The Impeccable Art of Never-Ending Wellness
Portland, Oregon | Film Short
Thriller, Comedy
Blending magical realism, dark humor, and emotional vulnerability, The Impeccable Art of Never-Ending Wellness is a genre-defying tale about the labyrinth of challenges we encounter while trying to stay well within the complexities of modern life.
The Impeccable Art of Never-Ending Wellness
Portland, Oregon | Film Short
Thriller, Comedy
2 Campaigns | Oregon, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,262 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
72 supporters | followers
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Blending magical realism, dark humor, and emotional vulnerability, The Impeccable Art of Never-Ending Wellness is a genre-defying tale about the labyrinth of challenges we encounter while trying to stay well within the complexities of modern life.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Impeccable Art of Never-Ending Wellness is a darkly comedic, surreal short about a neurotic millennial trying to perfect herself. But, what she must learn is that accepting her entire humanity and integrating her whole self, flaws and all, is the key to true wellness.
The film is a satirical take on self care culture that explores the absurd extremes of our pursuit of self optimization in a capitalist tech saturated world hellbent on keeping us addicted to needing more information, more products, and ever evolving lifestyle improvements.
Elsa, a hyper intelligent, wellness obsessed millennial, lives in a constant loop of green powders, red light therapy, and algorithmic self improvement. But when she throws out her back during a high stakes work presentation, her perfectly controlled routine unravels. Stranded in bed and doped up on painkillers, she discovers a strange lump in her old mattress... which, to her disbelief, reveals a tiny doorway to an otherworldly wellness portal.
As Elsa interacts with the portal, it begins offering miraculous gifts: instant pain relief, beauty restoration, even a repaired childhood teddy bear. What begins as a strange invitation soon feels dangerously seductive. With the help (and heavy skepticism) of her friends, Elsa must confront the possibility that this magical doorway may not be as helpful as it seems.
Its final promise is perfection and immortality in exchange for her flawed self.
Will Elsa choose to give her true self away for the promise of the portal?
This film concept comes from my experience of living with chronic illness and how I've learned that the best antidote for my never-ending symptoms is not to constantly seek never-ending wellness, but to accept myself for how I feel on any given day. To stay within myself in the present moment, instead of try to run or optimize or distract away from my experience.
The film is also an exploration and critique of our addiction to technology, and how virtual realities are pulling us further from our bodies and our communities... and what we stand to lose when we give over too much of our lives to sale agents, tech products, and influencers.
I believe art helps us see things about life that may otherwise remain hidden, and I think it is important that artists bring forward their perspectives... especially during this time of immense technological change. I personally believe that learning more about how to be with ourselves and one another in the challenges of our lives, is where true healing and connection lives.
But also, this film is fun and funny and gives us a chance to experience some levity within the absurdity of it all!
In the last year we have been busy raising grant funds and partnerships for our film, and we have gained momentum and the support of a lot of fine folks who believe in this story.
We have been awarded the Oregon Film Impact Grant, the Regional Arts and Culture Project Grant, a partnership with Blackmagic Global for production equipment, and screenplay awards.
Your support of our fundraising campaign will help us raise the last piece of our budget needed to kick off into principal photography.
MAY 6th - JUNE 6th - Our Fabulous Seed and Spark Campaign!
JUNE 6th - The Art of Wellness Party! @Desert Island Studios
JUNE - JULY 2026 - Finalize Fundraising & Preproduction
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2026 - Principal Photography
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026 - Post Production
JANUARY 2027 - JANUARY 2028 - Festival Circuit
ALL PORTLAND BASED SUPPORTERS OF THE PROJECT ARE INVITED TO JOIN US SATURDAY JUNE 6th AT DESERT ISLAND STUDIOS FOR THE ART OF WELLNESS IMMERSIVE ART EVENT AND FINAL FUNDRAISER FOR THE FILM!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Labor Fees
Costs $7,000
The funds we raise on Seed and Spark will go toward paying our crew a fair wage for their work on the film.
