SAVING GRACE
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Thriller
In a small southern town, Grace Williams, a local teenager, goes missing.Reverend Elijah Harper attempts to comfort the people of his town giving a reassuring sermon on how to deal with grief and uncertainty, but his dual nature begins to unfold through a flashback revealing his disturbing secret.
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This campaign raised $8,000 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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In a small southern town, Grace Williams, a local teenager, goes missing.Reverend Elijah Harper attempts to comfort the people of his town giving a reassuring sermon on how to deal with grief and uncertainty, but his dual nature begins to unfold through a flashback revealing his disturbing secret.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story

Rooted in Southern Gothic tradition, Saving Grace is a gripping tale of betrayal, influence, and moral corruption. Set against a rich Southern backdrop, the film follows a leader whose charismatic authority allows him to gain trust—only to weaponize it against those who follow. Through this lens, the story examines how power can be exploited under the guise of leadership, leaving destruction in its wake.
At its heart, Saving Grace forces audiences to question the systems and individuals who prey on human trust and faith. This is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, provoking thought and stirring deep emotion.

The film’s tone is unapologetically dark and psychologically intense, unraveling the complexities of desperation, deceit, and moral decay. Inspired by films like The Devil All the Time, it delves into manipulation, faith, and the fragility of human trust.

Its Southern Gothic aesthetic—marked by haunting beauty, isolation, and creeping tension—creates a visually immersive world where every whisper, glance, and shadow holds weight.

Elijah Harper and Grace Williams' conflict is the heart of Saving Grace. The dynamic between the two creates a sense of tension that really sets the theme of manipulation and control in the film. These two characters are made to represent the battle between control and resilience in the eyes of the audience.
.png)
A charismatic yet deeply conflicted leader, Harper stands at the pulpit of Belleview Baptist Church, commanding devotion with soothing words and an unwavering presence. To his congregation, he is a man of compassion and faith, a shepherd guiding his flock with conviction.
But beneath the surface, Harper is a man at war with himself. His charm masks a nature that is controlling, obsessive, and dangerously unwavering. As the lines between righteousness and manipulation blur, his grip tightens—on his faith, his followers, and the truth he refuses to face.
.png)
A young teenager whose disappearance sends shockwaves through the community, Grace becomes the heart of a story unraveling with secrets, fear, and revelation. She embodies innocence and vulnerability, a girl caught in forces far beyond her control.
Yet, beneath her quiet nature lies a resilience that refuses to be silenced. In the face of terror, Grace’s strength emerges—not in grand defiance, but in the unyielding will to survive, to fight, and to be heard.
Authenticity is at the core of this film. Extensive research into Southern life and its socio-religious dynamics ensures a narrative that feels real and immersive. From the cadence of sermons to the visual power of small-town rituals, every detail has been meticulously crafted to bring this world to life.
This is a story that resonates deeply in today’s world, where questions of power, trust, and manipulation feel more urgent than ever. Now is the time for a film that dares to confront these realities.

Authenticity is at the core of this film. Extensive research into Southern life and its socio-religious dynamics ensures a narrative that feels real and immersive. From the cadence of sermons to the visual power of small-town rituals, every detail has been meticulously crafted to bring this world to life.
This is a story that resonates deeply in today’s world, where questions of power, trust, and manipulation feel more urgent than ever. Now is the time for a film that dares to confront these realities.

To bring Saving Grace to life, we’ve set a budget of $8,000. We must secure at least 80% of our goal to receive the funds raised through Seed&Spark. Every contribution—big or small—pushes us closer to making this vision a reality. the budget will be used for:
- Cast and Crew - Putting a team together to make our story come to life.
- Locations - Obtaining permits in order to shoot at authentic locations.
- Catering - Food and beverage to help our crew and cast get through long shoot days.
- Camera and Equipment - Equipment to ensure high-quality picture.
- Insurance and Contingency- Coverage for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Costume - Wardrobe to make the film's characters look authentic to the setting.
- Post-Production - Working to put all of our hard work onto the screen.
- Distribution - Sending out Saving Grace to esteemed film festivals.

