Land of the Dead
Seattle, Washington | Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ
Haunted by a demon they summoned as a child, Mel joins their friends Evy, Tyler, Remy, and Sage for a reckless Samhain ritual that turns terrifyingly real. As the entity returns to claim them, Mel must confront a past-life trauma, and reckon with their own inner demons.
Land of the Dead
Seattle, Washington | Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,265 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
46 supporters | followers
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Haunted by a demon they summoned as a child, Mel joins their friends Evy, Tyler, Remy, and Sage for a reckless Samhain ritual that turns terrifyingly real. As the entity returns to claim them, Mel must confront a past-life trauma, and reckon with their own inner demons.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Land of the Dead is a dark, camp-infused comedy about Mel, a non-binary person coming to terms with their identity. Much to their dismay, Evy ropes them into a Samhain retreat with their friends Remy, Tyler, and Sage. All Hades breaks loose when a demon from Mel's past returns to haunt them all after a seance goes awry. Mel is confronted by the demon they accidentally summoned in childhood - a manifestation of fear, shame, and unresolved identity. While their friends navigate their own Queer expressions through drag makeup, chaotic flirtations, and substance-fueled denial, Mel’s journey unfolds more subtly.
With 90's late night nostalgia, Queer narratives, and color symbolism woven throughout the film; this story is about gender affirmation, love, vice, and truth, and NOT letting your demons stay buried. We gotta nurture them. The demon’s return forces Mel to confront not just a supernatural entity, but the parts of their identity they’ve long suppressed.
At its core, Land of the Dead is about discovering who you are when the past refuses to stay buried; a messy, funny, and heartfelt exploration of gender, Queerness, and chosen family.
From the Writer/Director:
I wrote Land of the Dead as the first project under my production company, Scorpio Rising Productions. This film is deeply personal. Like Mel, I understand what it means to wrestle quietly with identity while the world expects certainty. I understand what it means to carry versions of yourself that no longer fit - and the fear of what might happen when you finally let them go - but this story isn’t just personal, it’s urgent.
Brianna Paige Dague and Hana Hahn on set
Making this film changed my life in a very tangible way. Because of the process of writing and filming Land of the Dead - because I gave myself permission to tell a story about gender honestly - I was able to move forward with my top surgery.
This film gave me language. It gave me courage. It gave me a mirror.
And yet, in the current political climate of the United States, access to gender-affirming care is becoming increasingly restricted. Legislation targeting trans and non-binary people continues to spread, threatening healthcare access and bodily autonomy. I was fortunate. Others may not be.
That is why this film matters right now.
BTS from our 5 day shoot
Land of the Dead is not a trauma narrative designed to explain Queerness to a straight audience. It is a dark, camp-infused story about becoming; about confronting shame, repression, and the demons we internalize in order to survive. The demon in our film is literal, but it is also symbolic of the fear placed upon Queer people by a world that would prefer we stay silent.
At a time when trans and LGBTQIA2S+ people are being debated rather than protected, storytelling becomes an act of resistance. Visibility becomes resistance. Joy becomes resistance. Making films that center Queer and non-binary protagonists becomes resistance.
We wrapped filming in March 2025 and began post-production in December after financial delays. This campaign is about finishing what we started. It is about ensuring that stories like Land of the Dead get to exist loudly and unapologetically.
This film is our act of resistance.
Because when access is threatened and identities are politicized, creating art that tells the truth about who we are isn’t just storytelling, it’s survival.
Still from Land of the Dead featuring Hana Hahn (Mel) & Brianna Paige Dague (Evy)
Your support will directly help us bring this project to life by financing post-production creatives. That includes the editor, colorist, sound mixer, marketing, and composer. The remainder of the funds will go to festival submissions and screening costs; we want to make sure Land of the Dead gets out in the world to make an impact, and that is only possible if we can show it!
If we surpass our goal, we would use any additional funds to backpay the creatives who worked on the shoot.
STRETCH GOALS:
+$1,500 – Post-Production Kickoff
Add in the finer details that weren’t possible before; extra sound mixing, music licensing, etc.
