It's A Drag is a proof-of-concept short film that explores the bittersweet humor in processing grief and the unexpected magic woven into life’s messiest tasks. Originally imagined as a feature about a son whose father’s spirit haunts his last six cigarettes, the story has evolved into a poignant and darkly comedic short that embodies magical realism and the nostalgic yet unpolished feel of indie cinema. Drawing inspiration from the unsettling magical realism and tangled memories in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the haunted atmosphere of The Babadook, and the coming-of-age sincerity of The Way, Way Back, It’s a Drag delves into the blurred lines between memory and reality. We’ve created a story that feels both familiar and uncanny—like an old family photo, suddenly reframed, that redefines your understanding of a loved one, and we're so excited to share it with you.

In It's A Drag, twenty-something Liam returns to his deceased father's apartment to handle his “effects,” burdened by memories he’d rather ignore. Entering the cluttered, smoke-filled space, Liam finds relics of his dad's life—a dusty bachelor pad filled with old music posters, takeout menus, and, oddly, an IV stand. But as he sifts through his father's things, Liam finds unexpected clues: strange old photographs and a journal entry about meeting a "wizard guy." Odd as it all seems, he shrugs it off, chalking it up to his father’s usual offbeat charm.

Liam’s attempts to clear out the apartment grow increasingly unsettling. He discovers a half-smoked cigarette in an otherwise empty pack, and though he hesitates, he’s tempted to light it. But strange things start happening—items seem to shift, a gust flips a journal page warning of a curse, and a half-lit match is extinguished by an eerie breeze. Just when he thinks he’s alone, Liam is jolted by his father's voice—a surreal vision of his dad, fully alive, appears before him. This is the same man who raised him, yet he’s different, almost supernatural, as he cryptically asks Liam for one final favor.

Liam is left grappling with the question of whether he’s experiencing a hallucination, or if his father’s warning about the “curse” is something he must face head-on. With his father’s ghostly appearance lingering in the space, Liam has a choice to make—but if he doesn’t confront his own role in the mystery, he may never be able to let go of his dad. Will Liam take up his father's strange final request, or will he leave the apartment with more questions than answers?

In funding It's A Drag, you’re supporting a story that’s heartfelt, funny, and a little eerie—one that captures the complicated ways we remember those we’ve lost. This short film is our proof of concept, a project designed to show that we can turn a compelling idea into a unique, entertaining film that connects with audiences. It’s an exploration of how grief and memory intertwine, capturing the strange magic of remembering those we’ve lost with all their quirks, flaws, and joys. For anyone who’s sorted through a loved one’s belongings or felt the echoes of the past whispering in an old photo, this story will resonate. With your support, we can bring to life an experience that blends psychological intrigue with magical realism, creating a film that is eerie yet heartfelt, unsettling yet uplifting.

Your contribution directly enables us to craft an atmosphere that draws viewers into Liam’s surreal world, where even a half-smoked cigarette holds the weight of unfinished memories. Every dollar brings us closer to capturing the haunting, funny, and profoundly human moments that make this story unique. This is a chance to be part of a film that doesn’t just entertain—it invites viewers to see the beauty in imperfection, the laughter in pain, and the joy of finally understanding those we thought we’d known forever.

Together, let’s make this film something unforgettable.

If we secure $10,000 for It's A Drag, our priority is to make sure our talented crew and actors—many of whom are trusted friends and collaborators—are fairly compensated. Around $6700 of the budget will go directly toward paying them, allowing us to recognize their hard work and dedication. The remaining $3300 will cover key production expenses: renting essential equipment, securing atmospheric locations, and designing a set that brings the eerie, lived-in feel of the story to life. This budget will also cover post-production essentials like editing and sound design, and vfx to ensure a polished final cut. Any money beyond the initial will be dedicated to production design, catering, marketing, festival submission fees, and just generally helping us to improve the final product. With your support, we can bring together a passionate team and craft a film that fully captures the humor, heart, and uncanny magic at the center of our story.

There are several meaningful ways you can contribute to the success of It's A Drag! First, following us on social media will help amplify our reach and keep you informed about our journey.

If you're able to pledge financial support, no matter how small, it will greatly assist in compensating our hardworking cast and crew. Scroll up to the “Make a Pledge” button, and you’ll see all of our incentive levels and options to the right. 

Additionally, if you have equipment, food for our cast and crew during shoots, or even access to locations that you think fit our vision, your contributions would be invaluable. Every gesture helps us bring this project to life, and together, we can create something truly special. Thank you for being part of our adventure!

WAYS TO STAY UP TO DATE

We’ll be providing updates through the entire production process, so make sure to FOLLOW the project on Seed & Spark, and stay tuned on our Instagram, @itsadrag_film. Sharing your support on social media can be just as helpful as a donation. All proceeds from this fundraiser go DIRECTLY into this project.