The Great Disappointment
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy
Young nine year old Catherine has one last chance to wash her crush’s feet. At the same time, her mom has to protect her from the menacing world. Through miscommunications, bickering, and accidental plan foiling, Mom and Daughter are forced to move through disappointment.
The Great Disappointment
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
42 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,200
Goal: $5,000 for production
Young nine year old Catherine has one last chance to wash her crush’s feet. At the same time, her mom has to protect her from the menacing world. Through miscommunications, bickering, and accidental plan foiling, Mom and Daughter are forced to move through disappointment.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
HELLO
THE GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT is a comedic short film about feet, crushes, creeps, and mother-daughter bonding, from writer and director Kat Schulze.
CONNECTION TO THE STORY
When my mom married my dad, she converted to Seventh Day-Adventism. Thrusting us both down a road of religious Saturdays. We both hated feet washing. We both loved dressing up. We are more similar than not. We are all more similar than not. Everyone is a storyteller and this is a story I want to tell. Rooted in memory and clouded with comedy, THE GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT showcases the many emotions felt by mother and daughter during one feet washing service.
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I have worked for the Sundance Institute for almost seven years, wherein I have had the privilege of supporting filmmakers, specifically emerging ones. It was only a matter of time until my own mind was brimming with thoughts of what I could do, what stories I could tell. I would watch hundreds of shorts and think… Why not me? Supporting filmmakers made me realize what I once thought was an impossible task was actually possible if I sought out help.
I did what I encouraged so many others to do. I applied for a grant. I am the lucky recipient of the 2026 WAVELENGTH WAVE GRANT, which supports first time directors as they make their very first debut short film with a small grant and mentorship. Now, with the support of a fantastic cohort (support their projects too!) I am becoming the filmmaker I dreamed of becoming!
But we need more help. Specifically the financial kind. While we have mentorship, part of the program is learning how to successfully fundraise. We have locations to secure, people to pay, and folks to feed. It is daunting, but doable. I am blessed to not be doing this alone, scroll down to read about our fantastic team who are making it so that any dollar donated is a dollar well spent. What a joy to be able to create art with people we love! Here's the story we want to tell...
THE STORY AND CHARACTERS
It is Communion Day at Mountain Crest Seventh-Day Adventist church. Beyond the classic grape juice and crackers, the culmination is feet washing amongst the church goers.
Already missing sabbath school class, MOM and CATHERINE(9yr), are held back speaking with AREN(12 yr). Aren and his family have been visiting from Bulgaria but their time is coming to a close. Catherine has a not-so secret crush on Aren and today is the last day to get paired with him for feet washing.
Mom hates feet washing. But she loves her daughter. Even though they start the day on the wrong foot in the ladies room. Mom is the protective type and her antennas go up at the advances of an OLD GUY at church who makes it evident he wants to wash Catherine’s feet. Not on Mom's watch.
After the PASTOR gives a sermon focused on love & betrayal, Catherine realizes mom has thwarted her plans to wash Aren’s feet. She resigns to being paired with her mother, but not without verbalizing her resentment. They must move through the disappointment. Through mutual touch and expression, they meet somewhere in the middle.
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THE VIBE
This is a first film for many of the creatives. We are currently in the pre-production process where we are breaking down the script.
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We want to marry the family comedy of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, the non-linear reflection of AFTER SUN, and the lush atmosphere and cunning genius of kids featured in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Church Location
Costs $2,000
We need to rent a church that will allow us to film at the full scale we want to achieve.
Team
Costs $2,000
We need to pay the team! This helps bridge a gap with our other fundraising efforts ensuring that everyone walks away compensated.
Food
Costs $1,000
We want to feed everyone delicious and fulfilling food on set. No disappointing meals.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
.jpg)
It’s Kat’s directorial debut. But there is Eddie. And Hannah. And Sara. And Hayley. And many more people we can’t all name here. Okay, fine, we will name ‘em! Sam, Ana, Lex, Jackie, Alexa, another ANA! And we still have folks joining us. This is the team thus far!
