The Corpses Are Laughing (USC Thesis Film)
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Satire, War
After getting the state-subsidized house they've long dreamed of, Anna and Gustav discover a family, the original owners of the house, hiding inside. Using satire, the film explores the renunciation of humanity in the face of self-interest.
The Corpses Are Laughing (USC Thesis Film)
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Satire, War
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $1,960 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
11 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
After getting the state-subsidized house they've long dreamed of, Anna and Gustav discover a family, the original owners of the house, hiding inside. Using satire, the film explores the renunciation of humanity in the face of self-interest.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Where "Barbarians" are displaced and eliminated beyond "the wall", Gustav is rewarded with a state-subsidized house for his military service.
Excited to finally move into the house they had been dreaming of, he takes his wife, Anna, to their new home, where they unexpectedly discover a Barbarian family, the true owners of the house, hiding in a closet.
Shocked to see real Barbarians for the first time, Anna is taken aback; she had believed the propaganda that portrayed them as monsters, but instead finds them all too human. Gustav escorts the family out and ensures they are eliminated without Anna's knowledge. Following this harrowing incident, Anna begins to lose interest in their new home, prompting Gustav to believe she is developing sympathies for the Barbarians—a dangerous and penalized sentiment in their totalitarian state.
Sensing her growing paranoia, Gustav desperately reassures Anna that the state is eliminating the Barbarians for good, insisting their new home is safe and secure. Yet, despite his reassurances, her anxiety only deepens, haunted by the fear that they’ll inevitably return.
As Anna’s paranoia spirals out of control, her terror begins to shatter the domestic dream she and Gustav once shared. Desperate to restore peace, Gustav reluctantly arranges for her to undergo psychiatric support, believing it’s the only way they can finally savor the home they’ve long dreamed of. When the state takes Anna away to get treated, he spends his first night alone, reveling in the newfound silence. But just as he begins to settle, a sudden, heavy thud echoes through the house.
Are the Barbarians back?
VISUAL TREATMENT
Welcome to our world...
OUR TOTAL BUDGET IS $30,000
What Do We Need All This Money For?
IF WE RAISE $10,000 WITHIN THE FIRST 2 WEEKS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SECURE ALL OUR LOCATIONS
IF WE RAISE $13,500 WE WILL BE ABLE TO SECURE OUR COSTUMES
IF WE RAISE $18,000 WE CAN SECURE EQUIPMENT
IF WE RAISE $25,000 WE CAN FULLY GO INTO PRODUCTION
WE NEED THE REST FOR POST PRODUCTION AND FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS.
WHY SUPPORT THIS FILM?
This film delves into the conflict forged by fractured systems and ideologies that drive us to become the very monsters we fear. It poses the question: who are the true barbarians? A deeply relevant exploration for today’s world, shaped by cognitive dissonance and self-interest.
By supporting this film, you will be actively contributing to:
- Championing a Timely, Impactful Message
- You will identify with and endorse a narrative that uses a satirical approach to encourage critical reflection on supremacist ideologies and their impact on both their perpetrators and victims—making it a catalyst for conversation and, possibly, change.
- Investing in a Cross-Cultural Production
- This project brings together a diverse cast and crew from around the world, creating a collaborative and constructive environment that reflects a variety of perspectives.
- Empowering Young Filmmakers
- Your backing empowers a new generation of filmmakers to use their voices and art to address universal themes, creating stories that challenge, inspire, and engage global audiences.
WHEN IS THIS FILM HAPPENING?
Very SOON!
We're filming in December.
Completion is in May.
If You cannot contribute financially, you can be of great help if you:
1- Share this campaign with your circle
2- Follow Our Social Media, you can find us on IG: @thecorpsesarelaughing
3- If you are an artist in the community and would like to offer equipment/props/costumes for us to borrow
THE TCAL TEAM WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT. <3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Light Our Night!
Costs $100
We need lights. We need lights to film at night. In a large location. In the desert. So we need lots of light... and power for the light.
Running Humvee Rental
Costs $500
Help us visualize a scene where the prisoners are being brutally transported to the military camp about to face their execution.
City in Ruins Set
Costs $100
Contribute to the production by helping us secure a whole day of shoot on this amazing set.
Crafty and Catering
Costs $500
Help us feed the amazing and talented cast and crew for 6 days of shoot and 5 days of prep!