If we surpass our funding target, additional resources will be invested in:
- Post-Production – Enhancing the film’s final edit, sound, and score.
- Distribution – Ensuring Saving Grace reaches a wider audience through festivals and screenings.
- Supporting the Crew – Providing additional resources to the talented team bringing this vision to life.

Our production plan ensures Saving Grace will stay on track and meet its milestones:
Pre-Production (Late February – Early March 2025):
- Secure talent, extras, and filming locations.
- Conduct BTS updates to build anticipation.
Production (March 24–27, 2025):
- A four-day shoot where our crew will work tirelessly to bring the story of Saving Grace to life.
- Showcase BTS moments to donors and supporters.
Post-Production (April – May 2025):
- Begin editing on April 1st and release teasers and trailers.
- Conduct test screenings and finalize the first cut by mid-May.
- Host select screenings to gather feedback and share the finished film.
Distribution (June – October 2025):
- Submit to top film festivals starting in June.
- Prepare for streaming submissions by September.
- Plan for a public release in mid-to-late October 2025.

We are deep into the creative process, but this campaign is the critical step that will bring Saving Grace to life. Your support will fund key elements of production—cinematography, locations, and the atmospheric visuals that define this story. Once completed, Saving Grace will make its mark on the festival circuit, reaching audiences who crave thought-provoking, psychologically rich storytelling.
Every contribution brings Saving Grace closer to reality. Here’s how you can support:
Pledge – Every donation, big or small, helps us reach our goal.
Follow – Stay updated with behind-the-scenes content and project updates.
Share – Spread the word! Copy and paste this along with our Seed & Spark Page link:
"A dark and gripping Southern Gothic tale, Saving Grace explores power, faith, and manipulation in a way you won’t forget. Help bring this bold indie film to life: MAKE YOUR PLEDGE #SavingGraceFilm #SupportIndieFilm"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Stunt + Intimacy Coordinator
Costs $800
Looking for a passionate stunt/intimacy coordinator to ensure safety and help our lead talent shine with authentic, standout performances!
Medic On-Set
Costs $400
Seeking a caring on-set medic to ensure the safety and well-being of our team, keeping everyone healthy and happy throughout production!
Meals and Craft Services
Costs $1,850
Looking for a friendly craft services team to keep our cast and crew fueled and happy with delicious meals and snacks throughout production!
Creative Development + Production Expenses
Costs $1,380
Our creative development team is the driving force behind Saving Grace, propelling this production toward its successful completion.
Technical Development, Production
Costs $3,570
This team ensures seamless execution, managing gear, tech, and logistics, while expertly navigating contingent production expenses.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
Zachary Calhoun, the Director of Saving Grace, has made a notable impact in the film industry with his versatile approach to filmmaking. His film “The Squealing” (2022) earned the Award of Excellence in Student Film and Video Narrative from the Broadcasting Education Association (BEA) and the Grand Prize for Short Film from the National Electronic Media Association (NBS AERho).
Zachary has honed his craft through participation in 48-hour film festivals and collaborations with creatives in both educational and professional settings, including work with the SEC Network. His repertoire spans a variety of genres and subgenres, as he continues to refine his distinctive directorial style.
Darren M. Johnson, the Executive Producer of Saving Grace, is a versatile creative specializing in photography, performance, film, creative direction, and writing, aiming to inspire empathetic innovation. As the executive producer of the acclaimed short film “Of Sound Mind and Body” (2021), which was featured in five film festivals, including DMV International Film Festival and The Paus Premieres Festival.
Passionate about projects with dramatic and cultural significance, Johnson continues to refine his craft as a writer and aspiring actor for motion pictures. He envisions opening his own production studio, dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and fostering diverse, meaningful storytelling.
Calvin Richey, the Associate Producer of Saving Grace, is currently a graduate student at Mississippi State University pursuing a master's in communications. He specializes in the production of social media pages and has honed his craft by working on the National Student Exchange social media at MSU.
J. Hun-En “Snapple” Joswick, Director of Photography, Born into a military family, Snapple spent much of his life moving from state to state before eventually settling in Starkville, Mississippi. There, he earned a BFA in Photography from Mississippi State University. Now serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, he is currently attending the Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training at NAS Pensacola.
An accomplished filmmaker, Snapple's work has been recognized at the Magnolia Film Festival. His short film Five Minutes won the Audience Choice Award in 2020, and his project They Say When a Goblin Dies a Coin Purse Falls From Heaven was created as part of the 48 Hour Film Competition in 2023.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story

