Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
Two LA-based high schoolers team up with the Oscar-nominated director of ANUJA (Netflix) to make a film about America’s twin crises—homelessness and unaffordable healthcare. The cross-generational collaboration aims to show how storytelling can inspire empathy and awareness in audiences of all ages.
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $17,602 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
33 supporters | followers
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Two LA-based high schoolers team up with the Oscar-nominated director of ANUJA (Netflix) to make a film about America’s twin crises—homelessness and unaffordable healthcare. The cross-generational collaboration aims to show how storytelling can inspire empathy and awareness in audiences of all ages.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WHO ARE WE?
We're Ray Kim and Dhilan Graves, two film-obsessed students at a public high school located in Lafayette Park, Los Angeles (near Koreatown), a neighborhood that’s culturally vibrant and economically diverse.
This part of LA is ground zero when it comes to the national housing crisis. Every day, we see unhoused individuals right outside our school—on sidewalks and in nearby parks. We pass them constantly, but rarely get to hear their stories.
We’re setting out to make a live action short film that gives audiences a window into their world, their struggles, and their humanity.
We are partnering with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Adam J. Graves (Dhilan's dad), and the award-winning cinematographer, Daryl Hefti, who has worked on numerous acclaimed narrative, commercial and documentary films.
Dhilan was a co-producer on Adam's last film ANUJA (available on Netflix), which was nominated this year for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (2025), has received over ten million full views so far, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for non-profits that help victims of child labor (that film's subject matter). We believe POCKET, our next short film project, can have a similar impact!
Together, we’re creating a film with genuine heart—rooted in empathy and social awareness—and true craft, defined by strong storytelling and top-tier production values.
WHY NOW?
During our Sophomore year, Los Angeles passed an ordinance prohibiting homeless encampments within 500 feet of schools. But instead of brushing the unhoused under the rug, we want students--and the world--to better understand some of the issues that contribute to the housing crisis in America.
One of those issues is the cost of health care. According to some studies, nearly 80% of people experiencing homelessness report medical expenses as playing some role in their current situation. Our film tells the story about these intersecting issues from the perspective of one man.
Our film follows Ethan, a man living out of his car after being buried by a mountain of medical debt.
To survive, he’s forced to pawn off the last fragments of his former life—his collection of Lou Reed Albums, his Les Paul guitar, and his black leather jacket. But in doing so, Ethan accidentally loses something far more personal: a small--but irreplaceable--link that ties him to a loved one.
We can’t tell you how, or who, or what that is without giving away the best part of the film. However, we can tell you that the story has a truly heart-wrenching twist, one that may change the way you think and feel about victims of the housing crisis.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
We have a shooting script (co-written by Dhilan and Adam J. Graves), and we are currently hard at work casting and scouting locations throughout Los Angeles. We are talking to some incredible actors regarding the lead--and we anticipate casting some whose work you'll be familiar with.
But time is of the essence--we need to shoot in the first week of December in order to work around our class schedules, and our partners' availabilities. Then we estimate that we'll need two months (minimum) for editing and post-production. But we'll have a rough cut available to share with our top contributors by early January.
As of now, we are right on schedule! All we need are the resources to cover the cost of production (as detailed on our Wishlist).
We simply cannot make this film without you! We need your help to cover equipment, crew, actors, locations, and props.
Every contribution brings us one step closer to sharing this important story with the world. THANK YOU!
"I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Ray and Dhilan. These young men are really inspiring. They're smart and super passionate, and together we’ve fashioned a screenplay that addresses two important issues: on the one hand, the housing crises and, on the other, the skyrocketing cost of health care. The story is incredibly moving, and we'd love to have you as part of the team that brings it to the screen. Thanks!"
-Adam J. Graves
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $5,650
You can't overestimate the value of having the very best talent in front of the camera. We hope to attract named talent for the lead role.
Equipment & Gear
Costs $4,450
This will cover rentals for camera, lenses, lights, and other gear. We're aiming for the highest possible production value.
Locations, Permits, Transportation
Costs $2,200
We need to secure several key locations, such a pawn shop or record store, and some will require city permits.
