GOD IS A DJ
New York City, New York | Film Short
Experimental, Drama
The philosophies of Camus and Nietzsche join us at the club in this surreal and dreamlike short film to remind us that despite all the pain and chaos, we should still dance to the music.
GOD IS A DJ
New York City, New York | Film Short
Experimental, Drama
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,200 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
31 supporters | followers
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The philosophies of Camus and Nietzsche join us at the club in this surreal and dreamlike short film to remind us that despite all the pain and chaos, we should still dance to the music.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
LOGLINE
After finding himself in a disorienting and nightmarish club, an anonymous boy struggles to make sense of the chaos.
THE STORY
A distorted ambience rings throughout the club. People dance on the floor, but where is the music? And more importantly, where is the DJ?
Clinging to the shadows are faceless and bandaged figures. Contorted and animal-like, they manically claw at the walls and themselves, plagued with a dark sense of fear and hysteria.
Wracked with the same fear, his motive becomes clear: find a way out.
But what if this is all there is?
THEMES & INSPIRATIONS
"God is a DJ, life is a dance floor, love is the rhythm." – P!nk
But what if there is no DJ?
The origin of GOD IS A DJ came from a vision of beaten and battered club goers on a colorful dance floor. They are bruised and scarred, yet they keep dancing. Not out of ignorance, but acceptance, empathy, and liberation.
The story meditates on themes of absurdist and nihilist philosophies. Our protagonist is like Sisyphus, only instead of pushing a boulder uphill for eternity, he is trapped inside a techno club for eternity. In GOD IS A DJ, life manifests itself into one long night at the club.
Visually, the film takes inspiration from David Lynch's Twin Peaks, Jim Taihuttu's Hardcore Never Dies, Gaspar Noé's Climax, and Uli Edel's Christiane F. The cinematography will strike a balance between long, eerie shots and high-energy movement to create something that lies somewhere between reality and the liminal. Visually, it will feel like a dream – or a nightmare.
GOD IS A DJ is also a fashion film. The costumes play a major role in telling the story, acting as physical manifestations of the characters' philosophies on life. Taking inspiration from legendary designers such as Alexander McQueen and Martin Margiela, the film utilizes avant-garde fashion to visualize the protagonist's internal transformation.
WHY?
At its core, this film is a reminder of the absurd nature of life. By the end of the film, our protagonist learns to accept himself and his pain, choosing to dance the night away rather than wallow on the outskirts alone. We all have pain and imperfections and we must learn to love them and empathize with others. Only then can we live life to its fullest.
This is a story with the club running through its veins. In fact, our director, Kaitlyn Kim, was first inspired to make this film while at a club. In a way, it’s a love letter to club culture. New York City Nightlife is hurting and we want this film to help revitalize it.
OUR BUDGET: $5,750
Camera Equipment (camera, lights, electronics) - $3,000
Wardrobe & Costumes - $800
Hair & Make-up - $200
Craft services - $700
Equipment van rental - $450
Props - $100
Miscellaneous - $500
Total: $5,750
Any help is greatly appreciated and no donation is too small! If you’d like to support us but can’t help financially, here’s what you can do instead:
- Follow our Instagram @godisadj__film.
- Share about our film on social media.
- Send our Seed and Spark to anyone you think may have an interest in our project.
- Watch the film when it comes out!
FESTIVALS
GOD IS A DJ will not just be another short film that ends up on YouTube. We have big plans. After a rigorous post-production process, GOD IS A DJ will be submitted to various Oscar-qualifying film festivals across the globe including but not limited to: Tribeca Film Festival, Cinequest, Busan International Film Festival, New York Shorts International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest. We will stop at nothing to maximize the amount of people who see the beauty of GOD IS A DJ.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
COSTUMES
Costs $800
Reflective of the arcs and greater themes, the costuming is the core of this film. Help us bring our world and characters to life!
FOOD
Costs $700
Keep our cast and crew fed and hydrated!
EQUIPMENT
Costs $3,000
Cameras, lights, and electrical gear. Help us get the technical tools to make our film look beautiful!
HAIR & MAKEUP
Costs $200
Help get our actors ready for camera!
ART & PROPS
Costs $100
Help us bring our world to life!
Equipment Van Rental
Costs $450
Transport our equipment to locations!
Contingency
Costs $500
You never know what could happen at the club...
