Phantasma
Boston, Massachusetts | Film Short
Drama, Mystery
Determined to uncover the enigmatic source of a mysterious bell, Ava calls out from work and embarks on a day-long introspective journey, encountering an array of individuals often ignored by society. Phantasma examines the cards that have been dealt to us and what we decide to do with them.
Phantasma
Boston, Massachusetts | Film Short
Drama, Mystery
2 Campaigns | Massachusetts, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,574 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
80 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Determined to uncover the enigmatic source of a mysterious bell, Ava calls out from work and embarks on a day-long introspective journey, encountering an array of individuals often ignored by society. Phantasma examines the cards that have been dealt to us and what we decide to do with them.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
**(We are now accepting donations to Phantasma HERE: https://www.venmo.com/riaservellon OR https://www.paypal.me/riaservellon1 )**
PHANTASMA is a mystery narrative drama centered around a woman named Ava who hears the persistent ring of a mysterious bell. Determined to uncover its unknown source, she calls out from work on a whim and embarks on a day-long introspective journey. Along the way, she encounters an array of individuals often ignored by society. Phantasma examines the cards that have been dealt to us and what we decide to do with them.
Set in post-Covid America, this poetic narrative explores the difficulty of finding a meaningful connection between oneself and a rapidly changing world, all while appreciating the beauty of life's mundane yet fleeting moments. Phantasma ultimately invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with home, community, and the pursuit of happiness.
My last successfully crowdfunded film, Hyphen (2018), was the first larger-scale film I wrote, directed, produced, and starred in for my Emerson College Master of Fine Arts thesis. The film had 21 screenings in Boston, NYC, LA, Portland, the UK, and Mexico. Friends held their own watch parties in El Salvador, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. Hyphen was nominated for 2 awards, Best Drama (Official Latino Film Festival) and Best Coming of Age Film (Oaxaca Film Festival), and won 2 awards, Best Music (Femme Filmmakers Fest) and the Starseed Award (Official Latino Film Festival). Hyphen became a symbol of celebrating individuality and inspiring others to embrace themselves. It's been 13 years as a filmmaker and multimedia artist and I still get inspired by celebrating this type of joy.
I am committed to promoting gender and racial equality in all the works I produce. In Phantasma's production, more than half of the cast and crew identify as female and people of color. It has been proven that underrepresentation and misrepresentation have negative effects on marginalized communities both behind and in front of the camera. As creators, we have the ability to shape cultural and societal perspectives. Films have the power to transform how individuals see themselves and broaden their perspectives. If I can make a positive impact in the arts, then I believe my efforts are worthwhile. My goal is to inspire more women of color to pursue writing and directing (we remain at 5.4%), and to ensure that my work and visibility contribute to a more authentic representation of underrepresented communities.
Phantasma will be submitted to numerous film festivals. Film festivals provide an avenue for these communities to see themselves represented in an authentic and significant way, which is often lacking in mainstream media. The screenings also serve as a platform for the cast, crew, and community to engage in important conversations about pertinent issues that affect all of us.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts have brought joy and fulfillment to many people and will continue to do so. It's important to support the arts so that lack of funding doesn't hinder the telling of great stories. Unfortunately, some communities lack the resources and support needed to achieve their artistic goals. If you found comfort in art or entertainment during these challenging times, you can help us ensure that it remains accessible to everyone. We warmly welcome any form of contribution, whether time, money, kind words, or resources. If you are not able to provide support right now, please share this message with anyone who would be interested in helping us continue our efforts. The more people who support us, the more likely we are to achieve our funding goal and bring the vision of Phantasma to life!
Thank you/gracias for your continued support!
- Maria Servellón
Director, Writer, Producer of Phantasma
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew & Cast
Costs $7,000
Help us pay the main crew and cast to be here!
Transportation
Costs $500
We're coming from and going to different places! Gas prices are a doozy...
Food
Costs $700
Help feed the team well and avoid working on an empty stomach!
Distribution
Costs $500
We're going to take this film as far as possible at national and international film festivals! Help us come to YOU!
Equipment
Costs $100
A water scene will require special equipment!
Office Expenses
Costs $200
Help us cover emergency money and external fees; better safe than sorry!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CREW
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER
Maria Servellon
Maria Servellón is an award-winning filmmaker, multimedia artist, educator, and arts advocate from Boston, MA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from UMass Boston, and her Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Art from Emerson College. Her expertise lies in film and digital media, including projection, installation, photography, and design. Maria's work explores the synesthetic relationships between art, music, and dance in shaping identity. Maria's work has been recognized through numerous screenings and exhibitions in Massachusetts, New York, California, Oregon, the UK, and Mexico thus far. One of her most lauded works to date is the magic-realist short film, Hyphen (2018).
