothing from different decades.
Extra
Costs $500
Remaining funds will cover insurance, contingency, festival submissions, set decoration, props, and other essential production costs.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
DARA XIONG
Writer/Co-Director/Lead "Cua"
Dara Xiong is a Hmong American filmmaker and actor from Madison, WI. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre and Drama from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, she moved to St. Paul, MN, to further pursue acting, where she also discovered her love for filmmaking. Alongside her brother, she co-founded 3PIECEUS Entertainment, creating character-driven short films. Their work has been recognized at festivals and competitions, including the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, Film Lab’s 19th Annual 72-Hour Shootout (third-place finalist), and the AGBO 48-Hour Film Competition (Honorable Mention). Now, she resides in Los Angeles, where you've guessed it, still standing strong with her love of film. Her passion lies in storytelling, whether that's behind or in front of the camera. And her purpose is to tell Asian American narratives that challenge stereotypes while exploring human relationships, connections, and hope.
PHEE CHAI XIONG
Co-Director
Born and raised in Madison, WI, Phee Chai fell in love with cinema during his college career. After graduating with his Communications degree, he pursued his filmmaking journey. First, he went to Minnesota and found some success. He co-created 3PIECEUS Entertainment with his sister, got one of their short films into the 42nd Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival in 2023, and another got third place in the Film Lab's 19th annual 72 Hour Shootout at the Asian American International Film Festival in 2023. Now he resides in Los Angeles, still pursuing his passions for filmmaking to push the boundaries of storytelling, focused on Asian American narratives.
Dara and Phee Chai Xiong
Sister-Brother Filmmaking Duo
3PIECEUS Entertainment
IG: 3pieceus.entertainment | YT: https://www.youtube.com/@3pieceusentertainment | FB: 3 PIECUES Entertainment
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KAK LEE
Director of Photography
Kak Lee's epic cinema journey began in the rural mountains of Laos, which led to refugee camps in Thailand. After a few years, his family eventually emigrated to the United States. Those stark images experienced during his formative years in Asia never left him when he developed a keen interest in filmmaking. Having worked in various production capacities, starting from a local cable access station in Merced, CA, he found his passion in the craft of cinematography. Upon receiving a BA in film studies from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and an MFA in Cinematography from Chapman University, he has since gone on to shoot various projects, from short films, music videos, industrial films, documentaries, and features. Never one to rest on his laurels, Kak consistently seeks out challenging projects to create beautiful visual narratives.
AMERY KEN THAO
Lead "Aiden"
Never Obvious, Always Interesting
Nobody does this where he's from. Amery Ken (American) Thao is an actor born to Hmong American war refugees. Growing up working in a convenience store, television was his window to the world, but no one looked like him. He sought to change that. Amery first cut his teeth telling stories in unscripted television and directing theatre. As an actor, he honed his craft through training at UCB, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Mind's Eye Tribe, giving him a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary performance. When not acting, he can be found swinging from silks or slinging arrows at the archery range, always embracing challenge, discipline, and play.
ERIC VUE
Lead "Eddy"
(Bio Coming Soon)
Meet the rest of the team!
.jpg)
(from top left to bottom right)
Cheryao "Rocky" Vang, Amery Ken Thao, David Gomez, Isamar Sesena, Patrick Barraza, Eric Vue, Nikolai Sublett, Phee Chai Xiong, Kak Lee, Dara Xiong, and Joshua Escobedo (unfortunately, not featured in this photo)
Our team is a community of artists throughout Los Angeles, from ADs to DPs to PAs, all coming together because we believe in this story and can’t wait to share it with you.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WHAT KIND OF PERSON DO YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME WHEN THE OUTCOME IS UNCERTAIN?
THEN HOW DO YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THAT?
"Ghost in the Graveyard" follows Cua, a passive young woman who awakens in a shifting underworld after death, where the world itself seems alive. There, she encounters two lost souls — Aiden, a protective survivor, and Eddy, a cynical wanderer. Together, they must navigate a labyrinth of moving walls and unfinished regrets in search of the Safe Zone. As uncertainty lurks around every corner and an ancient presence haunts the halls, they are forced to confront who they are — and who they might become.
But the ever-changing walls and looming darkness are only part of the trial standing between them and rebirth. They must also face Hollows, hidden traps, and other restless ghosts — forces that challenge what it truly means to live with intention.