+$3,000 – Team Appreciation Fund
Provide partial reimbursement for the full team, recognizing their dedication.
+$4,500 – Expanded Team Support
Increase reimbursement to cover more of the team’s contributions and time.
+$6,500 – Full Team Reimbursement
Completely cover the full team’s costs.
We get it! The job market right now is as scary as any Samhain demon we can dream up. But there are ways to support Land of the Dead without paying a cent!
Following the campaign on Seed and Spark (you're already here! Might as well).
If we get 250 followers on this campaign in Seed and Spark, we can get financial perks such as festival submission costs covered! All you have to do is click follow and input a name and email - it takes about 15 seconds but means the world to us.
Follow on social media & share with friends!
Find out what the project and its creators are up to!
Film: landofthedeadfilm
Hana: hanahahn_
Bri: briannapdague
Amelia: ameliaewoodford
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Still from Land of the Dead featuring Lucia Cecchetto (Sage) & AJ Rene (Remy)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Summoning the Final Cut
Costs $1,200
Every séance needs preparation. As Evy says: salt, candles, and trinkets. Editing is our ritual to summon the final cut of Land of the Dead.
Voices of the Underworld
Costs $400
Lyssa can't haunt your dreams without knowing your scream. Sound design captures every whisper, shriek, and supernatural moment.
Groovy Demon Tracks
Costs $1,000
Groove to some funky fresh beats with Sage and alt-rock jams with Tyler on this spooky cabin getaway.
Mood Ring
Costs $600
What’s your mood ring color? Pink, orange, white? Purple, yellow, black, white? We’ll help you discover your rainbow vibe!
Queer Rager
Costs $1,300
From city to city, Tyler’s Queer rager is coming, wine in hand, chaos on screen, and spooky fun for Queers everywhere!
Lesbians of the Underworld Unite
Costs $500
Tyler, Sage, and Remy are in and so should you! Help us spread the gay, magical séance vibes of Land of the Dead worldwide!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
HANA HAHN (they/them) @hanahahn_ is a non-binary actor, writer and Queer filmmaker. Hahn is known for The Cuckoo Clock (2026), Vulture (2024), and Menace (2023). They made their directorial debut with the dark, campy comedy Land of the Dead, set to release in 2026. Their screenplay Thin Walls Thick was nominated for best short screenplay at Chicago Women's Film Fest (2026).
BRIANNA DAGUE (they/them) @briannapdague, the iconic Producer behind Land of the Dead. A veteran of the PNW film scene, Brianna has acted in Trash Baby @trashbabyfilm, Vulture (2024), and Year of the Fox (2023), but their talents don’t stop there. After co-producing the critically acclaimed Vulture, they dove headfirst into LotD, making sure this chaos actually came together. Bri and Hana have worked on countless films together, but this marks the beginning of their creative journey behind the camera, and they (pl.) are fucking stoked. More than an actor and producer, Brianna’s dedication to activism and truth fuels their work, bringing a deep sense of empathy that shapes every creative and personal choice they make.
BYRON GOUETTE (he/him) @byrongouette7 is the pride and joy of the PNW indie film scene, and we’re beyond thrilled to have him as our Director of Photography for Land of the Dead. Byron previously collaborated with Brianna Paige Dague and Hana Hahn on Vulture (2024), so it only made sense to bring him into the maelstrom as our DP. Byron’s dedication to his craft is truly something to admire. See more of his work at byrongouette.com.
AMELIA WOODFORD (she/her) @ameliaewoodford is the powerhouse First Assistant Director behind Land of the Dead. With a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to the craft, Amelia’s creativity, talent, and activism make her an integral force in this production. Having previously collaborated with Brianna Paige Dague and Hana Hahn, Amelia’s sharp wit and visionary approach were the missing pieces to the puzzle. We’re beyond lucky to have her steering the ship.
MATT LINDBERG (he/him) @_mlindberg joins the Land of the Dead crew as our resident Gaffer. Known for both his artistry and his love of surfing, Matt’s talents span from the creative to the athletic. A Seattle-based Gaffer and DP, Matt is passionate about lighting and storytelling that makes a positive impact - whether it’s helping a non-profit gain more support or crafting the perfect look for a music video. Check out his work at lindbergfilms.com.