We are all coming together with the shared vision that making stuff matters; that making a film out of thin air is nothing short of miraculous. There is a blend of firsts and hundreds, all with the grit and determination to make something happen. And to do it with joy in our hearts, and grounding in our feet.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
HELLO
THE GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT is a comedic short film about feet, crushes, creeps, and mother-daughter bonding, from writer and director Kat Schulze.
CONNECTION TO THE STORY
When my mom married my dad, she converted to Seventh Day-Adventism. Thrusting us both down a road of religious Saturdays. We both hated feet washing. We both loved dressing up. We are more similar than not. We are all more similar than not. Everyone is a storyteller and this is a story I want to tell. Rooted in memory and clouded with comedy, THE GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT showcases the many emotions felt by mother and daughter during one feet washing service.
I have worked for the Sundance Institute for almost seven years, wherein I have had the privilege of supporting filmmakers, specifically emerging ones. It was only a matter of time until my own mind was brimming with thoughts of what I could do, what stories I could tell. I would watch hundreds of shorts and think… Why not me? Supporting filmmakers made me realize what I once thought was an impossible task was actually possible if I sought out help.
I did what I encouraged so many others to do. I applied for a grant. I am the lucky recipient of the 2026 WAVELENGTH WAVE GRANT, which supports first time directors as they make their very first debut short film with a small grant and mentorship. Now, with the support of a fantastic cohort (support their projects too!) I am becoming the filmmaker I dreamed of becoming!
But we need more help. Specifically the financial kind. While we have mentorship, part of the program is learning how to successfully fundraise. We have locations to secure, people to pay, and folks to feed. It is daunting, but doable. I am blessed to not be doing this alone, scroll down to read about our fantastic team who are making it so that any dollar donated is a dollar well spent. What a joy to be able to create art with people we love! Here's the story we want to tell...
THE STORY AND CHARACTERS
It is Communion Day at Mountain Crest Seventh-Day Adventist church. Beyond the classic grape juice and crackers, the culmination is feet washing amongst the church goers.
Already missing sabbath school class, MOM and CATHERINE(9yr), are held back speaking with AREN(12 yr). Aren and his family have been visiting from Bulgaria but their time is coming to a close. Catherine has a not-so secret crush on Aren and today is the last day to get paired with him for feet washing.
Mom hates feet washing. But she loves her daughter. Even though they start the day on the wrong foot in the ladies room. Mom is the protective type and her antennas go up at the advances of an OLD GUY at church who makes it evident he wants to wash Catherine’s feet. Not on Mom's watch.
After the PASTOR gives a sermon focused on love & betrayal, Catherine realizes mom has thwarted her plans to wash Aren’s feet. She resigns to being paired with her mother, but not without verbalizing her resentment. They must move through the disappointment. Through mutual touch and expression, they meet somewhere in the middle.
THE VIBE
This is a first film for many of the creatives. We are currently in the pre-production process where we are breaking down the script.
We want to marry the family comedy of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, the non-linear reflection of AFTER SUN, and the lush atmosphere and cunning genius of kids featured in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Church Location
Costs $2,000
We need to rent a church that will allow us to film at the full scale we want to achieve.
Team
Costs $2,000
We need to pay the team! This helps bridge a gap with our other fundraising efforts ensuring that everyone walks away compensated.
Food
Costs $1,000
We want to feed everyone delicious and fulfilling food on set. No disappointing meals.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
It’s Kat’s directorial debut. But there is Eddie. And Hannah. And Sara. And Hayley. And many more people we can’t all name here. Okay, fine, we will name ‘em! Sam, Ana, Lex, Jackie, Alexa, another ANA! And we still have folks joining us. This is the team thus far!
We are all coming together with the shared vision that making stuff matters; that making a film out of thin air is nothing short of miraculous. There is a blend of firsts and hundreds, all with the grit and determination to make something happen. And to do it with joy in our hearts, and grounding in our feet.