In recent years, she was named one of 2018's "Latinos 30 Under 30" by El Mundo Boston, a 2019 New England Film Star Award finalist, a 2020 Amplify Latinx "Latina Leader", a 2020 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Young Leader” honoree, and has won grants, fellowships, and residencies from the Boston Mayor's Office Of Arts & Culture, Boston Arts & Business Council, Boston Public Schools, Boston Dance Theater, Danza Orgánica, and Mass MoCA. Maria is a part-time faculty member at Emerson College and Northeastern University.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHER/CAMERA OPERATOR
Abijeet Achar
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Abijeet Achar is an Emmy Award-winning director and cinematographer of Indian and Mauritian descent. In 2012, Abijeet earned his B.A. in Film Studies from the University of Georgia, before completing his M.F.A. in Media Art at Emerson College in 2016.
His latest film, MYSORE MAGIC, is an official selection at the 2023 Palm Springs ShortFest, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, and San Luis Obispo Film Festival. His thesis film, MY INDIAN RHAPSODY, had its world premiere at the 2017 Atlanta Film Festival and went on to become a semi-finalist in the 44th Student Academy Awards.
Since writing and directing this breakout film, Abijeet has produced and been the Cinematographer for acclaimed independent films like PAGEANT MATERIAL (Feature), WATER HORSE (short), THORNS (short), FORGIVE US (short), and MABROOK (short). Currently, Abijeet is developing MYSORE MAGIC into a feature-length film.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Katelyn Grace Reddy
Katelyn Grace Reddy is a creative who works in multimedia and identifies as a queer Asian Latina adoptee from Long Island, NY. She is a fourth-year Media Arts Production student at Emerson College and has experience as an artist, filmmaker, and curator. In addition, she serves as Co-Executive Chair of Asian Students In Alliance (ASIA), a student union. Recently, she co-directed a queer romantic-comedy short film called PLUS 1S, which premiered at the 2023 Roxbury International Film Festival. Katelyn is presently employed at the Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF). Her goal is to create opportunities for underrepresented communities and intersectional identities/experiences through multimedia in community and creative spaces.
Aaron Weiss
Aaron Weiss is just a guy trying to feed people so they have energy to do creative stuff.
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
Sara Bourjjai
Sara Bourjjai is a talented filmmaker from Everett, Massachusetts who excels at telling dramatic and captivating stories through film. She discovered her passion for filmmaking at the age of 15 and is currently studying for her Visual Media Arts B.A. at Emerson College. Sara draws inspiration from the untold stories of those around her and everyday life. Although she is just starting her journey as a filmmaker, Sara has a talent for discovering hidden gems and bringing them to light through her exceptional direction and vision.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Miriam Olken
1ST AC
Lucia Tarro
I'm a camera assistant and DP from Delray Beach, FL currently based in Boston, MA.
GAFFER
Alexander Jay Nelson
Alexander Jay Nelson grew up in Lebanon, NH and graduated Keene State College in 2010 with a bachelors in Film Production. He has worked in the Boston film industry for 10 years as a set lighting technician, generator operator, gaffer and producer. He travels the world in his free time and is based out of Lowell, Massachusetts.
SOUND RECORDER
Mallory McAninch
Mallory is a production sound mixer and boom operator based in Boston and NYC. Their portfolio consists of narrative features and shorts, documentaries, and corporate commercials and interviews. Mallory has a keen ear and a passion for helping filmmakers achieve their vision through audio. They strive to deliver high-quality sound, reflecting their dedication and love for their craft.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Sara Bourjjai
KEY GRIP
Harin Srimugayogam
Young filmmaker from Malaysia committed to telling and crafting stories that centre and uplift BIPOC and Queer communities.
INTIMACY COORDINATOR
Cammerron Baits
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Arhana Singhania
Arhana Singhania is a first generation Indian-American immigrant. She was born in New Delhi, India and has been brought up in Chicago and Southern California. She is interested in telling stories from and about the South Asian Diaspora. Some of her role models include Mira Nair and Satyajit Ray. With her films she hopes to inspire audiences to break the mold. She currently attends NYU Tisch majoring in Film and Television.
Jerry Pan
Emerson College undergraduate student.
