Shadow of a Flame
Richmond, Virginia | Film Short
Horror, Drama
An amnesiac couple fights to stick together in an uncannily romantic cabin where dark forces reset them whenever they try to leave.
Shadow of a Flame
Richmond, Virginia | Film Short
Horror, Drama
An amnesiac couple fights to stick together in an uncannily romantic cabin where dark forces reset them whenever they try to leave.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Welcome to your Candlelit Prison
Shadow of a Flame is a surreal, romantic nightmare pretending that love conquers all: think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets The Night House, shadowed by the dread of Charlie Kaufman.
Deep in a distant forest sits a candlelit cabin, however within it's dark, desolate basement awakens Wife, a headstrong amnesiac woman struggling to find her bearings. Right as she wakes, she finds that her body is unable to move: paralyzed. Fear boils within her as she gathers her surroundings, when she hears footsteps within the dark corners of her periphery. She PANICS, tries to force her body awake, but she can only scream behind her stuck lips.
As the footsteps approach, she screams louder and louder, until her lips unstick! She tosses herself out of her chair, and stumbles to where she thinks the staircase is. However, it's too dark to see where she's going, and she slips and CRACKS her ankle! She hollers, but the footsteps continue their pursuit. She has no time; she grits her teeth, and rises. That's when she finds two torn notes beneath her:
HURT SELF
REMEMBER SIMON
She rushes to the staircase, but her injured foot makes escaping impossible. Soon after, whatever is tailing her stands right above her!
She doesn't go without a fight. She screams and throws her hands up, ready to fight for her life, when a man bursts through the door with a lantern! Light shines down, deterring her dark pursuer. Husband, an empathetic but paranoid man, shouts in shock, surprised to even find someone down here. As they figure each other out, they spot the wedding rings on each other’s fingers. That’s when it clicks: they might be married.
There are many forms of abuse and manipulation in relationships, but whenever films focus on the topic, they tend to only show the physical abuse, maybe even some blackmail to explain why the victim has to stay. They rarely tackle the reality of an abusive relationship where both parties want to stay, whether that be from codependency, misplaced compassion, nostalgia, or fear of the unknown.
With Shadow of a Flame, I hope to resonate with the people still living in these relationships, and help them realize that it’s always better to leave and pursue happiness, even if it feels unreasonable or terrifying. This film is for those still trapped in their own cabin without knowing it.
WHY ME?
As someone raised in obsession and manipulation, I see that many films that focus on toxic love create an obvious good and evil. They never quite resonated with me and my experience. So, instead of observing an obviously abusive relationship, I want to put the viewer in the victim’s shoes by mixing abusive cycles with genuine romance and banter. After all, abuse only works if the victim finds a reason to stay, and in this case, the reason is love and fear of what's beyond the cabin door.
With that in mind, I want the audience to question what abuse really means, even as the on-screen couple's relationship develops, curdles, and rots. If this film makes an audience member question "if that's an abusive relationship, then what about mine?", then everything I had been through would be worth it.
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My-Yor Corley, Writer/Director of Shadow of a Flame
Here are some films that explore similar themes, or have similar vibes. If you liked any of these, you'll like this film.
WIFE is a kind but prideful woman who does everything she can to make sense of a senseless situation. In a constant survivor’s mindset, she’s quick to adapt to any circumstance, even when it’s to her detriment. However at her core, she deeply hates being vulnerable, and would rather suffer in silence than let anyone else in.
HUSBAND is a very empathetic man who always has Wife on the front of his mind. He’s quick to show compassion and vulnerability, but there is a cutting darkness behind his eyes that silently peers into her. He’s terrified of whatever is looming outside their walls, and what will happen if Wife uncovers the truth.
Shadow of a Flame mimics manipulative cycles, thus the story will dance with genres like Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Psychological Horror, and Domestic Drama. The cinematic direction will play with these genre flips, making it so that the audience feels the full weight of the relationship unfolding. After all, a toxic relationship usually doesn't start as toxic, but something fresh, intriguing, and exciting.
Behind Shadow of a Flame is a team of filmmakers coming together to surpass their limits to make this film feel as surreal and heart-turning as possible.
This is how YOUR contribution will help our film!
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:
Pre-production: May 2026 - September 2026
Principal Photography: September 2026
Post-production: October 2026 - February 2027
Film Festival Run: 2027
Below, you can see previous promotional material we've made. If we could do this with limited crew and no budget, imagine what we can do fully funded!
