We All Fall Down - Innovate Dance Film
Vancouver, Canada | Film Short
LGBTQ, Fantasy
We All Fall Down explores the fragile, often volatile boundary between love and hate through a queer lens, using movement as the primary language. The film unfolds across two parallel worlds: an opulent ballroom and a wild forest.
We All Fall Down - Innovate Dance Film
Vancouver, Canada | Film Short
LGBTQ, Fantasy
2 Campaigns | British Columbia, Canada
Green Light
This campaign raised C$2,506 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
21 supporters | followers
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We All Fall Down explores the fragile, often volatile boundary between love and hate through a queer lens, using movement as the primary language. The film unfolds across two parallel worlds: an opulent ballroom and a wild forest.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the ballroom scene, two women engage in an intimate, structured dance that draws from classical partner forms. The choreography is restrained, elegant, and charged with unspoken tension. Touch is deliberate; proximity is both intoxicating and dangerous. The ballroom becomes a social cage where longing must be expressed through coded gestures rather than overt confession. As the dance progresses, the movement softens and deepens into mutual surrender, culminating in a kiss.
In stark contrast, the second scene unfolds in a forest, where the same two women confront each other through a visceral sword fight. The choreography abandons refinement in favor of raw physicality: sharp attacks, defensive spirals, moments of hesitation that mirror their emotional doubt. The forest strips away societal constraint, allowing the suppressed emotions of the ballroom to erupt. The tragic culmination of their unresolved passion ends in despair.
Visually, the film draws inspiration from the lush romanticism of Bridgerton combined with the brooding intensity of Wuthering Heights. Soft candlelight, flowing fabrics, and ornate compositions contrast with wind-swept landscapes, desaturated tones, and untamed natural elements. This visual duality reinforces the emotional dichotomy of the story: romance versus ruin, restraint versus abandon, tenderness versus destruction. At its core, the film is a meditation on queer desire and how it can exist simultaneously as sanctuary and battlefield.
Why this story?
As a queer filmmaker, it is so important to me to get queer stories out into the world. We All Fall Down centres two women whose connection is intense, physical and undeniable, set within a period world that rarely allows space for queer love to exist openly. Through dance and combat, their relationship is expressed through the body rather than dialogue, reclaiming both softness and aggression as part of queer desire. Making this film is about giving that complexity visibility, and allowing queer love to be messy.
HITTING OUR GOAL WILL ALLOW US TO...
- SHOOT AT THE LOCATION OF OUR DREAMS! Not only is this story a period piece, but a period piece with a ballroom! These things don't come cheap but having them will enhance our production value and make our film look all the more authentic!
- FEED OUR CREW *GOOD* CATERING EVERY DAY. It is so important that we are able to treat our cast and crew to good catering. They deserve the best!
- HAVE ACCURATE PRODUCTION DESIGN & COSTUMES! Again, period pieces are a lot of work but so worth it when done well.
- SUBMIT TO FILM FESTIVALS!!! We want to share our film and story with some big festivals and that can really add up!
We need your support to make this film a reality! Join us in bringing this story to life!
- Pledge to our campaign if you can!
- Follow along on our film journey on Instagram: @gooseberryfilmsltd
- Share with your friends!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
BALLROOM LOCATION
Costs C$1,750
To sell the period piece aspect, we need a fancy ballroom!
COSTUMES
Costs C$750
We need budget to create period accurate costumes for our cast!
Cash Pledge
Costs C$0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Starring Jess McLeod
Jess McLeod is a Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker from Victoria, British Columbia, known for roles in One of Us Is Lying, The Unforgivable, and It’s a Wonderful Knife. Active since childhood, they are a trans nonbinary performer with multiple Leo Awards and an ACTRA Award for A Little Vacation, which they also co-wrote. Their work spans film, television, and indie projects, often reflecting on queer identity and representation.
Writer / Director / Producer - Maddy Ginn
Maddy is a Canadian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. She studied film production at Vancouver Film School where she specialized in directing and producing, and has been able to continue her work as an independent filmmaker on short films such as Starman (2026), Space Cadet (2024), and Pieces (2025), as well as directing/producing local artist Lila Gray’s last four music videos Oceans (2023), Haunt (2024), Something I Knew Was Missing (2024) and Oh, Hey Honey (2025).
As a queer filmmaker, she wants to use her work as a conduit to uplift underrepresented communities in the media, with a special focus on intersectional feminism & 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. She hopes to make a difference in the film industry with her passion for inclusive storytelling.