INSPIRATION
"Ghost in the Graveyard” was inspired by a game I played as a kid with my cousins — a hide-and-seek tag game played in the dark. One player is chosen as the Tagger while the others — the “ghosts” — hide in silence. Before the game begins, the Tagger secretly marks a Safe Zone with the only light in the dark. To win, the ghosts must leave their hiding places and reach that light before the Tagger catches them.
If the Tagger catches you before you reach the light…
You’re out.
But now, as an adult, I realize it was more than a game. It taught lessons about self and choice: do you stay hidden forever, hoping the tagger doesn’t find you, or do you take the risk and run? When the Safe Zone is right there, do you help others along the way, or sabotage them for your own survival?
WHY US?
"Ghost in the Graveyard" is a film for anyone still finding who they are. It is a story of Becoming.
WHY NOW?
I actually finished my script, but then a personal moment solidified it for me. I learned that a beloved relative who raised me and guided me through my young adulthood was diagnosed with cancer.
I flew home immediately to be with her. Sitting in her living room, lit only by a single lamp, I was reminded of how every moment with her had inspired me to be a better person.
Then, to my surprise, she said a line I had written in my script — and I knew in that moment: this story had to be told. It is a story far greater than myself.
It is a story about the POWER OF BECOMING.
KEY THEMES
Beyond its fantastical underworld — where walls shift, and ancient creatures move through the shadows — the heart of "Ghost in the Graveyard" lies in its core themes: connection, becoming, hope, and legacy. It is the emotional depth that rises from the darkness that gives this short film its meaning.
TONE & COMPARABLE REFERENCES
Comparable References
A hauntingly beautiful story where your choices impact everything: friendship, purpose, and legacy.
- Nosferatu (2024): Love and Sacrifice
- The Haunting of Hill House (2018): Secrets and Legacy
- Crimson Peak (2015): Beauty and Mystery
- Squid Game S1 (2021): Lessons and Decisions
- Alice in Borderland S1 (2020): Friendship and Hope
Visually, "Ghost in the Graveyard" will lean into cooler tones — blues, greys, and deep shadows — creating a stark, atmospheric world that mirrors the emotional isolation of its characters. Inspired by the tonal depth of the films referenced above, the story will balance intimate character moments with the tension of survival. At its core, it explores complex individuals forced to make difficult choices as they grapple with both the physical dangers of the labyrinth and the internal struggle to understand themselves.
BUDGET
Our Goal is $10,000.
The Seed&Spark campaign will directly support:
- Fair pay for our wonderful and hardworking cast and crew.
- Production costs, such as location, craft services, set, and wardrobe designs.
- Post-production costs, such as editing, coloring, music, and film festival runs.
BUDGET GOALS
If the campaign exceeds our targeted budget, additional funds will allow us to provide higher wages to our entire cast and crew, invest in elevated production design to deepen the mysteries and horror of our shifting underworld, strengthen our festival strategy so "Ghost in the Graveyard" can reach wider audiences, and also develop a strategy as we build toward expanding this story into a feature.
- $10,000: Covers basic production essentials (fair pay to cast and crew, food, insurance, locations, and equipment.)
- $15,000 (Stretch Goal): Allows us to increase production design, hire more crew members, and cast more actors to capture the world of the story more effectively.
- $20,000 - $25,000 (Full Stretch Goal): Funds post-production (editing, sound mixing, music licensing, color grading, VFX) and support marketing and distribution.
Independent films are powered by community.
Ways you can support this project and the team:
- Pledge! Your support moves this project forward. Every contribution directly helps us honor this story and bring it to life. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real impact.
- Follow! Click “Follow” on Seed&Spark (it’s more important than you think!). We want to share every step of making "Ghost in the Graveyard" with you — the chaos, the magic, all of it. Scroll on up and follow along!
- Share! Share our campaign and social media posts — every repost, tag, and conversation helps bring this story to more people who might connect with it.
We are currently in active development and pre-production. The script is finalized, and we have an amazing team ready to get started!
This story was born from a cherished childhood memory, the love and wisdom of a relative, and the question of who we choose to become. Bringing it to life means honoring the people who shaped us and creating space for stories that reflect who we are and who we can be.