If you've made it all the way down here, here is a special message for you. None of this can happen without support. Indie filmmaking thrives on creative collaboration, sure, but most of all it thrives on people. That's you, me, and everyone.
Even if you can't help us financially, please follow and share this page to someone who'd be interested in horror, someone who likes romance/anti-romance, or maybe someone struggling with abuse who you think could benefit from this film.
Everything matters. You matter.
And remember...
When the bells ring, LISTEN.
Thank you.
Follow our instagram! @soaf.film
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Costs & Salary
Costs $12,000
This is what we'll need to actually shoot the movie!
Post-Production
Costs $3,000
This will help us finish the movie in the editing room!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
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Director/Producer - My-Yor Corley is a Richmond-based filmmaker who tends to write stories centered around isolation, and the unique impacts of human connection. Since moving to Virginia in 2023, he has directed multiple 48 hour projects, a promotional documentary, and even a sitcom pilot. He also has a background in logistics as a 1st AD and Script Supervisor, making him a well-balanced, ever-adapting machine in the director’s seat.
Director of Photography - Jasmine Elmore is a filmmaker, multimedia installation artist, and curator based in Richmond, VA. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Photo/Film from VCUarts and, since graduating, has focused her work in the camera department across multiple commercials and productions, including major Apple TV+ shows. In the independent film scene, Jasmine uses her eclectic artistic background and unique experience as an adoptee to inform her practice both visually and directorially. Her past work has screened at Frights and Fears Horror Festival, Afrikana Filmfest, The Virginia Black Film Festival, and The Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Production Designer - Coby Flanagan is an upcoming Art Director/ Production Designer. His passions include mentoring and film/photography. He has been fortunate enough to shoot concerts for artists like Father Mc, Jodeci, and Boyz II Men. Along with that he has had numerous jobs in the film industry, both studio and indie. He’s also designed and built a photography booth installing for VCU’s ICA Museum. His end goal is to be an art director/production designer, creative director, and own of an entertainment/media organization.
Editor - Echo Striebig developed an affinity for surrealist filmmaking while studying production in Vermont. While there, her editing on Conceived from Dreams (2022) gained recognition across the North East and Canada. She has since moved to Virginia, and has participated in many 48 hour projects as a Director of Photography and Editor/Colorist, and has DP’d the upcoming film Luisa.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Welcome to your Candlelit Prison
Shadow of a Flame is a surreal, romantic nightmare pretending that love conquers all: think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets The Night House, shadowed by the dread of Charlie Kaufman.
Deep in a distant forest sits a candlelit cabin, however within it's dark, desolate basement awakens Wife, a headstrong amnesiac woman struggling to find her bearings. Right as she wakes, she finds that her body is unable to move: paralyzed. Fear boils within her as she gathers her surroundings, when she hears footsteps within the dark corners of her periphery. She PANICS, tries to force her body awake, but she can only scream behind her stuck lips.
As the footsteps approach, she screams louder and louder, until her lips unstick! She tosses herself out of her chair, and stumbles to where she thinks the staircase is. However, it's too dark to see where she's going, and she slips and CRACKS her ankle! She hollers, but the footsteps continue their pursuit. She has no time; she grits her teeth, and rises. That's when she finds two torn notes beneath her:
HURT SELF
REMEMBER SIMON
She rushes to the staircase, but her injured foot makes escaping impossible. Soon after, whatever is tailing her stands right above her!
She doesn't go without a fight. She screams and throws her hands up, ready to fight for her life, when a man bursts through the door with a lantern! Light shines down, deterring her dark pursuer. Husband, an empathetic but paranoid man, shouts in shock, surprised to even find someone down here. As they figure each other out, they spot the wedding rings on each other’s fingers. That’s when it clicks: they might be married.
There are many forms of abuse and manipulation in relationships, but whenever films focus on the topic, they tend to only show the physical abuse, maybe even some blackmail to explain why the victim has to stay. They rarely tackle the reality of an abusive relationship where both parties want to stay, whether that be from codependency, misplaced compassion, nostalgia, or fear of the unknown.
With Shadow of a Flame, I hope to resonate with the people still living in these relationships, and help them realize that it’s always better to leave and pursue happiness, even if it feels unreasonable or terrifying. This film is for those still trapped in their own cabin without knowing it.