Commune House
Costs $500
To help us build our unique set on the USC soundstage, we will need to buy wood and other material, paint, hire carpenters, and rent props!
Share this update!
About This Team
The Team
We're lucky to have such an eclectic team with diverse backgrounds, we're happy to be sharing this journey together and to bring it to life for you to experience.
Please meet
Karim ElDin ElAlfy
Writer and Director
An Egyptian screenwriter and director based in Los Angeles. He is best known for directing the Egyptian hit series Nesr El Scene (2022). The Corpses Are Laughing (2025) is El Alfy's thesis film for his MFA studies in the University of Southern California. He has directed several short films in both Cairo and LA.
Sarah El Shazly
Producer
An Egyptian producer based in Cairo and Los Angeles. A graduate of both the American University in Cairo and the Locarno Industry Academy, she began her career in commercial theatre before transitioning into filmmaking. Sarah produces theatre and film across Cairo, Riyadh, and Los Angeles.
Shufan Zhang
Producer
Shufan Zhang is a producer and sound designer based in Los Angeles, California, currently pursuing an MFA in Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California (USC). He began his career as a producer during his undergraduate studies at the Beijing Film Academy, working on commercials, student thesis projects, and serving as a production coordinator for feature films and TV series in China. Now, Shufan continues to work as both a producer and sound designer in the United States. His passion lies in exploring the intricacies of relationships and the dynamic emotions that emerge from them. Shufan’s ultimate goal in every project is to create work that feels emotionally authentic and, most importantly, protected.
Neel Bakshi
Producer
Neel Bakshi is an Indian filmmaker-producer and an alumnus of California State University Long Beach's film program where he studied Production Management and Broadcast Production, coupled with a Business Administration minor in Marketing. In the past, Neel has produced several short films and some music videos. Now, he professionally produces commercials while continuing his work on projects that champion authentic and meaningful storytelling above all else.
Devon Johns
Cinematographer
Devon Johns is a cinematographer whose portfolio encompasses a wide variety of genres, styles and tones. Devon is passionate about pushing his creative boundaries to tackle different visual approaches, and is especially looking to work alongside directors with distinct voices and unique points of view.
Janel "JJ" Javier
Costume Designer
a Filipino costume designer based in Los Angeles. After graduating from USC with a Design Emphasis Theatre B.A., she finished a costume design internship at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, and is now designing for theatre and film. Her most recent credits include Twelfth Night (Eightball Theatre), God Will Do the Rest (Artists at Play), and Pacific Overtures (East West Players, Assistant). JJ is very passionate about representing the diverse cultures of the world through costume in an uplifting and respectful manner.
Yao Wen
Production Designer
Yao Wen is a Los Angeles-based production designer with a background in both Eastern and Western world design. With dual degrees in Studio Arts and Film Production from Brandeis University and an MFA in Film Production from USC, Yao Wen brings a unique blend of cultural perspectives to every project. Yao Wen is passionate about creating immersive environments that elevate storytelling in film.
Martín Luna
Editor
A writer, director and editor from Culver City, California, whose work at USC has focused on exploring familial and identity-based narratives. His student films have premiered at Academy-Qualifying festivals, including deadCenter, LA Shorts, and Out on Film. The Corpses are Laughing marks the fifth advanced project he has edited at the school.
Nasr Abuljadayel
Associate Producer
Nasr Abuljadayel, an independent Saudi filmmaker based between Riyadh and Los Angeles, is currently pursuing his MFA at USC’s Graduate Film & Television Production program with a focus on directing and producing. He earned his bachelor’s degree in media production from Northeastern University in Boston. After graduation, he worked on major productions in New York within the motion picture industry to gain experience alongside some of the best crews in the world, including directors like Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, and Barry Levinson.
Jack Laws
Associate Producer
Jack is a producer with a longtime passion for films and filmmaking. A graduate from Cal State Long Beach, he believes storytelling is an essential way of communicating important ideas. He is excited to bring his talents to this project and looks forward to helping this vision become a reality!
Kevin Remy
Production Sound
Tristan St. Germain
Art Director
Christian Soldano
Associate Producer
Christy Chen
First AC
with the support of and in co-production with the Egyptian Production Company
26one1
We're very lucky to have such a supportive and talented crew to make this happen and having you be part of this will make our film even stronger.
