Kalpana
New York City, New York | Film Short
Mystery, Thriller
Kalpana is a compelling blend of horror and psychological thriller, delving into the profound themes of grief, loss, and acceptance. Neo's lens reveals a ghostly enigma: a girl who vanishes in photos. As Neo unravels the mystery he confronts unsettling truths that challenge his perception of reality
Kalpana
New York City, New York | Film Short
Mystery, Thriller
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $3,211 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
12 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Kalpana is a compelling blend of horror and psychological thriller, delving into the profound themes of grief, loss, and acceptance. Neo's lens reveals a ghostly enigma: a girl who vanishes in photos. As Neo unravels the mystery he confronts unsettling truths that challenge his perception of reality
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story


In the serene ambiance of a small town, Neo, a photographer ensnared in routine, encounters a transformative disruption when a captivating new girl, a spectral echo of his lost love, emerges at the local diner. Entranced by her allure, Neo's attempt to capture her essence unveils a perplexing reality—she remains invisible in photographs. As Neo delves deeper into their interactions, he unravels the painful truth that the girl is a manifestation of his haunting past.
"Kalpana" becomes a poignant exploration of grief's emotional intricacies, shedding light on diverse coping mechanisms. Neo's journey unfolds as a delicate balance between cherishing memories and emancipating oneself to embrace the present, symbolizing the healing process of confronting pain while appreciating the beauty that future moments promise.

Key Characters



As the writer and director of "Kalpana," I am deeply committed to crafting a cinematic experience that transcends genre conventions to explore the universal theme of grief in a profoundly personal and evocative manner.
The genesis of this story emerged from a deeply personal experience of loss. When I lost my dog, I found myself grappling with the profound absence of his presence, despite his physical departure. In the quiet corners of my home, I continued to envision him, a spectral presence lingering in the familiar spaces we once shared. This poignant realization inspired me to explore the intricate nuances of grief and mourning through a suspense-driven narrative.
"Kalpana" is more than just a story; it is a reflection of the enduring impact of loss and the complexities of the grieving process. Through the character of Neo and his encounters with a spectral manifestation of his lost love, I aim to delve into the emotional depths of grief, illuminating how it can manifest as a lingering presence in our lives long after our loved ones have departed. The suspenseful elements of the film serve as a vehicle to engage the audience, drawing them into a narrative that not only captivates but also provokes contemplation on the profound journey of healing and acceptance.
Ultimately, "Kalpana" is more than a film; it is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the cathartic journey of self-discovery.


Most of our expenses would be going in securing Location and transportation for cast and crew. Not only would your donation go towards increasing our production value, this money would also towards creating a better and safer environment for our team all of whom are working pro bono and without whom this production wouldn't exist.
Anything you have to contribute may it be money or just sharing this page, would mean the world to us:)
Look book

Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $1,700
To secure places to shoot the movie!
Food
Costs $700
Support our project's talent and dedication by providing funding for meals for our crew! A well-fed crew and cast contribute to the success
Transportation
Costs $500
Transportation for cast, crew, and equipment, ensuring everyone arrives safely and on time for a successful production.
Production Design
Costs $300
Production design and props play a crucial role for this narrative:) We need film photographs and camera.
Festival submissions
Costs $500
We want to play in as many festivals as possible!
Sound Mixing and Score
Costs $300
Securing funds for a score is indispensable in crafting a captivating soundtrack that amplifies emotions and fosters audience empathy with t
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
DIRECTOR & WRITER - Kaashvi Agarwal
Kaashvi Agarwal is a producer and director studying at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is from India, and she decided to commence her exploration of the film and television realm in New York City. Her creative pursuits reflect a deep fascination with enigmatic themes, such as the uncanny, magic realism, and the profound influence of memories. Kaashvi's unique vision and storytelling prowess are evident in her ongoing projects, where she skillfully explores the intricacies of the human experience. Kaashvi is also one of the founders of Moonwatch Pictures, an independent production company recognized for crafting intricate narratives in numerous short films. Besides her involvement with the Moonwatch, she also serves as an event producer at the Production Lab at NYU. In this role, Kaashvi contributes to a development center dedicated to supporting the next generation of creatives, aiding them in designing and launching thriving careers in their respective industries. Beyond filmmaking, Kaashvi seeks solace in nature, indulging in her love for trekking.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Noelle Brown
Noelle Brown is a director, producer, and screenwriter based in New York City. As a Junior, studying at New York University, Tisch Film and Television Production, Noelle has honed her skills in filmmaking and intensified her identity as a storyteller. With a background in theater, Noelle’s commitment to the arts has influenced the launch of MoonWatch Pictures, an independent film production company, she founded with her peers. MoonWatch was started as an outlet to better support one another’s creative process, uplifting women in film, and bloomed into the producing power behind various short films, some of which have been produced and directed by Noelle Brown. Her niche in screenwriting comes from a long career of creative writing endeavors, crafting poetry and short stories since childhood. Noelle’s voice as an adult shows commitment to endorse empathy through varying elements of the human condition. Within dark metaphors, she explores themes such as feminist theory, mental illness, and late-stage capitalism, all while still upholding a unique, stylistic tone. Noelle’s producorial career started in San Diego, California, where her love of performance art led her to produce drag-show events for her hometown’s queer community. Stories produced by Noelle Brown exemplify the utmost authenticity and creative liberty, toeing the line between realism and artistic sensationalism.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Jordan Britt
Jordan Nicole Britt, a producer, director, and screenwriter, is a student at New York University. Majoring in Film and Television at NYU, Jordan has not only immersed herself in the academic study of the craft. Still, it has also leaped into the practical world by founding Moonwatch Pictures, an independent production company. Through Moonwatch Pictures, she has produced and directed several short films, showcasing her talent for weaving intricate narratives that explore coming-of-age experiences, familial relationships, and the nuances of the human condition. Her work, characterized by a deep understanding of vulnerability and intimacy, is heavily influenced by her upbringing and her background in playwriting and poetry.Jordan's productions stand out for connecting personal stories with universal themes while experimenting with cinematic techniques and embracing the natural environment as a backdrop.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Kyle Silverio
Kyle was introduced to making movies through creating fun sketches and *epic scenes* with his cousins growing up. And over the years, Kyle’s enthusiasm for the art has snowballed through creating mini-documentaries and personal films grounded in real-life experiences surrounding family and friends. Since transferring to NYU in 2023, Kyle’s knowledge and passion for filmmaking has grown exponentially. Kyle is beyond excited to learn and grow alongside a team of talented and passionate filmmakers, people he is lucky to call his friends.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story


In the serene ambiance of a small town, Neo, a photographer ensnared in routine, encounters a transformative disruption when a captivating new girl, a spectral echo of his lost love, emerges at the local diner. Entranced by her allure, Neo's attempt to capture her essence unveils a perplexing reality—she remains invisible in photographs. As Neo delves deeper into their interactions, he unravels the painful truth that the girl is a manifestation of his haunting past.
"Kalpana" becomes a poignant exploration of grief's emotional intricacies, shedding light on diverse coping mechanisms. Neo's journey unfolds as a delicate balance between cherishing memories and emancipating oneself to embrace the present, symbolizing the healing process of confronting pain while appreciating the beauty that future moments promise.

Key Characters



As the writer and director of "Kalpana," I am deeply committed to crafting a cinematic experience that transcends genre conventions to explore the universal theme of grief in a profoundly personal and evocative manner.
The genesis of this story emerged from a deeply personal experience of loss. When I lost my dog, I found myself grappling with the profound absence of his presence, despite his physical departure. In the quiet corners of my home, I continued to envision him, a spectral presence lingering in the familiar spaces we once shared. This poignant realization inspired me to explore the intricate nuances of grief and mourning through a suspense-driven narrative.
"Kalpana" is more than just a story; it is a reflection of the enduring impact of loss and the complexities of the grieving process. Through the character of Neo and his encounters with a spectral manifestation of his lost love, I aim to delve into the emotional depths of grief, illuminating how it can manifest as a lingering presence in our lives long after our loved ones have departed. The suspenseful elements of the film serve as a vehicle to engage the audience, drawing them into a narrative that not only captivates but also provokes contemplation on the profound journey of healing and acceptance.
Ultimately, "Kalpana" is more than a film; it is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the cathartic journey of self-discovery.