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kaitlyn Kim
Writer/Director
Kaitlyn is a New York City-based writer and director currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Film and Television at NYU Tisch. With an Associate's degree in Fashion Business, earned at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Kaitlyn's creative journey weaves together distinct realms of visual storytelling and fashion. Drawing influence from existential philosophy, Kaitlyn's films blur the lines between tangible reality and the intangible realms of the mind, using surreal, liminal spaces to evoke a heightened sense of self-awareness and introspection. Her work has been screened in exhibitions across NYC. She hopes you'll join us at the club in GOD IS A DJ.
Luke Curnin
Producer
Luke is a writer and producer based in New York originally from Topsham, Maine. He is a recent graduate of the Dramatic Writing program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in French. He’s passionate about writing stories that we’ve never seen before and helping talented artists tell their own new stories. His work experience ranges from interning at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to scooping blizzards at Dairy Queen. He is thrilled to be producing GOD IS A DJ.
Henry K. Hwang
Executive Producer
Henry K. Hwang is a film director and screenwriter with experience in both commercial and independent film industries In South Korea, including work with Rod Pictures, a frequent collaborator with CJ Entertainment, and the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). His short films have been screened and awarded at known festivals such as the New York Shorts International Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival, and the Canadian Screen Award Qualifying Toronto International Nollywood Festival. He also wrote and directed the $1.5 million musical Stand or Die, Nakdong River, which toured across South Korea and starred K-pop artist Sunye and K-drama actress Elijah Lee.
Peter Pochinok
Producer
Peter Pochinok is an actor, director, and producer currently pursuing an MFA degree at Columbia University. He has directed short films featured in festivals, written for several developing film projects, and produced various works, helping to secure financial commitments of up to half a million dollars. Peter has professional experience with major companies across the pharmaceutical, finance, television, marketing, and radio broadcasting industries. He is also active in New York City’s nightlife, fashion, art, and music scenes, contributing to a range of creative projects.
Ben Bonwitt-Marsh
Cinematographer
Ben Bonwitt-Marsh is a New York-based cinematographer. He is currently in his senior year at NYU Tisch School of the Arts studying Film and TV production. Ben has experience shooting student shorts, independent shorts and commercial work for a wide range of clientele. Ben has been accepted as a friend of the Association of Camera Operators.
Christopher Contaldi
Costume Designer
Christopher Contaldi is an NYC-based fashion stylist. With an undergraduate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Chris has industry experience in styling for editorial, runway, red-carpet, and commercial photoshoots and video campaigns. Currently assisting acclaimed fashion figurehead Carlos Nazario, Chris has experience under major industry players such as Harper's Bazaar, the MET Gala, Willy Chavarria, and more. In his personal styling work, Chris explores and questions the bounds of the human experience, psyche, and identity.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
LOGLINE
After finding himself in a disorienting and nightmarish club, an anonymous boy struggles to make sense of the chaos.
THE STORY
A distorted ambience rings throughout the club. People dance on the floor, but where is the music? And more importantly, where is the DJ?
Clinging to the shadows are faceless and bandaged figures. Contorted and animal-like, they manically claw at the walls and themselves, plagued with a dark sense of fear and hysteria.
Wracked with the same fear, his motive becomes clear: find a way out.
But what if this is all there is?
THEMES & INSPIRATIONS
"God is a DJ, life is a dance floor, love is the rhythm." – P!nk
But what if there is no DJ?
The origin of GOD IS A DJ came from a vision of beaten and battered club goers on a colorful dance floor. They are bruised and scarred, yet they keep dancing. Not out of ignorance, but acceptance, empathy, and liberation.
The story meditates on themes of absurdist and nihilist philosophies. Our protagonist is like Sisyphus, only instead of pushing a boulder uphill for eternity, he is trapped inside a techno club for eternity. In GOD IS A DJ, life manifests itself into one long night at the club.
Visually, the film takes inspiration from David Lynch's Twin Peaks, Jim Taihuttu's Hardcore Never Dies, Gaspar Noé's Climax, and Uli Edel's Christiane F. The cinematography will strike a balance between long, eerie shots and high-energy movement to create something that lies somewhere between reality and the liminal. Visually, it will feel like a dream – or a nightmare.
GOD IS A DJ is also a fashion film. The costumes play a major role in telling the story, acting as physical manifestations of the characters' philosophies on life. Taking inspiration from legendary designers such as Alexander McQueen and Martin Margiela, the film utilizes avant-garde fashion to visualize the protagonist's internal transformation.
WHY?
At its core, this film is a reminder of the absurd nature of life. By the end of the film, our protagonist learns to accept himself and his pain, choosing to dance the night away rather than wallow on the outskirts alone. We all have pain and imperfections and we must learn to love them and empathize with others. Only then can we live life to its fullest.