Pitch Video Credits:
Writer/Director: Karim ElDin ElAlfy
Producers: Sarah El Shazly, Neel Bakshi, Shufan Zhang
Actor: Kennedy Taylor
Director of Photography: Harley Chen
Gaffer: Peter LaFata
Color Grading: Qi Qi
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Where "Barbarians" are displaced and eliminated beyond "the wall", Gustav is rewarded with a state-subsidized house for his military service.
Excited to finally move into the house they had been dreaming of, he takes his wife, Anna, to their new home, where they unexpectedly discover a Barbarian family, the true owners of the house, hiding in a closet.
Shocked to see real Barbarians for the first time, Anna is taken aback; she had believed the propaganda that portrayed them as monsters, but instead finds them all too human. Gustav escorts the family out and ensures they are eliminated without Anna's knowledge. Following this harrowing incident, Anna begins to lose interest in their new home, prompting Gustav to believe she is developing sympathies for the Barbarians—a dangerous and penalized sentiment in their totalitarian state.
Sensing her growing paranoia, Gustav desperately reassures Anna that the state is eliminating the Barbarians for good, insisting their new home is safe and secure. Yet, despite his reassurances, her anxiety only deepens, haunted by the fear that they’ll inevitably return.
As Anna’s paranoia spirals out of control, her terror begins to shatter the domestic dream she and Gustav once shared. Desperate to restore peace, Gustav reluctantly arranges for her to undergo psychiatric support, believing it’s the only way they can finally savor the home they’ve long dreamed of. When the state takes Anna away to get treated, he spends his first night alone, reveling in the newfound silence. But just as he begins to settle, a sudden, heavy thud echoes through the house.
Are the Barbarians back?
VISUAL TREATMENT
Welcome to our world...
OUR TOTAL BUDGET IS $30,000
What Do We Need All This Money For?
IF WE RAISE $10,000 WITHIN THE FIRST 2 WEEKS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SECURE ALL OUR LOCATIONS
IF WE RAISE $13,500 WE WILL BE ABLE TO SECURE OUR COSTUMES
IF WE RAISE $18,000 WE CAN SECURE EQUIPMENT
IF WE RAISE $25,000 WE CAN FULLY GO INTO PRODUCTION
WE NEED THE REST FOR POST PRODUCTION AND FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS.
WHY SUPPORT THIS FILM?
This film delves into the conflict forged by fractured systems and ideologies that drive us to become the very monsters we fear. It poses the question: who are the true barbarians? A deeply relevant exploration for today’s world, shaped by cognitive dissonance and self-interest.
By supporting this film, you will be actively contributing to:
- Championing a Timely, Impactful Message
- You will identify with and endorse a narrative that uses a satirical approach to encourage critical reflection on supremacist ideologies and their impact on both their perpetrators and victims—making it a catalyst for conversation and, possibly, change.
- Investing in a Cross-Cultural Production
- This project brings together a diverse cast and crew from around the world, creating a collaborative and constructive environment that reflects a variety of perspectives.
- Empowering Young Filmmakers
- Your backing empowers a new generation of filmmakers to use their voices and art to address universal themes, creating stories that challenge, inspire, and engage global audiences.
WHEN IS THIS FILM HAPPENING?
Very SOON!
We're filming in December.
Completion is in May.
If You cannot contribute financially, you can be of great help if you:
1- Share this campaign with your circle
2- Follow Our Social Media, you can find us on IG: @thecorpsesarelaughing
3- If you are an artist in the community and would like to offer equipment/props/costumes for us to borrow
THE TCAL TEAM WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT. <3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Light Our Night!
Costs $100
We need lights. We need lights to film at night. In a large location. In the desert. So we need lots of light... and power for the light.
Running Humvee Rental
Costs $500
Help us visualize a scene where the prisoners are being brutally transported to the military camp about to face their execution.
City in Ruins Set
Costs $100
Contribute to the production by helping us secure a whole day of shoot on this amazing set.
Crafty and Catering
Costs $500
Help us feed the amazing and talented cast and crew for 6 days of shoot and 5 days of prep!
Commune House
Costs $500
To help us build our unique set on the USC soundstage, we will need to buy wood and other material, paint, hire carpenters, and rent props!
Share this update!
About This Team
The Team
We're lucky to have such an eclectic team with diverse backgrounds, we're happy to be sharing this journey together and to bring it to life for you to experience.