Kaveh Hodjat
My name is Kaveh and I'm a 20-year-old filmmaker and musician currently studying film at Emerson College!
EDITOR/COLORIST
Torie Wojick
SOUND MIXER
To Be Announced!
COMPOSER
Monica Lyrae
CAST
Ava (lead): Rachel Ryu
Rachel Ryu is Korean-American, born in Dallas, Texas, and native to New York. She graduated from Stuyvesant Highschool where she was a cheerleader and competitive swimmer, and received a B.B.A. from Baruch College. In conjunction with her studies, Rachel worked as a model representing various commercial companies and led a prominent career in investment banking. She recently shifted her focus on expanding her acting career and is looking to develop roles in the comedy realm. Rachel has an extensive background in dance and martial arts. She is fluent in Korean and is conversational in Spanish.
Frannie: Courtney Brooks
Courtney is thrilled to be a part of Phantasma and is grateful to work alongside such a great team of creatives. She is a professional actor living in Boston. She is represented by the Andrew Wilson Agency in both Boston and NYC and has acted in numerous short films and commercials in the past five years. She is the proud human of a retired racing greyhound named Jubilee.
Eliana: Zaniyah Hodge
Born in New London, Ct raised in Groton, CT. I live with my mom, dad, and 3 sisters ages 9, 6, and 4. My 6 year old sister has a rare genetic condition called Phelan Mcdermid Syndrome which is a genetic deletion of her 22nd chromosome. I will also be entering the 6th grade this year. I am very excited that my new school will have a theater program. I love to sing, dance and play outside with my siblings and friends. I love going fishing. I'm pretty much just your average kid.
Luke: Matthew Saio
Matt is a professional actor based out of Boston, MA. His work consists of primarily feature-length and short film projects, as well as some web series and commercial work. Matt enjoys fitness, screenwriting, and playing the guitar in his free time.
Helena: Beatrice Fernando
I am a writer, public speaker, Activist and an actor. I am a native of Sri Lanka, now a citizen of USA, resides in Boston, MA.
Townie: Johnny Gordon
Johnny is a Boston based actor with experience in film/TV, theatre, live entertainment, touring productions, and voiceover! You can catch him on select nights performing some spooky theatrical entertainment at Ghosts & Gravestones Boston! Mwahaha!
Day Trader: Drew Waldron
Drew Waldron is an actor and musician currently based in Providence. He’s best known for his interviews on the podcast “Niche Talks” as well as his piano features in several New England bands.
Bartender: Don Smith
Appeared is several short film In supporting roles in 2023
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
**(We are now accepting donations to Phantasma HERE: https://www.venmo.com/riaservellon OR https://www.paypal.me/riaservellon1 )**
PHANTASMA is a mystery narrative drama centered around a woman named Ava who hears the persistent ring of a mysterious bell. Determined to uncover its unknown source, she calls out from work on a whim and embarks on a day-long introspective journey. Along the way, she encounters an array of individuals often ignored by society. Phantasma examines the cards that have been dealt to us and what we decide to do with them.
Set in post-Covid America, this poetic narrative explores the difficulty of finding a meaningful connection between oneself and a rapidly changing world, all while appreciating the beauty of life's mundane yet fleeting moments. Phantasma ultimately invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with home, community, and the pursuit of happiness.
My last successfully crowdfunded film, Hyphen (2018), was the first larger-scale film I wrote, directed, produced, and starred in for my Emerson College Master of Fine Arts thesis. The film had 21 screenings in Boston, NYC, LA, Portland, the UK, and Mexico. Friends held their own watch parties in El Salvador, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. Hyphen was nominated for 2 awards, Best Drama (Official Latino Film Festival) and Best Coming of Age Film (Oaxaca Film Festival), and won 2 awards, Best Music (Femme Filmmakers Fest) and the Starseed Award (Official Latino Film Festival). Hyphen became a symbol of celebrating individuality and inspiring others to embrace themselves. It's been 13 years as a filmmaker and multimedia artist and I still get inspired by celebrating this type of joy.
I am committed to promoting gender and racial equality in all the works I produce. In Phantasma's production, more than half of the cast and crew identify as female and people of color. It has been proven that underrepresentation and misrepresentation have negative effects on marginalized communities both behind and in front of the camera. As creators, we have the ability to shape cultural and societal perspectives. Films have the power to transform how individuals see themselves and broaden their perspectives. If I can make a positive impact in the arts, then I believe my efforts are worthwhile. My goal is to inspire more women of color to pursue writing and directing (we remain at 5.4%), and to ensure that my work and visibility contribute to a more authentic representation of underrepresented communities.
