Voicemail
Wilmington, North Carolina | Film Short
Documentary, Experimental
Stringing together real voicemails from lost loved ones, Voicemail creates an intimate, nostalgic portrait of life through death itself.
Voicemail
Wilmington, North Carolina | Film Short
Documentary, Experimental
1 Campaigns | North Carolina, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $950 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
16 supporters | followers
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Stringing together real voicemails from lost loved ones, Voicemail creates an intimate, nostalgic portrait of life through death itself.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE FILM
Life is a curious thing.
We often take for granted everyday subtleties like a hug, your dog's wagging tail, waving your children off to school, a smile from the person you love, or a voicemail... until it's gone.
My father died when I was 22. Not only did he die unexpectedly, but I felt I had nothing concrete to remember him by. I took some small tokens from his home-- a necklace he wore, an old guitar, his senior yearbook-- but none of that sustained me. I felt myself wishing I could see him again or hear his voice one final time. Then I found the collection of forgotten voicemails on my phone.
He'd left me several in the months leading up to his death, as I was seemingly too busy to take his calls (and which I now feel awful about). I'm thankful to listen to those voicemails over and over, and his words, though simple enough at the time he spoke them, have somehow transformed both in meaning and in how I understand the world around me. We are the small details, the moments when we're laughing with friends, participating in an activity we love, sharing a story, and yes, leaving voicemails. What's beautiful in these messages is how un-extraordinary they feel, yet when it's all we have left there's a certain spontaneity to it, a kind of portrait of how they were-- no posturing, no fake smiles or acting for the people around us, just raw personality.
"I was just thinking about you..."
"Remember when we used to..."
"Call me back..."
"Surprise for you when you get home..."
"Don't forget to pick up eggs on your way..."
The technological age we live in has forever changed our methods of communication and our ability to save things in photo, video, audio message, or text. For this reason, many people hold treasures, like me, in the palm of their hands.
To refocus on the importance of fleeting moments, our team hopes this film reaches all those who have been affected by loss, and we hope it guides you to continue the cycle. None of us are guaranteed another day, so make those calls, leave those voicemails, speak what's on your mind-- the words mean more than you know to the people you love.
THE PLAN
Our team plans to use these much-needed funds in order to complete production of the film and an interactive installation. The live installation will include an experience of picking up real telephones hand-selected for each of the 8 voices chosen for the piece while watching the film projected in the space. In short, the installation and the film can only be accomplished with supplies like projection materials, hardware, processing and scanning fees for super 8mm film, traveling funds, and telephones meant to represent the past and each speaker.
The further plan is to submit the film to festivals, reaching as far and wide an audience as possible, though submitting to these fests can cost anywhere from $20-65 per entry, and this doesn't guarantee selection or screening of the film!
Our team believes this story is important. We live in an age and culture so rooted in work and phones that we forget to see and experience the world around us. It's not until it's too late that we finally "wake up" to the beauty of the every day-- like the symbolic, cyclical and seasonal footage represented in the stills here and in the pitch video. Watching our film and experiencing the installation should have an emotional effect on viewers/participants, both listening to voices whose words have now transformed and realizing our own days are numbered.
Show your support online and share the campaign!
#voicemailshortfilm #listen #voicesneverdie
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Super 8mm Film Stock
Costs $200
This film stock is some of the most vibrant and nostalgic in the world. Remember old home videos?
Installation
Costs $450
This project will feature an interactive installation. Help us buy supplies, props and materials.
Festival Submission Fees
Costs $200
Help us pay to submit this film to festivals-- it'll get us screened!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kiersten Houser (Director, Producer, DP, Editor) is a teacher and multi-modal filmmaker studying in UNCW’s Film Studies MFA program. She creates character-driven stories, many times using her own life and interests to make themes more dynamic, comedic and quirky. As a writer/director focusing mainly on themes such as loss and grief, she’s earned awards such as “Best Student Film” and “Best Suspense Film,” most recently winning PBS NC’s 2022 “Reel South Award," only bestowed upon one NC documentary filmmaker each year. But her real passion lies in passing on her love of film to her wife, Megan, and her son, Boone, both of whom work on every project she creates, sometimes even becoming the subjects themselves.
