Places of Worship
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Experimental
In Places of Worship, a Catholic altar server starts having visions of The Virgin Mary, forcing her to confront queer feelings for a movie theater coworker. A surreal coming of age story that embraces humor, embarrassment, and moving beyond romanticized queer narratives.
Places of Worship
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Experimental
1 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,280 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
156 supporters | followers
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In Places of Worship, a Catholic altar server starts having visions of The Virgin Mary, forcing her to confront queer feelings for a movie theater coworker. A surreal coming of age story that embraces humor, embarrassment, and moving beyond romanticized queer narratives.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What?
Places of Worship is a 12-minute narrative short film about STEPH, a teen altar server, in search of clarity around her Catholic faith and queer identity. Through absurd surreal visions and humor, this film challenges assumptions of queer teens and celebrates coming of age in all its messiness. Written and directed by Bridget Frances Harris.
Why us?
I grew up a closeted queer gal from a Catholic family in the city of sins, Las Vegas, NV.
For many years, I didn’t know how to write the queer content I wanted to see. Maybe because it felt like my experience was too niche? Perhaps unrelatable? I felt like I needed to succumb to the popular teen stories that painted queer coming of age as easily digestible. Where were the embarrassing and uncomfortable elements about being a teen confused with their sexuality? Frankly, I’m bored by queer stories that appease the woke desires of popular media. Personally, I’ve come a long way in finding pride as a queer woman, and yet I still struggle to release some of the internalized homophobia I grew up with. I'm really still grappling with all of these complicated feelings, and I know many people who feel similar! I'm grateful that as a team, we can create a daring piece that may help us all sort through this a little more.
-Bridget Frances Harris (writer/director/co-producer)
Why now?
Current popular teen stories utilize unrealistic expectations to attract viewers.
Instead of queer-bating viewers, Places of Worship embraces the honest challenges of queer youth by leaning into humor and embarrassment. While our style is far from realistic, the behavior of the characters is grounded and age appropriate. Rather than give specific answers to Steph’s relationship to queerness, this film explores how she copes with her confusion.
Story Synopsis
STEPH is a 16-year-old Catholic altar server. When putting away the collection money after mass, she tries to stop a fellow altar server, BECCA, from pocketing the money. An innocent attempt to prevent thievery turns into an awkward encounter when the priest, FATHER RICK, walks in on the two of them, assuming something else is happening... Suddenly Steph is followed by symbols of The Virgin Mary. These visions fuel Steph’s paranoia around a crush she has on her grungy movie theater coworker, JOANNA, who wants Steph to join her on a weekend getaway. Unsure of her feelings around the comfort of her queer identity, Steph seeks clarity.
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Style:
As an artistic reference point, Places of Worship is Genera+ion meets Atlanta.
The film combines authentic queer narratives with a subtle and humorous surrealism. From a cinematography standpoint, the visual focus of the film will be subtle camera movements and dynamic composition to replicate paintings and religious imagery. Wide, portrait-like long shots will help accentuate intimacy or lack thereof.
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So why support us?
You want boundary-pushing content.
You want content that makes your jaw drop, makes you laugh, and makes you quietly reflect.
Queer women have long been shamed for exploring their sexuality. Suddenly, queer film and tv content has jumped to one extreme, a place of hyper queer pride. And while celebrating self-acceptance is a part of many people’s journey at a young age, it isn’t easy for everyone. Places of Worship imparts grace to those still figuring it out. By supporting this film, you are contributing to the careers of many femme and queer people, and helping us make the boundary-pushing content the people deserve!
Where are we in this process?
Places of Worship is partially supported by a DCASE Individual Artists Program grant for $6K!
This gets us a little under halfway to our full budget. As a team, we have spent countless hours applying for grants. And we're so grateful to have received this money. But we need $8K more to make this film a reality. This is a huge goal for us, and we hope you can give us some or your time, energy, or resources in making this film come to fruition.
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FURTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT US!
1. FOLLOW US ON Seed&Spark.
Give us a follow, even if you can't donate. It really helps us out!