CAITLIN CHEN (she/her) @bycaitlinc, our phenomenal grip! Brought onto Land of the Dead by our incredible gaffer @_mlindberg, Caitlin has been an essential force behind the scenes. Notably chill, hardworking, and endlessly enthusiastic, she’s making waves in the Washington film scene with her dedication to bringing indie projects to life. When she’s not on set with us, you can find her working with @fct_program and supporting the local film community. We’re damn lucky to have her!
MAKENNA DECARO (she/they) @makennadecaro and TEOXIHUITL LARSEN (he/him) join Land of the Dead as our incredible Production Assistants!
Makenna is a phenomenal actor and singer with a voice that commands the stage, Makenna’s original song, will grace the end credits. Teo joins LotD for his first PA gig, stepping away from theatre to gain some on-set experience. As a relative of our DP Byron Gouette, Teo’s enthusiasm and fresh perspective make him a killer addition to the crew.
CONNOR RUBIN (he/him) @connorbrubin @mirrorroommedia Originally from Maryland, Connor moved to Washington in 2021. He has spent the past seven years working in the professional commercial and film industry as a director of photography, editor, writer, and director.
Regardless of the role, his focus is always the same. Whether he’s behind the camera or writing, his work is grounded in a commitment to meaningful storytelling.
He has loved film since childhood, but 2018 marked a turning point when he picked up a camera for the first time. In 2019, he transformed his ideas into his first short film, Hard Candy & The Lazarus Ball, a project that became a defining milestone. It deepened his artistic direction and affirmed that filmmaking is not just a career for him, but the most honest way he knows how to express himself.
CHAD COURTNEY (he/him) @chadcourtneydp is an accomplished Director of Photography and Colorist working across narrative, documentary, and commercial projects. Beginning his career in Los Angeles, his work has since taken him worldwide, from lean documentary crews to large-scale productions, including feature films and commercial campaigns for clients such as Microsoft and Amazon. As a Colorist, Chad has graded multiple feature films, documentaries, short films, and branded content. His experience behind the camera informs his approach in the grade, allowing him to enhance each image while maintaining the director’s vision.
Chad takes pride in crafting cohesive, cinematic visuals from production through final delivery, and is always open to new creative collaborations.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Land of the Dead is a dark, camp-infused comedy about Mel, a non-binary person coming to terms with their identity. Much to their dismay, Evy ropes them into a Samhain retreat with their friends Remy, Tyler, and Sage. All Hades breaks loose when a demon from Mel's past returns to haunt them all after a seance goes awry. Mel is confronted by the demon they accidentally summoned in childhood - a manifestation of fear, shame, and unresolved identity. While their friends navigate their own Queer expressions through drag makeup, chaotic flirtations, and substance-fueled denial, Mel’s journey unfolds more subtly.
With 90's late night nostalgia, Queer narratives, and color symbolism woven throughout the film; this story is about gender affirmation, love, vice, and truth, and NOT letting your demons stay buried. We gotta nurture them. The demon’s return forces Mel to confront not just a supernatural entity, but the parts of their identity they’ve long suppressed.
At its core, Land of the Dead is about discovering who you are when the past refuses to stay buried; a messy, funny, and heartfelt exploration of gender, Queerness, and chosen family.
From the Writer/Director:
I wrote Land of the Dead as the first project under my production company, Scorpio Rising Productions. This film is deeply personal. Like Mel, I understand what it means to wrestle quietly with identity while the world expects certainty. I understand what it means to carry versions of yourself that no longer fit - and the fear of what might happen when you finally let them go - but this story isn’t just personal, it’s urgent.
Brianna Paige Dague and Hana Hahn on set
Making this film changed my life in a very tangible way. Because of the process of writing and filming Land of the Dead - because I gave myself permission to tell a story about gender honestly - I was able to move forward with my top surgery.
This film gave me language. It gave me courage. It gave me a mirror.