Rooted in Southern Gothic tradition, Saving Grace is a gripping tale of betrayal, influence, and moral corruption. Set against a rich Southern backdrop, the film follows a leader whose charismatic authority allows him to gain trust—only to weaponize it against those who follow. Through this lens, the story examines how power can be exploited under the guise of leadership, leaving destruction in its wake.
At its heart, Saving Grace forces audiences to question the systems and individuals who prey on human trust and faith. This is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, provoking thought and stirring deep emotion.

The film’s tone is unapologetically dark and psychologically intense, unraveling the complexities of desperation, deceit, and moral decay. Inspired by films like The Devil All the Time, it delves into manipulation, faith, and the fragility of human trust.

Its Southern Gothic aesthetic—marked by haunting beauty, isolation, and creeping tension—creates a visually immersive world where every whisper, glance, and shadow holds weight.

Elijah Harper and Grace Williams' conflict is the heart of Saving Grace. The dynamic between the two creates a sense of tension that really sets the theme of manipulation and control in the film. These two characters are made to represent the battle between control and resilience in the eyes of the audience.
.png)
A charismatic yet deeply conflicted leader, Harper stands at the pulpit of Belleview Baptist Church, commanding devotion with soothing words and an unwavering presence. To his congregation, he is a man of compassion and faith, a shepherd guiding his flock with conviction.
But beneath the surface, Harper is a man at war with himself. His charm masks a nature that is controlling, obsessive, and dangerously unwavering. As the lines between righteousness and manipulation blur, his grip tightens—on his faith, his followers, and the truth he refuses to face.
.png)
A young teenager whose disappearance sends shockwaves through the community, Grace becomes the heart of a story unraveling with secrets, fear, and revelation. She embodies innocence and vulnerability, a girl caught in forces far beyond her control.
Yet, beneath her quiet nature lies a resilience that refuses to be silenced. In the face of terror, Grace’s strength emerges—not in grand defiance, but in the unyielding will to survive, to fight, and to be heard.
Authenticity is at the core of this film. Extensive research into Southern life and its socio-religious dynamics ensures a narrative that feels real and immersive. From the cadence of sermons to the visual power of small-town rituals, every detail has been meticulously crafted to bring this world to life.
This is a story that resonates deeply in today’s world, where questions of power, trust, and manipulation feel more urgent than ever. Now is the time for a film that dares to confront these realities.

Authenticity is at the core of this film. Extensive research into Southern life and its socio-religious dynamics ensures a narrative that feels real and immersive. From the cadence of sermons to the visual power of small-town rituals, every detail has been meticulously crafted to bring this world to life.
This is a story that resonates deeply in today’s world, where questions of power, trust, and manipulation feel more urgent than ever. Now is the time for a film that dares to confront these realities.

To bring Saving Grace to life, we’ve set a budget of $8,000. We must secure at least 80% of our goal to receive the funds raised through Seed&Spark. Every contribution—big or small—pushes us closer to making this vision a reality. the budget will be used for:
- Cast and Crew - Putting a team together to make our story come to life.
- Locations - Obtaining permits in order to shoot at authentic locations.
- Catering - Food and beverage to help our crew and cast get through long shoot days.
- Camera and Equipment - Equipment to ensure high-quality picture.
- Insurance and Contingency- Coverage for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Costume - Wardrobe to make the film's characters look authentic to the setting.
- Post-Production - Working to put all of our hard work onto the screen.
- Distribution - Sending out Saving Grace to esteemed film festivals.

If we surpass our funding target, additional resources will be invested in:
- Post-Production – Enhancing the film’s final edit, sound, and score.
- Distribution – Ensuring Saving Grace reaches a wider audience through festivals and screenings.
- Supporting the Crew – Providing additional resources to the talented team bringing this vision to life.

