My Silence, My Grave
New York City, New York | Film Short
Fantasy, Horror
My Silence, My Grave is an exploration of the sacrifices that those without privilege make in order to survive a world that they have not created. It’s a film that will shine a spotlight on the horrors writhing underneath the veneer of our “free and just” society.
My Silence, My Grave
New York City, New York | Film Short
Fantasy, Horror
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,286 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
43 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
My Silence, My Grave is an exploration of the sacrifices that those without privilege make in order to survive a world that they have not created. It’s a film that will shine a spotlight on the horrors writhing underneath the veneer of our “free and just” society.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a claustrophobic apartment building, Julia Delaney, an acquiescent apartment manager, is tasked with cleaning out an apartment following a series of gruesome rituals. A cursed encounter among the gore finds Julia on the run from a cannibalistic killer, all while her grasp on reality disintegrates.
On the surface, My Silence, My Grave is a simple horror story about a woman trapped between losing her humanity and her life. But under the surface, as most of society’s pervasive ills are, it’s a story about one woman’s fight against a sordid system that pits marginalized peoples against each other. Through physical horror and psychological unease, Julia realizes that her own inaction has only served to hurt other minorities and preserve the power of their oppressors.
CHARACTERS:
Julia Delaney is our protagonist. As an Afro-Latina woman and young professional, she tries to portray the “good, respectable, well-spoken” minority in order to fit into an oppressive society. She helps uphold the status quo while believing that she’s an ally for the disenfranchised.
Malika Green, an older black woman, is the primary antagonist. Through dark magic and cannibalism, she sustains herself beyond regular human years; however, this leaves her cruel, animalistic, and vicious.
Zhen Warner is a young Asian sex-worker and tenant in Julia’s apartment. As an outspoken critic of the landlord and society at large, Zhen has a turbulent relationship with Julia. Zhen regularly enjoys giving Julia grief because Julia works for the landlord and “the system”.
Alejandro Castellanos is an older Hispanic gay man who lives in extreme poverty in Julia’s apartment. However, Alejandro makes do with what he has, finding the little joys in life and projecting happiness into the world around him.
Ellis Dhawan is a prior victim of a ritual sacrifice, conjured by dark magic to serve as Malika’s slave. Ellis may come off as a charming “nice guy”, but his manipulations are quick to turn more sinister and even violent as he becomes more desperate to escape his captivity.
Jeffery Franklin is an abusive landlord who exploits the labor of his tenants to maximize his profits and ensure he lives an extremely wealthy lifestyle. He won’t hesitate to use the local police to intimidate and coerce the tenants to bend to his will.
My Silence, My Grave pulls inspiration from the styles and tones of a variety of indie, psychological, and giallo horror films, specifically, color and contrast, neonoir urban grit, unreliable narrator, slow descent into madness, trapped in dismal conditions, unclear passage of time, and the disparity between fantasy and reality.
KNIFE + HEART (2018)
PARANOIA AGENT (2004)
THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019)
SUSPIRIA (1977)
My Silence, My Grave is a standalone sequel and expansion of the concepts and story of In the Belly, the most recent student film by Donté Larry.
In the Belly is currently in post-production
Donté Larry and Mapi Bartolome are student filmmakers at the New York Film Academy, studying Filmmaking and Cinematography, respectively. Their shared vision and enthusiasm has ensured a strong sense of collaboration and inclusion among the crew. This project will serve as both of their thesis projects for their respective programs.
Please do not forget to check out “The Team” tab to meet the other extremely talented storytellers and artists working to bring this story to life.
WHY NOW?
Our society slowly but surely progresses toward equality. However, there are still those in influential positions who vehemently oppose progress, fighting tooth and nail to uphold long-standing systems of oppression. White supremacy is rearing it's violent head all over the world, the war on women continues with dystopian laws restricting women's reproductive health, homophobic and transphobic propaganda is leading to more violence against our neighbors, police all over the country are doubling down in their brutality, racist voter suppression laws are being implemented across the U.S., and a pandemic is again highlighting the institutional failures as COVID-19 ravages minority communities at a disproportionate rate.
An insidious effect of centuries of oppression—one that is often overlooked in conversations of social issues—is how marginalized groups are often forced to fight within themselves for material resources denied to them by society at large. It is critical that we have a real conversation about how we create and sustain systems that force our vulnerable communities to cannibalize each other to survive.
SO, WHAT DO WE NEED?