And yet, in the current political climate of the United States, access to gender-affirming care is becoming increasingly restricted. Legislation targeting trans and non-binary people continues to spread, threatening healthcare access and bodily autonomy. I was fortunate. Others may not be.
That is why this film matters right now.
BTS from our 5 day shoot
Land of the Dead is not a trauma narrative designed to explain Queerness to a straight audience. It is a dark, camp-infused story about becoming; about confronting shame, repression, and the demons we internalize in order to survive. The demon in our film is literal, but it is also symbolic of the fear placed upon Queer people by a world that would prefer we stay silent.
At a time when trans and LGBTQIA2S+ people are being debated rather than protected, storytelling becomes an act of resistance. Visibility becomes resistance. Joy becomes resistance. Making films that center Queer and non-binary protagonists becomes resistance.
We wrapped filming in March 2025 and began post-production in December after financial delays. This campaign is about finishing what we started. It is about ensuring that stories like Land of the Dead get to exist loudly and unapologetically.
This film is our act of resistance.
Because when access is threatened and identities are politicized, creating art that tells the truth about who we are isn’t just storytelling, it’s survival.
Still from Land of the Dead featuring Hana Hahn (Mel) & Brianna Paige Dague (Evy)
Your support will directly help us bring this project to life by financing post-production creatives. That includes the editor, colorist, sound mixer, marketing, and composer. The remainder of the funds will go to festival submissions and screening costs; we want to make sure Land of the Dead gets out in the world to make an impact, and that is only possible if we can show it!
If we surpass our goal, we would use any additional funds to backpay the creatives who worked on the shoot.
STRETCH GOALS:
+$1,500 – Post-Production Kickoff
Add in the finer details that weren’t possible before; extra sound mixing, music licensing, etc.
+$3,000 – Team Appreciation Fund
Provide partial reimbursement for the full team, recognizing their dedication.
+$4,500 – Expanded Team Support
Increase reimbursement to cover more of the team’s contributions and time.
+$6,500 – Full Team Reimbursement
Completely cover the full team’s costs.
We get it! The job market right now is as scary as any Samhain demon we can dream up. But there are ways to support Land of the Dead without paying a cent!
Following the campaign on Seed and Spark (you're already here! Might as well).
If we get 250 followers on this campaign in Seed and Spark, we can get financial perks such as festival submission costs covered! All you have to do is click follow and input a name and email - it takes about 15 seconds but means the world to us.
Follow on social media & share with friends!
Find out what the project and its creators are up to!
Film: landofthedeadfilm
Hana: hanahahn_
Bri: briannapdague
Amelia: ameliaewoodford
Still from Land of the Dead featuring Lucia Cecchetto (Sage) & AJ Rene (Remy)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Summoning the Final Cut
Costs $1,200
Every séance needs preparation. As Evy says: salt, candles, and trinkets. Editing is our ritual to summon the final cut of Land of the Dead.
Voices of the Underworld
Costs $400
Lyssa can't haunt your dreams without knowing your scream. Sound design captures every whisper, shriek, and supernatural moment.
Groovy Demon Tracks
Costs $1,000
Groove to some funky fresh beats with Sage and alt-rock jams with Tyler on this spooky cabin getaway.
Mood Ring
Costs $600
What’s your mood ring color? Pink, orange, white? Purple, yellow, black, white? We’ll help you discover your rainbow vibe!
Queer Rager
Costs $1,300
From city to city, Tyler’s Queer rager is coming, wine in hand, chaos on screen, and spooky fun for Queers everywhere!
Lesbians of the Underworld Unite
Costs $500
Tyler, Sage, and Remy are in and so should you! Help us spread the gay, magical séance vibes of Land of the Dead worldwide!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
HANA HAHN (they/them) @hanahahn_ is a non-binary actor, writer and Queer filmmaker. Hahn is known for The Cuckoo Clock (2026), Vulture (2024), and Menace (2023). They made their directorial debut with the dark, campy comedy Land of the Dead, set to release in 2026. Their screenplay Thin Walls Thick was nominated for best short screenplay at Chicago Women's Film Fest (2026).