Phantasma will be submitted to numerous film festivals. Film festivals provide an avenue for these communities to see themselves represented in an authentic and significant way, which is often lacking in mainstream media. The screenings also serve as a platform for the cast, crew, and community to engage in important conversations about pertinent issues that affect all of us.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts have brought joy and fulfillment to many people and will continue to do so. It's important to support the arts so that lack of funding doesn't hinder the telling of great stories. Unfortunately, some communities lack the resources and support needed to achieve their artistic goals. If you found comfort in art or entertainment during these challenging times, you can help us ensure that it remains accessible to everyone. We warmly welcome any form of contribution, whether time, money, kind words, or resources. If you are not able to provide support right now, please share this message with anyone who would be interested in helping us continue our efforts. The more people who support us, the more likely we are to achieve our funding goal and bring the vision of Phantasma to life!
Thank you/gracias for your continued support!
- Maria Servellón
Director, Writer, Producer of Phantasma
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew & Cast
Costs $7,000
Help us pay the main crew and cast to be here!
Transportation
Costs $500
We're coming from and going to different places! Gas prices are a doozy...
Food
Costs $700
Help feed the team well and avoid working on an empty stomach!
Distribution
Costs $500
We're going to take this film as far as possible at national and international film festivals! Help us come to YOU!
Equipment
Costs $100
A water scene will require special equipment!
Office Expenses
Costs $200
Help us cover emergency money and external fees; better safe than sorry!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CREW
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER
Maria Servellon
Maria Servellón is an award-winning filmmaker, multimedia artist, educator, and arts advocate from Boston, MA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from UMass Boston, and her Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Art from Emerson College. Her expertise lies in film and digital media, including projection, installation, photography, and design. Maria's work explores the synesthetic relationships between art, music, and dance in shaping identity. Maria's work has been recognized through numerous screenings and exhibitions in Massachusetts, New York, California, Oregon, the UK, and Mexico thus far. One of her most lauded works to date is the magic-realist short film, Hyphen (2018).
In recent years, she was named one of 2018's "Latinos 30 Under 30" by El Mundo Boston, a 2019 New England Film Star Award finalist, a 2020 Amplify Latinx "Latina Leader", a 2020 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Young Leader” honoree, and has won grants, fellowships, and residencies from the Boston Mayor's Office Of Arts & Culture, Boston Arts & Business Council, Boston Public Schools, Boston Dance Theater, Danza Orgánica, and Mass MoCA. Maria is a part-time faculty member at Emerson College and Northeastern University.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHER/CAMERA OPERATOR
Abijeet Achar
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Abijeet Achar is an Emmy Award-winning director and cinematographer of Indian and Mauritian descent. In 2012, Abijeet earned his B.A. in Film Studies from the University of Georgia, before completing his M.F.A. in Media Art at Emerson College in 2016.
His latest film, MYSORE MAGIC, is an official selection at the 2023 Palm Springs ShortFest, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, and San Luis Obispo Film Festival. His thesis film, MY INDIAN RHAPSODY, had its world premiere at the 2017 Atlanta Film Festival and went on to become a semi-finalist in the 44th Student Academy Awards.
Since writing and directing this breakout film, Abijeet has produced and been the Cinematographer for acclaimed independent films like PAGEANT MATERIAL (Feature), WATER HORSE (short), THORNS (short), FORGIVE US (short), and MABROOK (short). Currently, Abijeet is developing MYSORE MAGIC into a feature-length film.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Katelyn Grace Reddy
Katelyn Grace Reddy is a creative who works in multimedia and identifies as a queer Asian Latina adoptee from Long Island, NY. She is a fourth-year Media Arts Production student at Emerson College and has experience as an artist, filmmaker, and curator. In addition, she serves as Co-Executive Chair of Asian Students In Alliance (ASIA), a student union. Recently, she co-directed a queer romantic-comedy short film called PLUS 1S, which premiered at the 2023 Roxbury International Film Festival. Katelyn is presently employed at the Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF). Her goal is to create opportunities for underrepresented communities and intersectional identities/experiences through multimedia in community and creative spaces.
Aaron Weiss
Aaron Weiss is just a guy trying to feed people so they have energy to do creative stuff.