Holden Treadway (Creative Producer, AC, Installation Assistant) works across installation, expanded cinema, and experimental film. His work explores the relationships between analog manipulation, new media, process art, and live performance. Holden received his bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies at the University of Kentucky and is currently an MFA candidate in Film Production at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is a graduate teacher of film production, experimental practice, and editing.
Chelsea Lea (Assistant Producer, Installation Assistant), originally from Athens, Georgia, has a BFA in Jewelry Design from the University of Georgia and is a current MFA candidate at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is also a Teacher’s Assistant, teaching course such as “Intro to Film Production”, “Moviemakers & Scholars” and “Editing.” She has a passion for teaching filmmaking and passing her skills as an artist on to her students. Chelsea Lea is an experimental filmmaker and enjoys installation work, organizing large crews or events and working on various art projects!
Drew Spenny (Co-Sound Editor, Musical Score) is a multi-medium artist from Minnesota. In 2021 Drew’s film, Who You Were won the “Outstanding Achievement Award” in sound editing from Indie Shorts Fest. Since 2016, Drew has had numerous successful independent music releases, produced several short films, music videos and has contributed composition/sound work on other award winning films.
Jonathan Furnell (Co-Sound Editor, Musical Score) is a media artist, filmmaker and composer currently living and working in Wilmington, NC. His work explores the supernatural, the Appalachian South, and the space between sight and sound. He is currently an MFA candidate in Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
La-Rel Easter (Assistant Editor, Colorist) is a filmmaker currently pursuing an MFA in Filmmaking from UNC Wilmington’s Graduate Film Program. Prior to becoming a graduate student (and after graduating from the same institution with a BA in Film Studies in 2014), he worked in his hometown of Greensboro, NC as a substitute teacher and a lead employee of a local YMCA. La-Rel arranged contract video projects with the latter, which grew into an agreement with the metro office of the YMCA of Greensboro. While he considers himself to be a narrative filmmaker, his portfolio also includes several works in the vein of documentary and experimental filmmaking. La-Rel’s most recent films reflect a growing meditation on issues of race and social identity in America as a multiracial man living between labels.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE FILM
Life is a curious thing.
We often take for granted everyday subtleties like a hug, your dog's wagging tail, waving your children off to school, a smile from the person you love, or a voicemail... until it's gone.
My father died when I was 22. Not only did he die unexpectedly, but I felt I had nothing concrete to remember him by. I took some small tokens from his home-- a necklace he wore, an old guitar, his senior yearbook-- but none of that sustained me. I felt myself wishing I could see him again or hear his voice one final time. Then I found the collection of forgotten voicemails on my phone.
He'd left me several in the months leading up to his death, as I was seemingly too busy to take his calls (and which I now feel awful about). I'm thankful to listen to those voicemails over and over, and his words, though simple enough at the time he spoke them, have somehow transformed both in meaning and in how I understand the world around me. We are the small details, the moments when we're laughing with friends, participating in an activity we love, sharing a story, and yes, leaving voicemails. What's beautiful in these messages is how un-extraordinary they feel, yet when it's all we have left there's a certain spontaneity to it, a kind of portrait of how they were-- no posturing, no fake smiles or acting for the people around us, just raw personality.
"I was just thinking about you..."
"Remember when we used to..."
"Call me back..."
"Surprise for you when you get home..."
"Don't forget to pick up eggs on your way..."
The technological age we live in has forever changed our methods of communication and our ability to save things in photo, video, audio message, or text. For this reason, many people hold treasures, like me, in the palm of their hands.
To refocus on the importance of fleeting moments, our team hopes this film reaches all those who have been affected by loss, and we hope it guides you to continue the cycle. None of us are guaranteed another day, so make those calls, leave those voicemails, speak what's on your mind-- the words mean more than you know to the people you love.