BRIANNA DAGUE (they/them) @briannapdague, the iconic Producer behind Land of the Dead. A veteran of the PNW film scene, Brianna has acted in Trash Baby @trashbabyfilm, Vulture (2024), and Year of the Fox (2023), but their talents don’t stop there. After co-producing the critically acclaimed Vulture, they dove headfirst into LotD, making sure this chaos actually came together. Bri and Hana have worked on countless films together, but this marks the beginning of their creative journey behind the camera, and they (pl.) are fucking stoked. More than an actor and producer, Brianna’s dedication to activism and truth fuels their work, bringing a deep sense of empathy that shapes every creative and personal choice they make.
BYRON GOUETTE (he/him) @byrongouette7 is the pride and joy of the PNW indie film scene, and we’re beyond thrilled to have him as our Director of Photography for Land of the Dead. Byron previously collaborated with Brianna Paige Dague and Hana Hahn on Vulture (2024), so it only made sense to bring him into the maelstrom as our DP. Byron’s dedication to his craft is truly something to admire. See more of his work at byrongouette.com.
AMELIA WOODFORD (she/her) @ameliaewoodford is the powerhouse First Assistant Director behind Land of the Dead. With a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to the craft, Amelia’s creativity, talent, and activism make her an integral force in this production. Having previously collaborated with Brianna Paige Dague and Hana Hahn, Amelia’s sharp wit and visionary approach were the missing pieces to the puzzle. We’re beyond lucky to have her steering the ship.
MATT LINDBERG (he/him) @_mlindberg joins the Land of the Dead crew as our resident Gaffer. Known for both his artistry and his love of surfing, Matt’s talents span from the creative to the athletic. A Seattle-based Gaffer and DP, Matt is passionate about lighting and storytelling that makes a positive impact - whether it’s helping a non-profit gain more support or crafting the perfect look for a music video. Check out his work at lindbergfilms.com.
CAITLIN CHEN (she/her) @bycaitlinc, our phenomenal grip! Brought onto Land of the Dead by our incredible gaffer @_mlindberg, Caitlin has been an essential force behind the scenes. Notably chill, hardworking, and endlessly enthusiastic, she’s making waves in the Washington film scene with her dedication to bringing indie projects to life. When she’s not on set with us, you can find her working with @fct_program and supporting the local film community. We’re damn lucky to have her!
MAKENNA DECARO (she/they) @makennadecaro and TEOXIHUITL LARSEN (he/him) join Land of the Dead as our incredible Production Assistants!
Makenna is a phenomenal actor and singer with a voice that commands the stage, Makenna’s original song, will grace the end credits. Teo joins LotD for his first PA gig, stepping away from theatre to gain some on-set experience. As a relative of our DP Byron Gouette, Teo’s enthusiasm and fresh perspective make him a killer addition to the crew.
CONNOR RUBIN (he/him) @connorbrubin @mirrorroommedia Originally from Maryland, Connor moved to Washington in 2021. He has spent the past seven years working in the professional commercial and film industry as a director of photography, editor, writer, and director.
Regardless of the role, his focus is always the same. Whether he’s behind the camera or writing, his work is grounded in a commitment to meaningful storytelling.
He has loved film since childhood, but 2018 marked a turning point when he picked up a camera for the first time. In 2019, he transformed his ideas into his first short film, Hard Candy & The Lazarus Ball, a project that became a defining milestone. It deepened his artistic direction and affirmed that filmmaking is not just a career for him, but the most honest way he knows how to express himself.
CHAD COURTNEY (he/him) @chadcourtneydp is an accomplished Director of Photography and Colorist working across narrative, documentary, and commercial projects. Beginning his career in Los Angeles, his work has since taken him worldwide, from lean documentary crews to large-scale productions, including feature films and commercial campaigns for clients such as Microsoft and Amazon. As a Colorist, Chad has graded multiple feature films, documentaries, short films, and branded content. His experience behind the camera informs his approach in the grade, allowing him to enhance each image while maintaining the director’s vision.
Chad takes pride in crafting cohesive, cinematic visuals from production through final delivery, and is always open to new creative collaborations.