The requirements to create a film of this scope are vast. Beyond the bare bones of feeding and paying our crew, we’ll need a variety of resources to give our horror credibility: eerie locations, props and special effects, costumes, unique equipment, and authentic production design.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CONTRIBUTE
A contribution of any amount will help! We've come up with fun incentives so you can feel as much a part of the film as you really are. Funding is the necessary evil that will make this project come to life.
2. SPREAD THE WORD
Please share our campaign via social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! We can only meet our goals by reaching beyond our own networks and finding support among people who may not even know us personally.
Below is an Instagram or Twitter post ready to go! Just right-click and save the image below, then copy/paste the provided capion. Spreading awareness around the film will ensure our success!
Copy & Paste:
Someone I love is making a surreal horror film and you can help! My Silence, My Grave is a film that will shine a spotlight on the horrors writhing underneath the veneer of our “free and just” society. Visit www.seedandspark.com/fund/mysilencemygrave to see how YOU can get involved.
Right Click & Save:
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
As artists, we must continue to tell these stories and connect with one another. But we must be mindful of the threat of COVID-19. We are taking necessary precautions to protect our cast and crew and slow the spread. All personnel on set will be vaccinated and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $3,000
Cast and crew pay
Production Design
Costs $1,000
Production Designer pay, art design, set dressing, props, etc.
Makeup & Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Makeup Artist and Costume Designer pay, makeup supplies, costume items
Locations
Costs $1,500
Fees and permits
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $2,250
Meals, snacks, and beverages for the cast and crew during filming
Rentals & Transportation
Costs $1,500
Equipment rentals, rental van, taxi services
Editing
Costs $1,000
Editor, Sound Designer, and Composer pay
Festival Submissions
Costs $2,500
Submission to film festivals
Miscellaneous
Costs $1,000
Contingency fund
COVID-19 Safety
Costs $250
Face masks, gloves, hand soap and hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and spray
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We have built a diverse team of storytellers and artists—primarily women, people-of-color, friends from the LGBTQ+ community, and allies alike—to craft an authentic, honest, and personal story.
Donté Larry: Writer | Director
Donté Larry was born in Washington state to a black father and white mother and was raised in rural Tennessee. He spent his undergraduate years at the University of Washington, where he majored in Sociology with a focus in gender and race theory, and their intersection with crime and policing. His mixed-race heritage and formal education have given him a unique lens through which to experience such vastly different communities and has inspired him to create films that will speak to people who may not see themselves in their surroundings.
Genevieve Ferrari: Script Editor
Genevieve Ferrari is a writer, actor, and stand-up comedian based out of Seattle, Washington. For the last 10 years, they’ve collaborated with a local production company to write and act in multiple features and shorts, they were a featured player in a three-part queer POC-led comedy series, and a semi-finalist in the Seattle Queer comedy competition. “My Silence, My Grave” marks Genevieve’s shift from writing comedy to horror. Much like stand up, they were drawn to horror for its ability to candidly shine a light on social issues in a way that challenges and surprises its audience.
Mapi Bartolome: Director of Photography
Mapi Bartolome is a Cinematographer and multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. Originally from Guatemala, and having a background in Advertising and Graphic Design, Mapi is no stranger to the uneven playing field set for minorities in creative industries. Mapi has a passion for exploring new visual techniques, and creating appealing imagery that captivates, engages, and represents all audiences. Mapi is always seeking to collaborate with others to create films and crafts that are both beautiful and impactful.
Christina Shrewsbury: Production Designer
Christina Shrewsbury is from Point Pleasant, NJ. However, she also grew up in Washington Heights and the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Her Mother is from the Dominican Republic and her Father is of English, Irish, and German descent. She studied English and Theater while pursuing a career in the arts as an Actress, Burlesque Performer, and Production Designer. The diversity she has experienced in her life has inspired her artistry to provide the audience with insight into what different cultures, religions, musical influences, and time periods can offer, and how we can all learn, experience, appreciate, and partake in these differences.
Sannette Gaia: Costume Designer
Sannette Gaia grew up in the valley of Oregon. At 16, she began to peruse film and photography seriously, working on commercial photoshoots and short films throughout high school. She recently graduated from the New York Film Academy and is now heavily involved on films and music videos in roles such as Directing, Producing, and the Art Department. She has a passion for combining multiple art forms and utilizing hardships in each individual story to create aesthetically enticing frames.