THE PLAN
Our team plans to use these much-needed funds in order to complete production of the film and an interactive installation. The live installation will include an experience of picking up real telephones hand-selected for each of the 8 voices chosen for the piece while watching the film projected in the space. In short, the installation and the film can only be accomplished with supplies like projection materials, hardware, processing and scanning fees for super 8mm film, traveling funds, and telephones meant to represent the past and each speaker.
The further plan is to submit the film to festivals, reaching as far and wide an audience as possible, though submitting to these fests can cost anywhere from $20-65 per entry, and this doesn't guarantee selection or screening of the film!
Our team believes this story is important. We live in an age and culture so rooted in work and phones that we forget to see and experience the world around us. It's not until it's too late that we finally "wake up" to the beauty of the every day-- like the symbolic, cyclical and seasonal footage represented in the stills here and in the pitch video. Watching our film and experiencing the installation should have an emotional effect on viewers/participants, both listening to voices whose words have now transformed and realizing our own days are numbered.
Show your support online and share the campaign!
#voicemailshortfilm #listen #voicesneverdie
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Super 8mm Film Stock
Costs $200
This film stock is some of the most vibrant and nostalgic in the world. Remember old home videos?
Installation
Costs $450
This project will feature an interactive installation. Help us buy supplies, props and materials.
Festival Submission Fees
Costs $200
Help us pay to submit this film to festivals-- it'll get us screened!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kiersten Houser (Director, Producer, DP, Editor) is a teacher and multi-modal filmmaker studying in UNCW’s Film Studies MFA program. She creates character-driven stories, many times using her own life and interests to make themes more dynamic, comedic and quirky. As a writer/director focusing mainly on themes such as loss and grief, she’s earned awards such as “Best Student Film” and “Best Suspense Film,” most recently winning PBS NC’s 2022 “Reel South Award," only bestowed upon one NC documentary filmmaker each year. But her real passion lies in passing on her love of film to her wife, Megan, and her son, Boone, both of whom work on every project she creates, sometimes even becoming the subjects themselves.
Holden Treadway (Creative Producer, AC, Installation Assistant) works across installation, expanded cinema, and experimental film. His work explores the relationships between analog manipulation, new media, process art, and live performance. Holden received his bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies at the University of Kentucky and is currently an MFA candidate in Film Production at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is a graduate teacher of film production, experimental practice, and editing.
Chelsea Lea (Assistant Producer, Installation Assistant), originally from Athens, Georgia, has a BFA in Jewelry Design from the University of Georgia and is a current MFA candidate at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is also a Teacher’s Assistant, teaching course such as “Intro to Film Production”, “Moviemakers & Scholars” and “Editing.” She has a passion for teaching filmmaking and passing her skills as an artist on to her students. Chelsea Lea is an experimental filmmaker and enjoys installation work, organizing large crews or events and working on various art projects!
Drew Spenny (Co-Sound Editor, Musical Score) is a multi-medium artist from Minnesota. In 2021 Drew’s film, Who You Were won the “Outstanding Achievement Award” in sound editing from Indie Shorts Fest. Since 2016, Drew has had numerous successful independent music releases, produced several short films, music videos and has contributed composition/sound work on other award winning films.
Jonathan Furnell (Co-Sound Editor, Musical Score) is a media artist, filmmaker and composer currently living and working in Wilmington, NC. His work explores the supernatural, the Appalachian South, and the space between sight and sound. He is currently an MFA candidate in Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
La-Rel Easter (Assistant Editor, Colorist) is a filmmaker currently pursuing an MFA in Filmmaking from UNC Wilmington’s Graduate Film Program. Prior to becoming a graduate student (and after graduating from the same institution with a BA in Film Studies in 2014), he worked in his hometown of Greensboro, NC as a substitute teacher and a lead employee of a local YMCA. La-Rel arranged contract video projects with the latter, which grew into an agreement with the metro office of the YMCA of Greensboro. While he considers himself to be a narrative filmmaker, his portfolio also includes several works in the vein of documentary and experimental filmmaking. La-Rel’s most recent films reflect a growing meditation on issues of race and social identity in America as a multiracial man living between labels.