Crew
Costs $3,950
This will go toward hiring our first AC, gaffer, production sound mixer, boom operator, and hair & makeup, and craft services (meals).
Props & Costumes
Costs $1,350
We'll need a handful of key items to build an authentic world for Ethan, and the resources to capture both the beauty and grittiness of LA.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Dhilan Graves (co-writer and co-director) is a Senior at Larchmont High School. He has a passion for film, especially Japanese and Korean cinema. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and composer, Dhilan wrote and mixed the score for a documentary short film, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN, and he co-produced the Oscar nominated short film ANUJA. Aside from music and film, he also enjoys 3D modeling, graphic novels, Korean fried chicken, and a good smash burger.
Ray Kim (producer) is also a Senior at Larchmont. He is a Korean-American who grew up in LA's Koreatown neighborhood. He's a big fan of tteokbokki, though he says he's "down to eat fast food any time, too!" He enjoys reading and playing sports with friends whenever he can. He is currently planning on pursuing a business degree and has been trying to meet new people and expand his circle while in high school. He is excited to be involved in his first film project as a producer.
Adam J. Graves (co-writer and co-director) is a philosopher-turned-filmmaker who earned an Academy Award nomination for his live action short film ANUJA (Netflix), which he wrote, directed and edited. Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Jonas Chopra were among the film's producers. He also wrote and directed CYCLE VÉRITÉ (Omeleto) and produced and edited THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN. Above all, Adam is the proud father of Dhilan Graves, and he's excited to help bring this beautiful story to life.
Daryl Hefti (director of photography) is a multi-award winning cinematographer, whose body of work spans narrative, documentary and commercial spaces. His films have been recognized by Vimeo Staff Pick (Best of the Month and Best of the Year for Nowness Snowciety), Cannes Corporate festival (Gold for Swissquote "Manifesto"), Canne Lion (Young Directors Award Nomination), among many others. His most recent narrative work, THE EDGE OF SPACE, was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.
Devan Graves (editor, co-producer), currently an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, began his filmmaking career at age fourteen, when he edited the award-winning short film Cycle Vérité. He went on to direct the short documentary The Other Side of the Sun. A lifelong programmer and scholar of rock and roll and folk music of the 1960s and early ’70s, he continues to explore the intersections of music, technology, and storytelling.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WHO ARE WE?
We're Ray Kim and Dhilan Graves, two film-obsessed students at a public high school located in Lafayette Park, Los Angeles (near Koreatown), a neighborhood that’s culturally vibrant and economically diverse.
This part of LA is ground zero when it comes to the national housing crisis. Every day, we see unhoused individuals right outside our school—on sidewalks and in nearby parks. We pass them constantly, but rarely get to hear their stories.
We’re setting out to make a live action short film that gives audiences a window into their world, their struggles, and their humanity.
We are partnering with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Adam J. Graves (Dhilan's dad), and the award-winning cinematographer, Daryl Hefti, who has worked on numerous acclaimed narrative, commercial and documentary films.
Dhilan was a co-producer on Adam's last film ANUJA (available on Netflix), which was nominated this year for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (2025), has received over ten million full views so far, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for non-profits that help victims of child labor (that film's subject matter). We believe POCKET, our next short film project, can have a similar impact!
Together, we’re creating a film with genuine heart—rooted in empathy and social awareness—and true craft, defined by strong storytelling and top-tier production values.
WHY NOW?
During our Sophomore year, Los Angeles passed an ordinance prohibiting homeless encampments within 500 feet of schools. But instead of brushing the unhoused under the rug, we want students--and the world--to better understand some of the issues that contribute to the housing crisis in America.
One of those issues is the cost of health care. According to some studies, nearly 80% of people experiencing homelessness report medical expenses as playing some role in their current situation. Our film tells the story about these intersecting issues from the perspective of one man.
Our film follows Ethan, a man living out of his car after being buried by a mountain of medical debt.
To survive, he’s forced to pawn off the last fragments of his former life—his collection of Lou Reed Albums, his Les Paul guitar, and his black leather jacket. But in doing so, Ethan accidentally loses something far more personal: a small--but irreplaceable--link that ties him to a loved one.