Sandesh Agrawal: Producer
Sandesh Agrawal was born in Nagpur, India in a family of 16 people. He spent his school years away from home at diverse boarding schools Good Shepherd International School then at The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad. He decided to pursue a degree in film at San Francisco State University until finally finding his comfort zone at New York Film Academy. Having spent most of his years away from home and in diverse environments, Sandesh has accumulated stories and experiences that now allow him to have a unique perspective that he can call his own. Sandesh uses his extensive background to tell stories using that prerogative, stories that need to be told, stories that push people out of their comfort zone and encourage them to inspect their own perspective on mortality and the comforts of life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a claustrophobic apartment building, Julia Delaney, an acquiescent apartment manager, is tasked with cleaning out an apartment following a series of gruesome rituals. A cursed encounter among the gore finds Julia on the run from a cannibalistic killer, all while her grasp on reality disintegrates.
On the surface, My Silence, My Grave is a simple horror story about a woman trapped between losing her humanity and her life. But under the surface, as most of society’s pervasive ills are, it’s a story about one woman’s fight against a sordid system that pits marginalized peoples against each other. Through physical horror and psychological unease, Julia realizes that her own inaction has only served to hurt other minorities and preserve the power of their oppressors.
CHARACTERS:
Julia Delaney is our protagonist. As an Afro-Latina woman and young professional, she tries to portray the “good, respectable, well-spoken” minority in order to fit into an oppressive society. She helps uphold the status quo while believing that she’s an ally for the disenfranchised.
Malika Green, an older black woman, is the primary antagonist. Through dark magic and cannibalism, she sustains herself beyond regular human years; however, this leaves her cruel, animalistic, and vicious.
Zhen Warner is a young Asian sex-worker and tenant in Julia’s apartment. As an outspoken critic of the landlord and society at large, Zhen has a turbulent relationship with Julia. Zhen regularly enjoys giving Julia grief because Julia works for the landlord and “the system”.
Alejandro Castellanos is an older Hispanic gay man who lives in extreme poverty in Julia’s apartment. However, Alejandro makes do with what he has, finding the little joys in life and projecting happiness into the world around him.
Ellis Dhawan is a prior victim of a ritual sacrifice, conjured by dark magic to serve as Malika’s slave. Ellis may come off as a charming “nice guy”, but his manipulations are quick to turn more sinister and even violent as he becomes more desperate to escape his captivity.
Jeffery Franklin is an abusive landlord who exploits the labor of his tenants to maximize his profits and ensure he lives an extremely wealthy lifestyle. He won’t hesitate to use the local police to intimidate and coerce the tenants to bend to his will.
My Silence, My Grave pulls inspiration from the styles and tones of a variety of indie, psychological, and giallo horror films, specifically, color and contrast, neonoir urban grit, unreliable narrator, slow descent into madness, trapped in dismal conditions, unclear passage of time, and the disparity between fantasy and reality.
KNIFE + HEART (2018)
PARANOIA AGENT (2004)
THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019)
SUSPIRIA (1977)
My Silence, My Grave is a standalone sequel and expansion of the concepts and story of In the Belly, the most recent student film by Donté Larry.
In the Belly is currently in post-production
Donté Larry and Mapi Bartolome are student filmmakers at the New York Film Academy, studying Filmmaking and Cinematography, respectively. Their shared vision and enthusiasm has ensured a strong sense of collaboration and inclusion among the crew. This project will serve as both of their thesis projects for their respective programs.
Please do not forget to check out “The Team” tab to meet the other extremely talented storytellers and artists working to bring this story to life.
WHY NOW?
Our society slowly but surely progresses toward equality. However, there are still those in influential positions who vehemently oppose progress, fighting tooth and nail to uphold long-standing systems of oppression. White supremacy is rearing it's violent head all over the world, the war on women continues with dystopian laws restricting women's reproductive health, homophobic and transphobic propaganda is leading to more violence against our neighbors, police all over the country are doubling down in their brutality, racist voter suppression laws are being implemented across the U.S., and a pandemic is again highlighting the institutional failures as COVID-19 ravages minority communities at a disproportionate rate.
An insidious effect of centuries of oppression—one that is often overlooked in conversations of social issues—is how marginalized groups are often forced to fight within themselves for material resources denied to them by society at large. It is critical that we have a real conversation about how we create and sustain systems that force our vulnerable communities to cannibalize each other to survive.
SO, WHAT DO WE NEED?
The requirements to create a film of this scope are vast. Beyond the bare bones of feeding and paying our crew, we’ll need a variety of resources to give our horror credibility: eerie locations, props and special effects, costumes, unique equipment, and authentic production design.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CONTRIBUTE
A contribution of any amount will help! We've come up with fun incentives so you can feel as much a part of the film as you really are. Funding is the necessary evil that will make this project come to life.