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
Sara Bourjjai
Sara Bourjjai is a talented filmmaker from Everett, Massachusetts who excels at telling dramatic and captivating stories through film. She discovered her passion for filmmaking at the age of 15 and is currently studying for her Visual Media Arts B.A. at Emerson College. Sara draws inspiration from the untold stories of those around her and everyday life. Although she is just starting her journey as a filmmaker, Sara has a talent for discovering hidden gems and bringing them to light through her exceptional direction and vision.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Miriam Olken
1ST AC
Lucia Tarro
I'm a camera assistant and DP from Delray Beach, FL currently based in Boston, MA.
GAFFER
Alexander Jay Nelson
Alexander Jay Nelson grew up in Lebanon, NH and graduated Keene State College in 2010 with a bachelors in Film Production. He has worked in the Boston film industry for 10 years as a set lighting technician, generator operator, gaffer and producer. He travels the world in his free time and is based out of Lowell, Massachusetts.
SOUND RECORDER
Mallory McAninch
Mallory is a production sound mixer and boom operator based in Boston and NYC. Their portfolio consists of narrative features and shorts, documentaries, and corporate commercials and interviews. Mallory has a keen ear and a passion for helping filmmakers achieve their vision through audio. They strive to deliver high-quality sound, reflecting their dedication and love for their craft.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Sara Bourjjai
KEY GRIP
Harin Srimugayogam
Young filmmaker from Malaysia committed to telling and crafting stories that centre and uplift BIPOC and Queer communities.
INTIMACY COORDINATOR
Cammerron Baits
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Arhana Singhania
Arhana Singhania is a first generation Indian-American immigrant. She was born in New Delhi, India and has been brought up in Chicago and Southern California. She is interested in telling stories from and about the South Asian Diaspora. Some of her role models include Mira Nair and Satyajit Ray. With her films she hopes to inspire audiences to break the mold. She currently attends NYU Tisch majoring in Film and Television.
Jerry Pan
Emerson College undergraduate student.
Kaveh Hodjat
My name is Kaveh and I'm a 20-year-old filmmaker and musician currently studying film at Emerson College!
EDITOR/COLORIST
Torie Wojick
SOUND MIXER
To Be Announced!
COMPOSER
Monica Lyrae
CAST
Ava (lead): Rachel Ryu
Rachel Ryu is Korean-American, born in Dallas, Texas, and native to New York. She graduated from Stuyvesant Highschool where she was a cheerleader and competitive swimmer, and received a B.B.A. from Baruch College. In conjunction with her studies, Rachel worked as a model representing various commercial companies and led a prominent career in investment banking. She recently shifted her focus on expanding her acting career and is looking to develop roles in the comedy realm. Rachel has an extensive background in dance and martial arts. She is fluent in Korean and is conversational in Spanish.
Frannie: Courtney Brooks
Courtney is thrilled to be a part of Phantasma and is grateful to work alongside such a great team of creatives. She is a professional actor living in Boston. She is represented by the Andrew Wilson Agency in both Boston and NYC and has acted in numerous short films and commercials in the past five years. She is the proud human of a retired racing greyhound named Jubilee.
Eliana: Zaniyah Hodge
Born in New London, Ct raised in Groton, CT. I live with my mom, dad, and 3 sisters ages 9, 6, and 4. My 6 year old sister has a rare genetic condition called Phelan Mcdermid Syndrome which is a genetic deletion of her 22nd chromosome. I will also be entering the 6th grade this year. I am very excited that my new school will have a theater program. I love to sing, dance and play outside with my siblings and friends. I love going fishing. I'm pretty much just your average kid.
Luke: Matthew Saio
Matt is a professional actor based out of Boston, MA. His work consists of primarily feature-length and short film projects, as well as some web series and commercial work. Matt enjoys fitness, screenwriting, and playing the guitar in his free time.
Helena: Beatrice Fernando
I am a writer, public speaker, Activist and an actor. I am a native of Sri Lanka, now a citizen of USA, resides in Boston, MA.
Townie: Johnny Gordon
Johnny is a Boston based actor with experience in film/TV, theatre, live entertainment, touring productions, and voiceover! You can catch him on select nights performing some spooky theatrical entertainment at Ghosts & Gravestones Boston! Mwahaha!
Day Trader: Drew Waldron
Drew Waldron is an actor and musician currently based in Providence. He’s best known for his interviews on the podcast “Niche Talks” as well as his piano features in several New England bands.
Bartender: Don Smith
Appeared is several short film In supporting roles in 2023