This is a story with the club running through its veins. In fact, our director, Kaitlyn Kim, was first inspired to make this film while at a club. In a way, it’s a love letter to club culture. New York City Nightlife is hurting and we want this film to help revitalize it.
OUR BUDGET: $5,750
Camera Equipment (camera, lights, electronics) - $3,000
Wardrobe & Costumes - $800
Hair & Make-up - $200
Craft services - $700
Equipment van rental - $450
Props - $100
Miscellaneous - $500
Total: $5,750
Any help is greatly appreciated and no donation is too small! If you’d like to support us but can’t help financially, here’s what you can do instead:
- Follow our Instagram @godisadj__film.
- Share about our film on social media.
- Send our Seed and Spark to anyone you think may have an interest in our project.
- Watch the film when it comes out!
FESTIVALS
GOD IS A DJ will not just be another short film that ends up on YouTube. We have big plans. After a rigorous post-production process, GOD IS A DJ will be submitted to various Oscar-qualifying film festivals across the globe including but not limited to: Tribeca Film Festival, Cinequest, Busan International Film Festival, New York Shorts International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest. We will stop at nothing to maximize the amount of people who see the beauty of GOD IS A DJ.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
COSTUMES
Costs $800
Reflective of the arcs and greater themes, the costuming is the core of this film. Help us bring our world and characters to life!
FOOD
Costs $700
Keep our cast and crew fed and hydrated!
EQUIPMENT
Costs $3,000
Cameras, lights, and electrical gear. Help us get the technical tools to make our film look beautiful!
HAIR & MAKEUP
Costs $200
Help get our actors ready for camera!
ART & PROPS
Costs $100
Help us bring our world to life!
Equipment Van Rental
Costs $450
Transport our equipment to locations!
Contingency
Costs $500
You never know what could happen at the club...
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kaitlyn Kim
Writer/Director
Kaitlyn is a New York City-based writer and director currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Film and Television at NYU Tisch. With an Associate's degree in Fashion Business, earned at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Kaitlyn's creative journey weaves together distinct realms of visual storytelling and fashion. Drawing influence from existential philosophy, Kaitlyn's films blur the lines between tangible reality and the intangible realms of the mind, using surreal, liminal spaces to evoke a heightened sense of self-awareness and introspection. Her work has been screened in exhibitions across NYC. She hopes you'll join us at the club in GOD IS A DJ.
Luke Curnin
Producer
Luke is a writer and producer based in New York originally from Topsham, Maine. He is a recent graduate of the Dramatic Writing program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in French. He’s passionate about writing stories that we’ve never seen before and helping talented artists tell their own new stories. His work experience ranges from interning at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to scooping blizzards at Dairy Queen. He is thrilled to be producing GOD IS A DJ.
Henry K. Hwang
Executive Producer
Henry K. Hwang is a film director and screenwriter with experience in both commercial and independent film industries In South Korea, including work with Rod Pictures, a frequent collaborator with CJ Entertainment, and the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). His short films have been screened and awarded at known festivals such as the New York Shorts International Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival, and the Canadian Screen Award Qualifying Toronto International Nollywood Festival. He also wrote and directed the $1.5 million musical Stand or Die, Nakdong River, which toured across South Korea and starred K-pop artist Sunye and K-drama actress Elijah Lee.
Peter Pochinok
Producer
Peter Pochinok is an actor, director, and producer currently pursuing an MFA degree at Columbia University. He has directed short films featured in festivals, written for several developing film projects, and produced various works, helping to secure financial commitments of up to half a million dollars. Peter has professional experience with major companies across the pharmaceutical, finance, television, marketing, and radio broadcasting industries. He is also active in New York City’s nightlife, fashion, art, and music scenes, contributing to a range of creative projects.
Ben Bonwitt-Marsh
Cinematographer
Ben Bonwitt-Marsh is a New York-based cinematographer. He is currently in his senior year at NYU Tisch School of the Arts studying Film and TV production. Ben has experience shooting student shorts, independent shorts and commercial work for a wide range of clientele. Ben has been accepted as a friend of the Association of Camera Operators.
Christopher Contaldi
Costume Designer
Christopher Contaldi is an NYC-based fashion stylist. With an undergraduate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Chris has industry experience in styling for editorial, runway, red-carpet, and commercial photoshoots and video campaigns. Currently assisting acclaimed fashion figurehead Carlos Nazario, Chris has experience under major industry players such as Harper's Bazaar, the MET Gala, Willy Chavarria, and more. In his personal styling work, Chris explores and questions the bounds of the human experience, psyche, and identity.