2. SPREAD THE WORD
Please share our campaign via social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! We can only meet our goals by reaching beyond our own networks and finding support among people who may not even know us personally.
Below is an Instagram or Twitter post ready to go! Just right-click and save the image below, then copy/paste the provided capion. Spreading awareness around the film will ensure our success!
Copy & Paste:
Someone I love is making a surreal horror film and you can help! My Silence, My Grave is a film that will shine a spotlight on the horrors writhing underneath the veneer of our “free and just” society. Visit www.seedandspark.com/fund/mysilencemygrave to see how YOU can get involved.
Right Click & Save:
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
As artists, we must continue to tell these stories and connect with one another. But we must be mindful of the threat of COVID-19. We are taking necessary precautions to protect our cast and crew and slow the spread. All personnel on set will be vaccinated and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $3,000
Cast and crew pay
Production Design
Costs $1,000
Production Designer pay, art design, set dressing, props, etc.
Makeup & Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Makeup Artist and Costume Designer pay, makeup supplies, costume items
Locations
Costs $1,500
Fees and permits
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $2,250
Meals, snacks, and beverages for the cast and crew during filming
Rentals & Transportation
Costs $1,500
Equipment rentals, rental van, taxi services
Editing
Costs $1,000
Editor, Sound Designer, and Composer pay
Festival Submissions
Costs $2,500
Submission to film festivals
Miscellaneous
Costs $1,000
Contingency fund
COVID-19 Safety
Costs $250
Face masks, gloves, hand soap and hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and spray
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We have built a diverse team of storytellers and artists—primarily women, people-of-color, friends from the LGBTQ+ community, and allies alike—to craft an authentic, honest, and personal story.
Donté Larry: Writer | Director
Donté Larry was born in Washington state to a black father and white mother and was raised in rural Tennessee. He spent his undergraduate years at the University of Washington, where he majored in Sociology with a focus in gender and race theory, and their intersection with crime and policing. His mixed-race heritage and formal education have given him a unique lens through which to experience such vastly different communities and has inspired him to create films that will speak to people who may not see themselves in their surroundings.
Genevieve Ferrari: Script Editor
Genevieve Ferrari is a writer, actor, and stand-up comedian based out of Seattle, Washington. For the last 10 years, they’ve collaborated with a local production company to write and act in multiple features and shorts, they were a featured player in a three-part queer POC-led comedy series, and a semi-finalist in the Seattle Queer comedy competition. “My Silence, My Grave” marks Genevieve’s shift from writing comedy to horror. Much like stand up, they were drawn to horror for its ability to candidly shine a light on social issues in a way that challenges and surprises its audience.
Mapi Bartolome: Director of Photography
Mapi Bartolome is a Cinematographer and multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. Originally from Guatemala, and having a background in Advertising and Graphic Design, Mapi is no stranger to the uneven playing field set for minorities in creative industries. Mapi has a passion for exploring new visual techniques, and creating appealing imagery that captivates, engages, and represents all audiences. Mapi is always seeking to collaborate with others to create films and crafts that are both beautiful and impactful.
Christina Shrewsbury: Production Designer
Christina Shrewsbury is from Point Pleasant, NJ. However, she also grew up in Washington Heights and the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Her Mother is from the Dominican Republic and her Father is of English, Irish, and German descent. She studied English and Theater while pursuing a career in the arts as an Actress, Burlesque Performer, and Production Designer. The diversity she has experienced in her life has inspired her artistry to provide the audience with insight into what different cultures, religions, musical influences, and time periods can offer, and how we can all learn, experience, appreciate, and partake in these differences.
Sannette Gaia: Costume Designer
Sannette Gaia grew up in the valley of Oregon. At 16, she began to peruse film and photography seriously, working on commercial photoshoots and short films throughout high school. She recently graduated from the New York Film Academy and is now heavily involved on films and music videos in roles such as Directing, Producing, and the Art Department. She has a passion for combining multiple art forms and utilizing hardships in each individual story to create aesthetically enticing frames.
Sandesh Agrawal: Producer
Sandesh Agrawal was born in Nagpur, India in a family of 16 people. He spent his school years away from home at diverse boarding schools Good Shepherd International School then at The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad. He decided to pursue a degree in film at San Francisco State University until finally finding his comfort zone at New York Film Academy. Having spent most of his years away from home and in diverse environments, Sandesh has accumulated stories and experiences that now allow him to have a unique perspective that he can call his own. Sandesh uses his extensive background to tell stories using that prerogative, stories that need to be told, stories that push people out of their comfort zone and encourage them to inspect their own perspective on mortality and the comforts of life.