At the check-in table for Lake Whitney Youth Camp, Paige (15) is absolutely humiliated when her camp counselor tells her she cannot participate in any water activities at camp because of her “immodest” swimsuit. 

Impressions are everything at church camp, and breaking the rules would never even cross the mind of “good-girl” Paige. 

In an effort to lay low and avoid any more embarrassing attention, Paige occupies her time by helping out the camp’s “cool-as-hell” sailing instructor, Heidi (40), who stands drastically apart from the other camp counselors. 

As Heidi shows her the ropes of sailing, Paige’s shameful hour whilst being banned from swimming offers a surprising taste of freedom and joy.

Through Our Lens

This film aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia, youthfulness, and comfort.



Its mise-en-scène is firmly rooted in realism, blending documentary-style camera movements to create an authentic feel while also incorporating carefully-crafted cinematography.

Drawing visual inspiration from films like Aftersun, Past Lives, and Lady Bird, the story balances showcasing the natural beauty of its surroundings with an intimate focus on a young woman’s journey to find her place in the world.

Rooted in Experience

At its core, “Sailing Lessons” captures the catalyst for Paige’s shifting perspective on womanhood and faith. 

In early script conversations, each member of our creative team (all former youth group girls and church campers) found ourselves exchanging personal stories that closely mirror Paige’s oscillation between shame and freedom.

While the film isn’t strictly autobiographical, it’s deeply personal. It’s about realizing that womanhood isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that the narrow version we were once shown doesn’t have to define us. 

“Sailing Lessons” is an invitation to imagine something freer, fuller, and more honest—for Paige and for every woman who's ever questioned the script she was handed.

The Women at the Helm

Our team is comprised of six women connected through their filmmaking education at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. We’re truly thankful to LAFSC for nurturing this amazing community of creators. Having worked together on numerous projects in the past, we’re excited to join forces once again. 

To learn more about the women at the helm, click "The Team" in the menu above!

As we developed “Sailing Lessons”, our creative team kept returning to the story’s emotional core, asking ourselves a few essential questions along the way.

What drew us to this story?

What makes it meaningful?

Why do we believe it’s one worth sharing?

Each of us had our own reasons—personal, creative, and deeply felt.

Here's a glimpse into what inspired us to take this journey…

The genesis of this project initially came about because I have access to a sailboat and thought, “How cute would it be to make a short film about a sailboat?” I grew up sailing on my Dad’s boat, and when I pitched the idea of borrowing his boat for this film, Mike Neal officially joined the crew as the Marine Coordinator. 

The story really grew wings when Madison Gotthardt got involved and suggested exploring a mentor relationship between a teenage girl and an older woman who was not her mother or a relative. We were both suddenly struck by the realization that we could not think of any examples of this specific dynamic in film or television. Given that we could each enthusiastically rattle off ten different women in our lives who had major influence in how we situate ourselves in the world, this gap in the literature shocked us.

My hope for this film is that it becomes the metaphorical Heidi role for those who relate to Paige’s limited view of who a woman can be–something that stands apart from previous depictions of female role models in film and television.

"Sailing Lessons" started as a text from Kelli that read, “Okay so can I pitch you something?” Every step from there was an easy yes. Writing a short with my friend? Yes! Filming on a lake? Absolutely. Working with a team of wonderful and talented women? Done. None of that is to mention the deep and personal connection I have felt to this project. By far, this is my favorite thing that I have ever written. While Paige’s story is not exactly mine, her earnest desire to be “good” is a deeply familiar one. 

I hope that as Paige’s understanding of goodness and womanhood expand, you’ll find some inspiration and peace in her journey, too.

“Sailing Lessons” was first pitched to me when our director, Kelli, told me she wanted to make a short that utilized her family’s sailboat. As if the visual of a sailboat wasn’t intriguing enough, she told me about the story she was developing with co-writer Madison Gotthardt. It was one I deeply related to.

Growing up in the church, for me and many women in my generation, meant hearing consistently about the type of Christian woman I should strive to be: modest and submissive. Were it not for the other women in my life, my view of womanhood and its relationship to faith might have stayed the same. I’m excited to be a part of a project that challenges some of those expectations, and I’m particularly excited to produce this short film with a team of women.

I was so excited to read a new script from Kelli and Madison. They make an incredible writing duo and I’m so stoked to be working with them again. I spent some of my teen years at summer camps, where I grew closer to some lifelong friends. These experiences are unforgettable, thanks to the mentors and leaders I bonded with. It’s a gift to be part of a project that so accurately represents strong, beautiful people, I love and respect.

“Sailing Lessons” is a story that holds a deeply personal place in my heart. Having spent a third of my life immersed in camp ministry, my love for camp runs deep—it has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.

I see so much of myself in Paige, a girl who stepped into camp life with wide eyes, an open heart, and a desire to always live out what it means to be the “perfect Christian girl.” 

Like her, I was fortunate to be guided by incredible mentors—the Heidis of our stories—women who led with wisdom, kindness, and strength. They nurtured my faith, showed me what it means to be a leader, and empowered me to step into my own with confidence and authenticity. They helped me to realize that the idea of “perfection” that I was chasing will never exist.

For me, this project is a platonic love story, a tribute to the women who have shaped me into the strong, independent, and imperfect woman I am today. 

Emma, Jamie, Stefanie, Kathryn, Angel, Laura—this is for you.

I am forever grateful.

Listen… I attended/worked at summer camp for 18 years of my life. And I’ve seen Nancy Meyers’ Parent Trap at least 10 times. So there was zero hesitation to join this project. 

Much of my life was molded from summer camp. Yet, I always felt a bit different from the “ideal woman” that existed in that space. I was always drawn towards women who broke the rules. And this story is for anyone (and everyone) who’s struggled to find their place in this world. 

Though my fears of camera equipment insurance vs. bodies of water runs deep, it’s nothing this team can’t tackle. I would go to the end of the earth with this team and feel absolutely honored to lens "Sailing Lessons." I’m a true believer than you can feel when a cinematographer deeply cares for a story, and even more so when that cinematographer has walked in their character’s shoes.



A Story Worth Sharing

Our hope is that “Sailing Lessons” offers young people—particularly those growing up in more conservative religious spaces—a fresh, compassionate perspective on womanhood. Through Paige’s story, we aim to gently challenge the narrow expectations often placed on girls in faith-based communities while still honoring the complexity of belief and belonging.

We want viewers to see themselves in Paige’s journey. We want them to feel seen in the quiet questions she asks, the tension she holds, and the strength she discovers. Whether they've outgrown the roles once assigned to them or are still navigating the intersection of identity, gender, and faith, we hope “Sailing Lessons” becomes a mirror for their growth and a reminder that they are not alone.

Production begins this September in Lake Whitney, Texas (pictured below), and we’re beyond excited to bring this story to life. With your support, we’ll move into postproduction with the goal of delivering a completed cut to our “Sailing Superstar” backers and above by mid-January to February 2026.

A portion of the funds raised will go toward film festival submissions across the country, helping us bring “Sailing Lessons” to wider audiences in Spring and Summer 2026.

Following our festival run, we plan to make the film publicly available on Vimeo so Paige’s story can continue to reach and resonate with others.

Want to be part of our journey? Follow us on Instagram @sailinglessonsfilm for behind-the-scenes updates and sneak peeks. And if you believe in this project, we’d be so grateful if you helped us spread the word!

Thank you so much for your support—we can’t wait for you to see the film and be part of the journey.

With all our love,

The “Sailing Lessons” Team

Kelli, Madison, Sarah, Nia, Kylie, and Payton