We can’t tell you how, or who, or what that is without giving away the best part of the film. However, we can tell you that the story has a truly heart-wrenching twist, one that may change the way you think and feel about victims of the housing crisis.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
We have a shooting script (co-written by Dhilan and Adam J. Graves), and we are currently hard at work casting and scouting locations throughout Los Angeles. We are talking to some incredible actors regarding the lead--and we anticipate casting some whose work you'll be familiar with.
But time is of the essence--we need to shoot in the first week of December in order to work around our class schedules, and our partners' availabilities. Then we estimate that we'll need two months (minimum) for editing and post-production. But we'll have a rough cut available to share with our top contributors by early January.
As of now, we are right on schedule! All we need are the resources to cover the cost of production (as detailed on our Wishlist).
We simply cannot make this film without you! We need your help to cover equipment, crew, actors, locations, and props.
Every contribution brings us one step closer to sharing this important story with the world. THANK YOU!
"I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Ray and Dhilan. These young men are really inspiring. They're smart and super passionate, and together we’ve fashioned a screenplay that addresses two important issues: on the one hand, the housing crises and, on the other, the skyrocketing cost of health care. The story is incredibly moving, and we'd love to have you as part of the team that brings it to the screen. Thanks!"
-Adam J. Graves
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $5,650
You can't overestimate the value of having the very best talent in front of the camera. We hope to attract named talent for the lead role.
Equipment & Gear
Costs $4,450
This will cover rentals for camera, lenses, lights, and other gear. We're aiming for the highest possible production value.
Locations, Permits, Transportation
Costs $2,200
We need to secure several key locations, such a pawn shop or record store, and some will require city permits.
Crew
Costs $3,950
This will go toward hiring our first AC, gaffer, production sound mixer, boom operator, and hair & makeup, and craft services (meals).
Props & Costumes
Costs $1,350
We'll need a handful of key items to build an authentic world for Ethan, and the resources to capture both the beauty and grittiness of LA.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Dhilan Graves (co-writer and co-director) is a Senior at Larchmont High School. He has a passion for film, especially Japanese and Korean cinema. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and composer, Dhilan wrote and mixed the score for a documentary short film, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN, and he co-produced the Oscar nominated short film ANUJA. Aside from music and film, he also enjoys 3D modeling, graphic novels, Korean fried chicken, and a good smash burger.
Ray Kim (producer) is also a Senior at Larchmont. He is a Korean-American who grew up in LA's Koreatown neighborhood. He's a big fan of tteokbokki, though he says he's "down to eat fast food any time, too!" He enjoys reading and playing sports with friends whenever he can. He is currently planning on pursuing a business degree and has been trying to meet new people and expand his circle while in high school. He is excited to be involved in his first film project as a producer.
Adam J. Graves (co-writer and co-director) is a philosopher-turned-filmmaker who earned an Academy Award nomination for his live action short film ANUJA (Netflix), which he wrote, directed and edited. Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Jonas Chopra were among the film's producers. He also wrote and directed CYCLE VÉRITÉ (Omeleto) and produced and edited THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN. Above all, Adam is the proud father of Dhilan Graves, and he's excited to help bring this beautiful story to life.
Daryl Hefti (director of photography) is a multi-award winning cinematographer, whose body of work spans narrative, documentary and commercial spaces. His films have been recognized by Vimeo Staff Pick (Best of the Month and Best of the Year for Nowness Snowciety), Cannes Corporate festival (Gold for Swissquote "Manifesto"), Canne Lion (Young Directors Award Nomination), among many others. His most recent narrative work, THE EDGE OF SPACE, was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.
Devan Graves (editor, co-producer), currently an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, began his filmmaking career at age fourteen, when he edited the award-winning short film Cycle Vérité. He went on to direct the short documentary The Other Side of the Sun. A lifelong programmer and scholar of rock and roll and folk music of the 1960s and early ’70s, he continues to explore the intersections of music, technology, and storytelling.