Cast Wages
Costs $3,000
The funds raised on Seed and Spark will go toward paying our cast a fair wage for their work on the film.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director - Devin Jane Febbroriello
Devin Jane Febbroriello is an expereinced North American screenwriter/director and a co-owner of Desert Island Studios. Her work explores how we find our sense of belonging, connection, and power in a world full of complex struggles, and how our orientation to the challenges of our lives drives our actions and informs our beliefs. Her films center on evocative characters that blaze bold paths through emotionally potent and thematically rich circumstances. Her stories tend to be centered on women, dysfunctional-yet-lovable relationship dynamics, surreal multi-genre plots, and thought provoking existential humor.
She was named one of the Top 25 screenwriters to watch in 2025 by the International Screenwriters Association and invited onto the ISA 2025/2026 Development Slate. She has written/directed + produced award-winning music videos and short films that have screened at SXSW, Dances With Films, Pitchfork, Cinequest, Filmfort, BUFF Malmo, Nashville Film Festival, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, Venice VR Expanded, Tacoma Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, Bend Film Festival, Stereogum, Rolling Stone, and more. She received her Bachelor of Art in film from Emerson College, attended specialized cinema studies at FAMU (Czech Republic), and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting through the David Lynch School of Cinematic Arts at Maharishi University.
Producer - Maria Moreno
Maria Moreno (she/her) is a Venezuelan filmmaker working between Miami, FL & Portland, OR. Her work explores themes of existentialism & belonging while focusing on the lightness that can be found in everyday life. She is currently working as a freelance producer & assistant director on projects for clients such as TIME, Nike, & Hulu, as well as bands like Sleater Kinney & Y La Bamba. She also works as the Film Career Manager for the nonprofit organization Outside The Frame.
Producer - Ellena Rosenthal
As an adept producer, I thrive in dynamic, fast-paced film projects and collaborative team environments. My passion for our craft is evident in every stage of production, where I combine strong management skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and direct communication to consistently deliver top-tier work. With a proven track record of driving successful project delivery that is on time, on budget, and exceeds expectations, I am committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of filmmaking.
Director of Photography - Sika Stanton
Sika Stanton is a Cinematographer originally from rural Maine, with family roots in Lomé, Togo, that works between Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles. Sika brings a distinctive visual perspective shaped by a broad range of environments and experiences. With an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute and a BA from Stanford University, Sika combines a strong technical foundation with a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Skilled in both film and digital formats, she adapts to the unique demands of each project, crafting visually striking and emotionally resonant imagery. Her work has taken her across the U.S., Canada, and as far as West Africa, collaborating with filmmakers, artists, and brands of diverse backgrounds to bring compelling stories to life. Sika is particularly drawn to psychological thrillers, science fiction, horror and magical realism and uses dynamic visual design to heighten tension, create atmosphere, and craft visceral experiences. As an African-American filmmaker, she values representation in front of and behind the lens as well as the power of film to challenge perspectives and amplify underrepresented voices. Sika is especially interested in thought provoking stories that explore themes of identity, heritage, spirituality, empowerment, and social justice.
Editor - DeeJuliano Scott
My name is Deejuliano Scott and I am a self-taught Black filmmaker in Portland, OR. I’ve been diligent in continuously perfecting my craft as an editor and storyteller with over 8 years experience. I have had many opportunities in film, from running my own business at a young age, to working on a film as an Assistant Editor that made the Oscar shortlist in 2021. I was one of three filmmakers selected to partake in the Montavilla Jazz Call and Response event, where I made a film about African-Americans searching for Bigfoot. I have won best Editor in the AAIF 72 hr Film Festival. And have had my editing work published in TIME magazine. I’ve worked as an editor with Dawn Redstone on her short “See Me” and Devin Jane Febbroriello's Color Theories". When I am not working on narrative and documentary editing, I tend to do short form ad work as an Editor. I’ve worked with major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Columbia. I’ve edited and post produced Albina Vision Trust Episode 1, “Where Should We Go.” Worked with Claima Stories, a BIPOC lead podcast, where I collaborated with them on launching season 2 of their youtube channel. And made content for Camp Yoshi, a black led organization that offers BIPOC people a community experience in the outdoors. I am the Director of Post Production at Desert Island Studios overseeing post for narrative films and commercials.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Impeccable Art of Never-Ending Wellness is a darkly comedic, surreal short about a neurotic millennial trying to perfect herself. But, what she must learn is that accepting her entire humanity and integrating her whole self, flaws and all, is the key to true wellness.