Most of our expenses would be going in securing Location and transportation for cast and crew. Not only would your donation go towards increasing our production value, this money would also towards creating a better and safer environment for our team all of whom are working pro bono and without whom this production wouldn't exist.
Anything you have to contribute may it be money or just sharing this page, would mean the world to us:)
Look book

Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $1,700
To secure places to shoot the movie!
Food
Costs $700
Support our project's talent and dedication by providing funding for meals for our crew! A well-fed crew and cast contribute to the success
Transportation
Costs $500
Transportation for cast, crew, and equipment, ensuring everyone arrives safely and on time for a successful production.
Production Design
Costs $300
Production design and props play a crucial role for this narrative:) We need film photographs and camera.
Festival submissions
Costs $500
We want to play in as many festivals as possible!
Sound Mixing and Score
Costs $300
Securing funds for a score is indispensable in crafting a captivating soundtrack that amplifies emotions and fosters audience empathy with t
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
DIRECTOR & WRITER - Kaashvi Agarwal
Kaashvi Agarwal is a producer and director studying at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is from India, and she decided to commence her exploration of the film and television realm in New York City. Her creative pursuits reflect a deep fascination with enigmatic themes, such as the uncanny, magic realism, and the profound influence of memories. Kaashvi's unique vision and storytelling prowess are evident in her ongoing projects, where she skillfully explores the intricacies of the human experience. Kaashvi is also one of the founders of Moonwatch Pictures, an independent production company recognized for crafting intricate narratives in numerous short films. Besides her involvement with the Moonwatch, she also serves as an event producer at the Production Lab at NYU. In this role, Kaashvi contributes to a development center dedicated to supporting the next generation of creatives, aiding them in designing and launching thriving careers in their respective industries. Beyond filmmaking, Kaashvi seeks solace in nature, indulging in her love for trekking.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Noelle Brown
Noelle Brown is a director, producer, and screenwriter based in New York City. As a Junior, studying at New York University, Tisch Film and Television Production, Noelle has honed her skills in filmmaking and intensified her identity as a storyteller. With a background in theater, Noelle’s commitment to the arts has influenced the launch of MoonWatch Pictures, an independent film production company, she founded with her peers. MoonWatch was started as an outlet to better support one another’s creative process, uplifting women in film, and bloomed into the producing power behind various short films, some of which have been produced and directed by Noelle Brown. Her niche in screenwriting comes from a long career of creative writing endeavors, crafting poetry and short stories since childhood. Noelle’s voice as an adult shows commitment to endorse empathy through varying elements of the human condition. Within dark metaphors, she explores themes such as feminist theory, mental illness, and late-stage capitalism, all while still upholding a unique, stylistic tone. Noelle’s producorial career started in San Diego, California, where her love of performance art led her to produce drag-show events for her hometown’s queer community. Stories produced by Noelle Brown exemplify the utmost authenticity and creative liberty, toeing the line between realism and artistic sensationalism.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Jordan Britt
Jordan Nicole Britt, a producer, director, and screenwriter, is a student at New York University. Majoring in Film and Television at NYU, Jordan has not only immersed herself in the academic study of the craft. Still, it has also leaped into the practical world by founding Moonwatch Pictures, an independent production company. Through Moonwatch Pictures, she has produced and directed several short films, showcasing her talent for weaving intricate narratives that explore coming-of-age experiences, familial relationships, and the nuances of the human condition. Her work, characterized by a deep understanding of vulnerability and intimacy, is heavily influenced by her upbringing and her background in playwriting and poetry.Jordan's productions stand out for connecting personal stories with universal themes while experimenting with cinematic techniques and embracing the natural environment as a backdrop.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Kyle Silverio
Kyle was introduced to making movies through creating fun sketches and *epic scenes* with his cousins growing up. And over the years, Kyle’s enthusiasm for the art has snowballed through creating mini-documentaries and personal films grounded in real-life experiences surrounding family and friends. Since transferring to NYU in 2023, Kyle’s knowledge and passion for filmmaking has grown exponentially. Kyle is beyond excited to learn and grow alongside a team of talented and passionate filmmakers, people he is lucky to call his friends.