WHY ME?
As someone raised in obsession and manipulation, I see that many films that focus on toxic love create an obvious good and evil. They never quite resonated with me and my experience. So, instead of observing an obviously abusive relationship, I want to put the viewer in the victim’s shoes by mixing abusive cycles with genuine romance and banter. After all, abuse only works if the victim finds a reason to stay, and in this case, the reason is love and fear of what's beyond the cabin door.
With that in mind, I want the audience to question what abuse really means, even as the on-screen couple's relationship develops, curdles, and rots. If this film makes an audience member question "if that's an abusive relationship, then what about mine?", then everything I had been through would be worth it.
My-Yor Corley, Writer/Director of Shadow of a Flame
Here are some films that explore similar themes, or have similar vibes. If you liked any of these, you'll like this film.
WIFE is a kind but prideful woman who does everything she can to make sense of a senseless situation. In a constant survivor’s mindset, she’s quick to adapt to any circumstance, even when it’s to her detriment. However at her core, she deeply hates being vulnerable, and would rather suffer in silence than let anyone else in.
HUSBAND is a very empathetic man who always has Wife on the front of his mind. He’s quick to show compassion and vulnerability, but there is a cutting darkness behind his eyes that silently peers into her. He’s terrified of whatever is looming outside their walls, and what will happen if Wife uncovers the truth.
Shadow of a Flame mimics manipulative cycles, thus the story will dance with genres like Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Psychological Horror, and Domestic Drama. The cinematic direction will play with these genre flips, making it so that the audience feels the full weight of the relationship unfolding. After all, a toxic relationship usually doesn't start as toxic, but something fresh, intriguing, and exciting.
Behind Shadow of a Flame is a team of filmmakers coming together to surpass their limits to make this film feel as surreal and heart-turning as possible.
This is how YOUR contribution will help our film!
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:
Pre-production: May 2026 - September 2026
Principal Photography: September 2026
Post-production: October 2026 - February 2027
Film Festival Run: 2027
Below, you can see previous promotional material we've made. If we could do this with limited crew and no budget, imagine what we can do fully funded!
If you've made it all the way down here, here is a special message for you. None of this can happen without support. Indie filmmaking thrives on creative collaboration, sure, but most of all it thrives on people. That's you, me, and everyone.
Even if you can't help us financially, please follow and share this page to someone who'd be interested in horror, someone who likes romance/anti-romance, or maybe someone struggling with abuse who you think could benefit from this film.
Everything matters. You matter.
And remember...
When the bells ring, LISTEN.
Thank you.
Follow our instagram! @soaf.film
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Costs & Salary
Costs $12,000
This is what we'll need to actually shoot the movie!
Post-Production
Costs $3,000
This will help us finish the movie in the editing room!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director/Producer - My-Yor Corley is a Richmond-based filmmaker who tends to write stories centered around isolation, and the unique impacts of human connection. Since moving to Virginia in 2023, he has directed multiple 48 hour projects, a promotional documentary, and even a sitcom pilot. He also has a background in logistics as a 1st AD and Script Supervisor, making him a well-balanced, ever-adapting machine in the director’s seat.
Director of Photography - Jasmine Elmore is a filmmaker, multimedia installation artist, and curator based in Richmond, VA. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Photo/Film from VCUarts and, since graduating, has focused her work in the camera department across multiple commercials and productions, including major Apple TV+ shows. In the independent film scene, Jasmine uses her eclectic artistic background and unique experience as an adoptee to inform her practice both visually and directorially. Her past work has screened at Frights and Fears Horror Festival, Afrikana Filmfest, The Virginia Black Film Festival, and The Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Production Designer - Coby Flanagan is an upcoming Art Director/ Production Designer. His passions include mentoring and film/photography. He has been fortunate enough to shoot concerts for artists like Father Mc, Jodeci, and Boyz II Men. Along with that he has had numerous jobs in the film industry, both studio and indie. He’s also designed and built a photography booth installing for VCU’s ICA Museum. His end goal is to be an art director/production designer, creative director, and own of an entertainment/media organization.
Editor - Echo Striebig developed an affinity for surrealist filmmaking while studying production in Vermont. While there, her editing on Conceived from Dreams (2022) gained recognition across the North East and Canada. She has since moved to Virginia, and has participated in many 48 hour projects as a Director of Photography and Editor/Colorist, and has DP’d the upcoming film Luisa.