The film is a satirical take on self care culture that explores the absurd extremes of our pursuit of self optimization in a capitalist tech saturated world hellbent on keeping us addicted to needing more information, more products, and ever evolving lifestyle improvements.
Elsa, a hyper intelligent, wellness obsessed millennial, lives in a constant loop of green powders, red light therapy, and algorithmic self improvement. But when she throws out her back during a high stakes work presentation, her perfectly controlled routine unravels. Stranded in bed and doped up on painkillers, she discovers a strange lump in her old mattress... which, to her disbelief, reveals a tiny doorway to an otherworldly wellness portal.
As Elsa interacts with the portal, it begins offering miraculous gifts: instant pain relief, beauty restoration, even a repaired childhood teddy bear. What begins as a strange invitation soon feels dangerously seductive. With the help (and heavy skepticism) of her friends, Elsa must confront the possibility that this magical doorway may not be as helpful as it seems.
Its final promise is perfection and immortality in exchange for her flawed self.
Will Elsa choose to give her true self away for the promise of the portal?
This film concept comes from my experience of living with chronic illness and how I've learned that the best antidote for my never-ending symptoms is not to constantly seek never-ending wellness, but to accept myself for how I feel on any given day. To stay within myself in the present moment, instead of try to run or optimize or distract away from my experience.
The film is also an exploration and critique of our addiction to technology, and how virtual realities are pulling us further from our bodies and our communities... and what we stand to lose when we give over too much of our lives to sale agents, tech products, and influencers.
I believe art helps us see things about life that may otherwise remain hidden, and I think it is important that artists bring forward their perspectives... especially during this time of immense technological change. I personally believe that learning more about how to be with ourselves and one another in the challenges of our lives, is where true healing and connection lives.
But also, this film is fun and funny and gives us a chance to experience some levity within the absurdity of it all!
In the last year we have been busy raising grant funds and partnerships for our film, and we have gained momentum and the support of a lot of fine folks who believe in this story.
We have been awarded the Oregon Film Impact Grant, the Regional Arts and Culture Project Grant, a partnership with Blackmagic Global for production equipment, and screenplay awards.
Your support of our fundraising campaign will help us raise the last piece of our budget needed to kick off into principal photography.
MAY 6th - JUNE 6th - Our Fabulous Seed and Spark Campaign!
JUNE 6th - The Art of Wellness Party! @Desert Island Studios
JUNE - JULY 2026 - Finalize Fundraising & Preproduction
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2026 - Principal Photography
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026 - Post Production
JANUARY 2027 - JANUARY 2028 - Festival Circuit
ALL PORTLAND BASED SUPPORTERS OF THE PROJECT ARE INVITED TO JOIN US SATURDAY JUNE 6th AT DESERT ISLAND STUDIOS FOR THE ART OF WELLNESS IMMERSIVE ART EVENT AND FINAL FUNDRAISER FOR THE FILM!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Labor Fees
Costs $7,000
The funds we raise on Seed and Spark will go toward paying our crew a fair wage for their work on the film.
Cast Wages
Costs $3,000
The funds raised on Seed and Spark will go toward paying our cast a fair wage for their work on the film.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director - Devin Jane Febbroriello
Devin Jane Febbroriello is an expereinced North American screenwriter/director and a co-owner of Desert Island Studios. Her work explores how we find our sense of belonging, connection, and power in a world full of complex struggles, and how our orientation to the challenges of our lives drives our actions and informs our beliefs. Her films center on evocative characters that blaze bold paths through emotionally potent and thematically rich circumstances. Her stories tend to be centered on women, dysfunctional-yet-lovable relationship dynamics, surreal multi-genre plots, and thought provoking existential humor.