2. SPREAD THE WORD!
Tell you friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about Places of Worship. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. SEND US A MESSAGE!
Have an idea or just want to talk about the film? Send an email to [email protected]
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Zeiss Super Speed Prime Lenses
Costs $1,200
Vintage Zeiss Super Speed Prime Lenses! Having these under our belt will create a surreal film look.
Original Score
Costs $1,000
Are you a musician who wants to dedicate their talents to composing this project?
Crew Payment
Costs $4,000
Crew payment is essential to making sure this film gets made!
Church
Costs $500
We are looking for a connection to a Catholic Church that will let us film there!
Hard Drive
Costs $150
4TB and water proof! This will house all of our footage!
Catering Day 1
Costs $300
Cater our first day meal and we'll put you in the credits as an associate producer!
Bedroom
Costs $500
We need our Hero Bedroom! Looking for an apartment in the Chicago area to film in.
Robes
Costs $350
Costumes are crucial to this film, and we would love to purchase/borrow realistic altar robes!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
(Director/Writer/Co-Producer): Bridget Frances Harris
Bridget is a director, actor, model, and Tiny Desk Concert enthusiast born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. Over the last six years, she has found her footing in the many artistic communities of Chicago as a multi-hyphenate artist. Pulling from experiences of growing up in a highly religious family in “Sin City”, her work often draws on conflicting subjects of virtue and vice. She strives to create complex queer and women focused stories and is a huge advocate for paying artists equitably. Her short film Carpool has been recognized at Cinema Femme Magazine Short Film Festival, Sudbury International Film Festival, and No Coast Film Fest, among others. Bridget is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University with her BFA in acting and is proudly represented by ATG.
(Director of Photography): David Foy
David Foy is a working Director of Photography who was born and raised in Kaneohe, Hawai’i; a small town on the east side of O’ahu. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois. David discovered his passion for filmmaking in his Sophomore year of high school at age 15, while in a film studies class. More and more, David finds himself gravitating towards stories of youth, coming of age, and the inner conflicts and struggles within and around an individual(s) relationship with their friends, family, and themself. In the last six years, David has had his works screen at and be nominated for awards at festivals such as Chicago International Film Festival, Hawai’i International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, etc. In the spring of 2021, David shot his very first feature film, which is expected to be completed by the spring of 2022.
(Producer): Katelyn Henslin
Katelyn Henslin is a Chicago-based producer who believes in collaboration and interpersonal relationships as the foundations of all her projects. While living in Chicago for 6 years Katelyn has produced many short films and music videos. She worked as a producer's assistant for two seasons at NBC's One Chicago franchise. She was also the production coordinator on two Lifetime movies shot in the City. Most recently she was the Line Producer on two features that filmed in California, both currently in post-production. She is now prepping to help produce season 2 of a Roku series in November and is working towards starting a production company with two of her colleagues. Katelyn's goal has always been to create an uplifting and inclusive environment
on set. Enamored by the process of bringing a story to life, she hopes to change hearts and minds through stories that are captivating, inspiring, and diverse.
(Editor): Zoe Gray Mazza
Zoe Gray Mazza is a Chicago based film editor, actor, and educator who was born and raised in the Milwaukee Wisconsin area. Their passion for filmmaking began in elementary school. Their first movie being a mockumentary about school lunches, where Zoe played all 6 characters. Since then, Zoe has taught multiple film editing intensives and photography internships aimed to give Chicago youth the resources and the platform to share stories that are important to them. Zoe has edited, produced and acted in over 20+ films, such as Fear thy nature (Lead Actor and Editor), a modern love story, adapted from Shakespeare's Macbeth, and Carpool (Editor), The story of two sisters at their mothers wake, which has gained national and international recognition. Zoe will be graduating this spring with a BFA in acting and a minor in television production from The Theatre school at DePaul University.