Your support — whether through a pledge, a follow, or a share — makes you part of this legacy. Thank you for believing in this story and in the power of becoming.
Let's get to the Safe Zone together!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $3,000
From our Directors to PAs, the crew is the backbone of the project. Their dedication and hard work are the reasons the project was made.
Cast
Costs $2,000
The cast is what brings this project to life. Their talents, passion, and dedication carry the project to the finale.
Location
Costs $2,500
Our labyrinth exists in one location, but transforming it into a mysterious, immersive world requires thoughtful production design support.
Crafties/Food
Costs $1,500
Taking care of our team is our top priority, so we will provide food and drinks to ensure our team is cared for.
Wardobe
Costs $500
Our world transcends time—these ghosts have lingered for years, wearing clothing from different decades.
Extra
Costs $500
Remaining funds will cover insurance, contingency, festival submissions, set decoration, props, and other essential production costs.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
DARA XIONG
Writer/Co-Director/Lead "Cua"
Dara Xiong is a Hmong American filmmaker and actor from Madison, WI. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre and Drama from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, she moved to St. Paul, MN, to further pursue acting, where she also discovered her love for filmmaking. Alongside her brother, she co-founded 3PIECEUS Entertainment, creating character-driven short films. Their work has been recognized at festivals and competitions, including the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, Film Lab’s 19th Annual 72-Hour Shootout (third-place finalist), and the AGBO 48-Hour Film Competition (Honorable Mention). Now, she resides in Los Angeles, where you've guessed it, still standing strong with her love of film. Her passion lies in storytelling, whether that's behind or in front of the camera. And her purpose is to tell Asian American narratives that challenge stereotypes while exploring human relationships, connections, and hope.
PHEE CHAI XIONG
Co-Director
Born and raised in Madison, WI, Phee Chai fell in love with cinema during his college career. After graduating with his Communications degree, he pursued his filmmaking journey. First, he went to Minnesota and found some success. He co-created 3PIECEUS Entertainment with his sister, got one of their short films into the 42nd Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival in 2023, and another got third place in the Film Lab's 19th annual 72 Hour Shootout at the Asian American International Film Festival in 2023. Now he resides in Los Angeles, still pursuing his passions for filmmaking to push the boundaries of storytelling, focused on Asian American narratives.
Dara and Phee Chai Xiong
Sister-Brother Filmmaking Duo
3PIECEUS Entertainment
IG: 3pieceus.entertainment | YT: https://www.youtube.com/@3pieceusentertainment | FB: 3 PIECUES Entertainment
KAK LEE
Director of Photography
Kak Lee's epic cinema journey began in the rural mountains of Laos, which led to refugee camps in Thailand. After a few years, his family eventually emigrated to the United States. Those stark images experienced during his formative years in Asia never left him when he developed a keen interest in filmmaking. Having worked in various production capacities, starting from a local cable access station in Merced, CA, he found his passion in the craft of cinematography. Upon receiving a BA in film studies from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and an MFA in Cinematography from Chapman University, he has since gone on to shoot various projects, from short films, music videos, industrial films, documentaries, and features. Never one to rest on his laurels, Kak consistently seeks out challenging projects to create beautiful visual narratives.
AMERY KEN THAO
Lead "Aiden"
Never Obvious, Always Interesting
Nobody does this where he's from. Amery Ken (American) Thao is an actor born to Hmong American war refugees. Growing up working in a convenience store, television was his window to the world, but no one looked like him. He sought to change that. Amery first cut his teeth telling stories in unscripted television and directing theatre. As an actor, he honed his craft through training at UCB, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Mind's Eye Tribe, giving him a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary performance. When not acting, he can be found swinging from silks or slinging arrows at the archery range, always embracing challenge, discipline, and play.
ERIC VUE
Lead "Eddy"
(Bio Coming Soon)
Meet the rest of the team!
(from top left to bottom right)
Cheryao "Rocky" Vang, Amery Ken Thao, David Gomez, Isamar Sesena, Patrick Barraza, Eric Vue, Nikolai Sublett, Phee Chai Xiong, Kak Lee, Dara Xiong, and Joshua Escobedo (unfortunately, not featured in this photo)
Our team is a community of artists throughout Los Angeles, from ADs to DPs to PAs, all coming together because we believe in this story and can’t wait to share it with you.