She was named one of the Top 25 screenwriters to watch in 2025 by the International Screenwriters Association and invited onto the ISA 2025/2026 Development Slate. She has written/directed + produced award-winning music videos and short films that have screened at SXSW, Dances With Films, Pitchfork, Cinequest, Filmfort, BUFF Malmo, Nashville Film Festival, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, Venice VR Expanded, Tacoma Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, Bend Film Festival, Stereogum, Rolling Stone, and more. She received her Bachelor of Art in film from Emerson College, attended specialized cinema studies at FAMU (Czech Republic), and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting through the David Lynch School of Cinematic Arts at Maharishi University.
Producer - Maria Moreno
Maria Moreno (she/her) is a Venezuelan filmmaker working between Miami, FL & Portland, OR. Her work explores themes of existentialism & belonging while focusing on the lightness that can be found in everyday life. She is currently working as a freelance producer & assistant director on projects for clients such as TIME, Nike, & Hulu, as well as bands like Sleater Kinney & Y La Bamba. She also works as the Film Career Manager for the nonprofit organization Outside The Frame.
Producer - Ellena Rosenthal
As an adept producer, I thrive in dynamic, fast-paced film projects and collaborative team environments. My passion for our craft is evident in every stage of production, where I combine strong management skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and direct communication to consistently deliver top-tier work. With a proven track record of driving successful project delivery that is on time, on budget, and exceeds expectations, I am committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of filmmaking.
Director of Photography - Sika Stanton
Sika Stanton is a Cinematographer originally from rural Maine, with family roots in Lomé, Togo, that works between Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles. Sika brings a distinctive visual perspective shaped by a broad range of environments and experiences. With an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute and a BA from Stanford University, Sika combines a strong technical foundation with a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Skilled in both film and digital formats, she adapts to the unique demands of each project, crafting visually striking and emotionally resonant imagery. Her work has taken her across the U.S., Canada, and as far as West Africa, collaborating with filmmakers, artists, and brands of diverse backgrounds to bring compelling stories to life. Sika is particularly drawn to psychological thrillers, science fiction, horror and magical realism and uses dynamic visual design to heighten tension, create atmosphere, and craft visceral experiences. As an African-American filmmaker, she values representation in front of and behind the lens as well as the power of film to challenge perspectives and amplify underrepresented voices. Sika is especially interested in thought provoking stories that explore themes of identity, heritage, spirituality, empowerment, and social justice.
Editor - DeeJuliano Scott
My name is Deejuliano Scott and I am a self-taught Black filmmaker in Portland, OR. I’ve been diligent in continuously perfecting my craft as an editor and storyteller with over 8 years experience. I have had many opportunities in film, from running my own business at a young age, to working on a film as an Assistant Editor that made the Oscar shortlist in 2021. I was one of three filmmakers selected to partake in the Montavilla Jazz Call and Response event, where I made a film about African-Americans searching for Bigfoot. I have won best Editor in the AAIF 72 hr Film Festival. And have had my editing work published in TIME magazine. I’ve worked as an editor with Dawn Redstone on her short “See Me” and Devin Jane Febbroriello's Color Theories". When I am not working on narrative and documentary editing, I tend to do short form ad work as an Editor. I’ve worked with major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Columbia. I’ve edited and post produced Albina Vision Trust Episode 1, “Where Should We Go.” Worked with Claima Stories, a BIPOC lead podcast, where I collaborated with them on launching season 2 of their youtube channel. And made content for Camp Yoshi, a black led organization that offers BIPOC people a community experience in the outdoors. I am the Director of Post Production at Desert Island Studios overseeing post for narrative films and commercials.