(Gaffer): Steven A. Garcia
Steven A. Garcia is a Mexican-American multi-disciplinary artist living & working in Chicago. Steven's work is primarily focused on evoking memories of physical space and the people that inhabit those spaces. His approach to still photography has shaped his work as a cinematographer and gaffer, where he brings his talent for capturing moments that often get overlooked. Steven believes in photography as a meditative practice and enjoys working closely with directors and actors.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What?
Places of Worship is a 12-minute narrative short film about STEPH, a teen altar server, in search of clarity around her Catholic faith and queer identity. Through absurd surreal visions and humor, this film challenges assumptions of queer teens and celebrates coming of age in all its messiness. Written and directed by Bridget Frances Harris.
Why us?
I grew up a closeted queer gal from a Catholic family in the city of sins, Las Vegas, NV.
For many years, I didn’t know how to write the queer content I wanted to see. Maybe because it felt like my experience was too niche? Perhaps unrelatable? I felt like I needed to succumb to the popular teen stories that painted queer coming of age as easily digestible. Where were the embarrassing and uncomfortable elements about being a teen confused with their sexuality? Frankly, I’m bored by queer stories that appease the woke desires of popular media. Personally, I’ve come a long way in finding pride as a queer woman, and yet I still struggle to release some of the internalized homophobia I grew up with. I'm really still grappling with all of these complicated feelings, and I know many people who feel similar! I'm grateful that as a team, we can create a daring piece that may help us all sort through this a little more.
-Bridget Frances Harris (writer/director/co-producer)
Why now?
Current popular teen stories utilize unrealistic expectations to attract viewers.
Instead of queer-bating viewers, Places of Worship embraces the honest challenges of queer youth by leaning into humor and embarrassment. While our style is far from realistic, the behavior of the characters is grounded and age appropriate. Rather than give specific answers to Steph’s relationship to queerness, this film explores how she copes with her confusion.
Story Synopsis
STEPH is a 16-year-old Catholic altar server. When putting away the collection money after mass, she tries to stop a fellow altar server, BECCA, from pocketing the money. An innocent attempt to prevent thievery turns into an awkward encounter when the priest, FATHER RICK, walks in on the two of them, assuming something else is happening... Suddenly Steph is followed by symbols of The Virgin Mary. These visions fuel Steph’s paranoia around a crush she has on her grungy movie theater coworker, JOANNA, who wants Steph to join her on a weekend getaway. Unsure of her feelings around the comfort of her queer identity, Steph seeks clarity.
Style:
As an artistic reference point, Places of Worship is Genera+ion meets Atlanta.
The film combines authentic queer narratives with a subtle and humorous surrealism. From a cinematography standpoint, the visual focus of the film will be subtle camera movements and dynamic composition to replicate paintings and religious imagery. Wide, portrait-like long shots will help accentuate intimacy or lack thereof.
So why support us?
You want boundary-pushing content.
You want content that makes your jaw drop, makes you laugh, and makes you quietly reflect.
Queer women have long been shamed for exploring their sexuality. Suddenly, queer film and tv content has jumped to one extreme, a place of hyper queer pride. And while celebrating self-acceptance is a part of many people’s journey at a young age, it isn’t easy for everyone. Places of Worship imparts grace to those still figuring it out. By supporting this film, you are contributing to the careers of many femme and queer people, and helping us make the boundary-pushing content the people deserve!
Where are we in this process?
Places of Worship is partially supported by a DCASE Individual Artists Program grant for $6K!
This gets us a little under halfway to our full budget. As a team, we have spent countless hours applying for grants. And we're so grateful to have received this money. But we need $8K more to make this film a reality. This is a huge goal for us, and we hope you can give us some or your time, energy, or resources in making this film come to fruition.
FURTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT US!
1. FOLLOW US ON Seed&Spark.
Give us a follow, even if you can't donate. It really helps us out!
2. SPREAD THE WORD!
Tell you friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about Places of Worship. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. SEND US A MESSAGE!
Have an idea or just want to talk about the film? Send an email to [email protected]
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Zeiss Super Speed Prime Lenses
Costs $1,200
Vintage Zeiss Super Speed Prime Lenses! Having these under our belt will create a surreal film look.
