We want to help people feel better about themselves and the world around them. The best way to do that, we think, is to make people laugh while also making them think. We believe in the power of silly, diversity of background and thought, and that life is best when laughing.

Ready to join a cult?

This is a story about Gary, a skeptical journalist, who arrives at North Carolina's hottest new cult only to discover his estranged best friend (Sam) is an enthusiastic member. And this cult... it admits to being a cult. 

As Gary embeds himself in the cult for his exposé he must decide: "Do I want to get a good story or to repair my friendship?" and "Is all of life nonsense?" and "Wait... did that ritual I just participated in... actually work?"

 

For the first time in American history less than 50% of the population belongs to a house of worship - no wonder we're all searching a bit. We hope this film helps people laugh and feel okay about the fact that we have to go on a journey to find what it really is we want in life. 

Trust us, we've been there. Like in July 2012 when the writer of The Friendship (Hunter Gardner) thought God had called him on a holy mission to 'save' his childhood best friend. That... didn't work out. But valuable lessons about friendship, virtues, and belief were learned along the way. 

Our cast and crew is loaded with people of all different beliefs when it comes to spirituality and religion. The fact is, we all love this story because it gives us a chance to look at how philosophies and worldviews can be different but can also be transcended.

Director, Phyllis Jackson

Phyllis Jackson is a writer/director living and working in Atlanta, GA. She's spent the last few years on the festival circuit with her award-winning short films MOLLY and NOTICE.

In her time working in commercial production she collaborated with some of the top agencies in Atlanta, but her love for narrative drives her to the world of short film where her eye for cringey comedy and over-the-top characters has won her such accolades as Best Comedy and Audience Favorite at festivals across the country.

 

 

 

Hunter Gardner as Gary 

A former ‘church person’ turned skeptic, Gary is a questioning, creative type. He means no harm, but is flawed by his desire to always be the smartest one in the room.

Hunter Gardner is a writer, actor, and producer in Brooklyn. He's appeared as a storyteller on PBS WORLD Channel's Stories From the Stage and his first short film, IT DOESN'T ALL WORK OUT IN THE END premiered at NY Short Film Festival in November 2020.  and he was nominated for Best Actor at Reedy Reels Film Festival in June 2021.

More about Hunter at HunterGardner.com

Andy Livengood as Sam

A former ‘church person’ turned cult member, Sam is looking for a place to belong. His childlike nature makes him innocent but also self-defeatist—after all, wherever you go, there you are.

Andy Livengood is a writer, actor, and comedian based in Charleston, SC.

He is a graduate of the Theatre 99 improv training program (Charleston, SC) where he has been a company member for 15 years. His solo shows include The Christmas Will Be Televised and Butcher Stories have been performed up and down the east coast. 

More about Andy at AndyLivengood.com

Henry Riggs & Maari Suorsa as Monstrisity & Astrolight

They’ve founded a cult that admits to being a cult — but actually have some pretty good ideas? Monstrosity is whimsical and Astrolight is the consummate business professional.

As the two-person sketch group Nameless Numberhead, Suorsa and Riggs have been featured on FunnyorDie, TedX, SF Sketchfest, and a film collaboration with the band Shovels & Rope. The Charm City Comedy Project calls Nameless Numberhead "one of the most compelling sketch shows we've ever hosted".

More about Nameless Numberhead at NumberheadComedy.com

Summer Finley as Britt

The Gen Z editor of a local indie paper / culture blog who prioritizes clicks over the truth. Britt is a chill boss, but serious about getting the job done.

Summer Finley is an Atlanta-based actress with a BFA from Ohio University. 

 

 

Jasmin Barnes as Faye

A delightful weirdo. She is the love interest of Sam. Faye is a sweet, peacemaking cult member who just wants everyone to get along.

Jasmin Barnes is a Charlotte-based actor, represented by Carolina Talent. 

 

 

 

FAQ

Is this really a cult?

Right now it’s just a comedy short film - but maybe soon :)

When will you be filming this?

Late August or early September. The sooner we hit our goal, the sooner we film!

When can I watch it?

We’ll be submitting to film festivals throughout 2022-3, but we’ll be “in the can” by October at the latest. If you want to be one of the first to watch the movie, donate at the $100 level or higher.

If a chicken could fly, what would it say?

“Holy cluck!”

If my best friend is in a cult for real, what should I do?

First know that being indoctrinated into a cult happens all the time to well-meaning and intelligent people. Rarely is someone “brainwashed”. No one joins a cult thinking that it is a cult. You can find a list of state-by-state resources here.

Are oranges called oranges because they are orange or is orange called orange because of oranges?

We’re not legally allowed to say.