Please meet
Karim ElDin ElAlfy
Writer and Director
An Egyptian screenwriter and director based in Los Angeles. He is best known for directing the Egyptian hit series Nesr El Scene (2022). The Corpses Are Laughing (2025) is El Alfy's thesis film for his MFA studies in the University of Southern California. He has directed several short films in both Cairo and LA.
Sarah El Shazly
Producer
An Egyptian producer based in Cairo and Los Angeles. A graduate of both the American University in Cairo and the Locarno Industry Academy, she began her career in commercial theatre before transitioning into filmmaking. Sarah produces theatre and film across Cairo, Riyadh, and Los Angeles.
Shufan Zhang
Producer
Shufan Zhang is a producer and sound designer based in Los Angeles, California, currently pursuing an MFA in Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California (USC). He began his career as a producer during his undergraduate studies at the Beijing Film Academy, working on commercials, student thesis projects, and serving as a production coordinator for feature films and TV series in China. Now, Shufan continues to work as both a producer and sound designer in the United States. His passion lies in exploring the intricacies of relationships and the dynamic emotions that emerge from them. Shufan’s ultimate goal in every project is to create work that feels emotionally authentic and, most importantly, protected.
Neel Bakshi
Producer
Neel Bakshi is an Indian filmmaker-producer and an alumnus of California State University Long Beach's film program where he studied Production Management and Broadcast Production, coupled with a Business Administration minor in Marketing. In the past, Neel has produced several short films and some music videos. Now, he professionally produces commercials while continuing his work on projects that champion authentic and meaningful storytelling above all else.
Devon Johns
Cinematographer
Devon Johns is a cinematographer whose portfolio encompasses a wide variety of genres, styles and tones. Devon is passionate about pushing his creative boundaries to tackle different visual approaches, and is especially looking to work alongside directors with distinct voices and unique points of view.
Janel "JJ" Javier
Costume Designer
a Filipino costume designer based in Los Angeles. After graduating from USC with a Design Emphasis Theatre B.A., she finished a costume design internship at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, and is now designing for theatre and film. Her most recent credits include Twelfth Night (Eightball Theatre), God Will Do the Rest (Artists at Play), and Pacific Overtures (East West Players, Assistant). JJ is very passionate about representing the diverse cultures of the world through costume in an uplifting and respectful manner.
Yao Wen
Production Designer
Yao Wen is a Los Angeles-based production designer with a background in both Eastern and Western world design. With dual degrees in Studio Arts and Film Production from Brandeis University and an MFA in Film Production from USC, Yao Wen brings a unique blend of cultural perspectives to every project. Yao Wen is passionate about creating immersive environments that elevate storytelling in film.
Martín Luna
Editor
A writer, director and editor from Culver City, California, whose work at USC has focused on exploring familial and identity-based narratives. His student films have premiered at Academy-Qualifying festivals, including deadCenter, LA Shorts, and Out on Film. The Corpses are Laughing marks the fifth advanced project he has edited at the school.
Nasr Abuljadayel
Associate Producer
Nasr Abuljadayel, an independent Saudi filmmaker based between Riyadh and Los Angeles, is currently pursuing his MFA at USC’s Graduate Film & Television Production program with a focus on directing and producing. He earned his bachelor’s degree in media production from Northeastern University in Boston. After graduation, he worked on major productions in New York within the motion picture industry to gain experience alongside some of the best crews in the world, including directors like Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, and Barry Levinson.
Jack Laws
Associate Producer
Jack is a producer with a longtime passion for films and filmmaking. A graduate from Cal State Long Beach, he believes storytelling is an essential way of communicating important ideas. He is excited to bring his talents to this project and looks forward to helping this vision become a reality!
Kevin Remy
Production Sound
Tristan St. Germain
Art Director
Christian Soldano
Associate Producer
Christy Chen
First AC
with the support of and in co-production with the Egyptian Production Company
26one1
We're very lucky to have such a supportive and talented crew to make this happen and having you be part of this will make our film even stronger.
Pitch Video Credits:
Writer/Director: Karim ElDin ElAlfy
Producers: Sarah El Shazly, Neel Bakshi, Shufan Zhang
Actor: Kennedy Taylor
Director of Photography: Harley Chen
Gaffer: Peter LaFata
Color Grading: Qi Qi