Original Score
Costs $1,000
Are you a musician who wants to dedicate their talents to composing this project?
Crew Payment
Costs $4,000
Crew payment is essential to making sure this film gets made!
Church
Costs $500
We are looking for a connection to a Catholic Church that will let us film there!
Hard Drive
Costs $150
4TB and water proof! This will house all of our footage!
Catering Day 1
Costs $300
Cater our first day meal and we'll put you in the credits as an associate producer!
Bedroom
Costs $500
We need our Hero Bedroom! Looking for an apartment in the Chicago area to film in.
Robes
Costs $350
Costumes are crucial to this film, and we would love to purchase/borrow realistic altar robes!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
(Director/Writer/Co-Producer): Bridget Frances Harris
Bridget is a director, actor, model, and Tiny Desk Concert enthusiast born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. Over the last six years, she has found her footing in the many artistic communities of Chicago as a multi-hyphenate artist. Pulling from experiences of growing up in a highly religious family in “Sin City”, her work often draws on conflicting subjects of virtue and vice. She strives to create complex queer and women focused stories and is a huge advocate for paying artists equitably. Her short film Carpool has been recognized at Cinema Femme Magazine Short Film Festival, Sudbury International Film Festival, and No Coast Film Fest, among others. Bridget is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University with her BFA in acting and is proudly represented by ATG.
(Director of Photography): David Foy
David Foy is a working Director of Photography who was born and raised in Kaneohe, Hawai’i; a small town on the east side of O’ahu. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois. David discovered his passion for filmmaking in his Sophomore year of high school at age 15, while in a film studies class. More and more, David finds himself gravitating towards stories of youth, coming of age, and the inner conflicts and struggles within and around an individual(s) relationship with their friends, family, and themself. In the last six years, David has had his works screen at and be nominated for awards at festivals such as Chicago International Film Festival, Hawai’i International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, etc. In the spring of 2021, David shot his very first feature film, which is expected to be completed by the spring of 2022.
(Producer): Katelyn Henslin
Katelyn Henslin is a Chicago-based producer who believes in collaboration and interpersonal relationships as the foundations of all her projects. While living in Chicago for 6 years Katelyn has produced many short films and music videos. She worked as a producer's assistant for two seasons at NBC's One Chicago franchise. She was also the production coordinator on two Lifetime movies shot in the City. Most recently she was the Line Producer on two features that filmed in California, both currently in post-production. She is now prepping to help produce season 2 of a Roku series in November and is working towards starting a production company with two of her colleagues. Katelyn's goal has always been to create an uplifting and inclusive environment
on set. Enamored by the process of bringing a story to life, she hopes to change hearts and minds through stories that are captivating, inspiring, and diverse.
(Editor): Zoe Gray Mazza
Zoe Gray Mazza is a Chicago based film editor, actor, and educator who was born and raised in the Milwaukee Wisconsin area. Their passion for filmmaking began in elementary school. Their first movie being a mockumentary about school lunches, where Zoe played all 6 characters. Since then, Zoe has taught multiple film editing intensives and photography internships aimed to give Chicago youth the resources and the platform to share stories that are important to them. Zoe has edited, produced and acted in over 20+ films, such as Fear thy nature (Lead Actor and Editor), a modern love story, adapted from Shakespeare's Macbeth, and Carpool (Editor), The story of two sisters at their mothers wake, which has gained national and international recognition. Zoe will be graduating this spring with a BFA in acting and a minor in television production from The Theatre school at DePaul University.
(Gaffer): Steven A. Garcia
Steven A. Garcia is a Mexican-American multi-disciplinary artist living & working in Chicago. Steven's work is primarily focused on evoking memories of physical space and the people that inhabit those spaces. His approach to still photography has shaped his work as a cinematographer and gaffer, where he brings his talent for capturing moments that often get overlooked. Steven believes in photography as a meditative practice and enjoys working closely with directors and actors.