Our production plan ensures Saving Grace will stay on track and meet its milestones:
Pre-Production (Late February – Early March 2025):
- Secure talent, extras, and filming locations.
- Conduct BTS updates to build anticipation.
Production (March 24–27, 2025):
- A four-day shoot where our crew will work tirelessly to bring the story of Saving Grace to life.
- Showcase BTS moments to donors and supporters.
Post-Production (April – May 2025):
- Begin editing on April 1st and release teasers and trailers.
- Conduct test screenings and finalize the first cut by mid-May.
- Host select screenings to gather feedback and share the finished film.
Distribution (June – October 2025):
- Submit to top film festivals starting in June.
- Prepare for streaming submissions by September.
- Plan for a public release in mid-to-late October 2025.

We are deep into the creative process, but this campaign is the critical step that will bring Saving Grace to life. Your support will fund key elements of production—cinematography, locations, and the atmospheric visuals that define this story. Once completed, Saving Grace will make its mark on the festival circuit, reaching audiences who crave thought-provoking, psychologically rich storytelling.
Every contribution brings Saving Grace closer to reality. Here’s how you can support:
Pledge – Every donation, big or small, helps us reach our goal.
Follow – Stay updated with behind-the-scenes content and project updates.
Share – Spread the word! Copy and paste this along with our Seed & Spark Page link:
"A dark and gripping Southern Gothic tale, Saving Grace explores power, faith, and manipulation in a way you won’t forget. Help bring this bold indie film to life: MAKE YOUR PLEDGE #SavingGraceFilm #SupportIndieFilm"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Stunt + Intimacy Coordinator
Costs $800
Looking for a passionate stunt/intimacy coordinator to ensure safety and help our lead talent shine with authentic, standout performances!
Medic On-Set
Costs $400
Seeking a caring on-set medic to ensure the safety and well-being of our team, keeping everyone healthy and happy throughout production!
Meals and Craft Services
Costs $1,850
Looking for a friendly craft services team to keep our cast and crew fueled and happy with delicious meals and snacks throughout production!
Creative Development + Production Expenses
Costs $1,380
Our creative development team is the driving force behind Saving Grace, propelling this production toward its successful completion.
Technical Development, Production
Costs $3,570
This team ensures seamless execution, managing gear, tech, and logistics, while expertly navigating contingent production expenses.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
Zachary Calhoun, the Director of Saving Grace, has made a notable impact in the film industry with his versatile approach to filmmaking. His film “The Squealing” (2022) earned the Award of Excellence in Student Film and Video Narrative from the Broadcasting Education Association (BEA) and the Grand Prize for Short Film from the National Electronic Media Association (NBS AERho).
Zachary has honed his craft through participation in 48-hour film festivals and collaborations with creatives in both educational and professional settings, including work with the SEC Network. His repertoire spans a variety of genres and subgenres, as he continues to refine his distinctive directorial style.
Darren M. Johnson, the Executive Producer of Saving Grace, is a versatile creative specializing in photography, performance, film, creative direction, and writing, aiming to inspire empathetic innovation. As the executive producer of the acclaimed short film “Of Sound Mind and Body” (2021), which was featured in five film festivals, including DMV International Film Festival and The Paus Premieres Festival.
Passionate about projects with dramatic and cultural significance, Johnson continues to refine his craft as a writer and aspiring actor for motion pictures. He envisions opening his own production studio, dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and fostering diverse, meaningful storytelling.
Calvin Richey, the Associate Producer of Saving Grace, is currently a graduate student at Mississippi State University pursuing a master's in communications. He specializes in the production of social media pages and has honed his craft by working on the National Student Exchange social media at MSU.
J. Hun-En “Snapple” Joswick, Director of Photography, Born into a military family, Snapple spent much of his life moving from state to state before eventually settling in Starkville, Mississippi. There, he earned a BFA in Photography from Mississippi State University. Now serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, he is currently attending the Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training at NAS Pensacola.
An accomplished filmmaker, Snapple's work has been recognized at the Magnolia Film Festival. His short film Five Minutes won the Audience Choice Award in 2020, and his project They Say When a Goblin Dies a Coin Purse Falls From Heaven was created as part of the 48 Hour Film Competition in 2023.