Cinematographer / Producer - Tyler Banich
Tyler Banich is a director of photography based out of Vancouver, BC. After honing his craft at Vancouver Film School, he has continued his work as an independent filmmaker, influenced by the diverse and dynamic arts scene he grew up with in Vancouver.
His work spans a wide range of music videos and short films, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of how to shape light and shadow to create visually compelling stories and narratives.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of visual excellence and a collaborative spirit, Tyler continues to push the boundaries of cinematography, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant films & media in the hope to captivate and enthrall an audience.
Choreographer - Mackenzie Green
Originally from Regina, Canada, Mackenzie Green is a dynamic and versatile dancer whose passion for movement has propelled him to remarkable success in the entertainment industry. Trained extensively in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, and Tap, his diverse skill set has made him a sought-after performer in film, television, and live
productions.
After spending 11 years working professionally as a dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles, Mackenzie has recently returned to Vancouver, Canada. Throughout his career, he has built an impressive resume, appearing in major film and television productions such as CBS’s Dancing With The Stars, Paramount’s Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Netflix’s Julie & The Phantoms and The Woman in the House, Disney’s Descendants franchise, Hulu’s Chippendales, NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Amazon’s Elle, Showtime’s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, FOX’s 9-1-1: Lone Star, and ABC’s Once Upon a Time. His credits also include Glee, Step Up 5, The Middle, Witches of East End, and many more.
Mackenzie’s talent extends beyond the screen to some of the world’s most prestigious live events. He has performed at the Academy Awards for Barbie – I’m Just Ken, The Grammy Awards, The Primetime Emmy Awards, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, the Latin Grammy Awards, Lip Sync Battle, the MTV Awards, the Pan American Games, and the Riot Games ceremonies for League of Legends and VALORANT. His impressive list of collaborations includes global superstars such as Jennifer Lopez, One Republic, Paula Abdul, Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor, RuPaul, Gloria Trevi, Keke Palmer, Nelly Furtado, Robyn, Cece Peniston, Crystal Waters, Stevie Mackie, PVRIS, Mel C, Tom Odell, Hurts, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Todrick Hall, Patrick Starrr, and many more.
A standout moment in Mackenzie’s career was touring Europe with Helene Fischer in a spectacular production by 45 Degrees, a division of Cirque du Soleil. He has also toured with Art on Ice across Europe, Cheryl Burke’s Love On The Floor in Japan, and AHF’s West Side Story tour.
Beyond performance, Mackenzie has been featured in campaigns for leading brands including Nike, BeachBody, Avon, LG Electronics, Redken, Herbalife, and Mary Kay. His ability to seamlessly blend artistry with athleticism continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making him a powerful force in the dance industry.
Supervising Choreographer - Joe Tuliao
Joe Tuliao is a Filipino-Canadian choreographer, director, and performer whose boundary-pushing work continues to reshape the entertainment landscape across film, television, and live performance.
Joe most recently served as the series choreographer for Disney+ reboot of Malcolm in the Middle and Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, crafting innovative movement that enhances character, culture, and story on a global scale.
Previously, Joe choreographed the standout KPOP fantasy sequence in Lionsgate’s hit comedy Joy Ride, a feature film directed by Adele Lim. The viral scene set to Cardi B’s WAP featured stars Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu transforming into a fictional KPOP group. The work on Joy Ride earned a Leo Award nomination for Best Choreography and is widely celebrated as a milestone moment for Asian representation in mainstream media.
Joe is also a Leo Award winner for directing, choreographing, and producing the music video for Love Song by Warren Flandez. Director credits include the musical short film Uprooted, which explores the challenges and family dynamics of Filipino immigrants, officially selected for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival’s MAMM and premiered at the Philadelphia American Asian Film Festival. Joe has also directed and choreographed live dance productions such as Awaken, Transcend, and Mantra, presented by Illustrative Society, a training company founded in 2015. Additional television and film credits include choreography work for RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race, Darren Criss’s SHEIN fashion special, Nickelodeon’s The J Team, Disney’s Mech X4, and performing in major titles such as Descendants 2 and 3, Freaky Friday, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and Riverdale.
Beyond screen work, Joe is the visionary behind Illustrative Society and 8 Magazine, platforms that empower the next generation of dance and media artists. Joe is also co-producer of the Innovate Dance Film Showcase.
Blending cultural storytelling with cinematic vision, Joe continues to pioneer impactful work that amplifies underrepresented voices both in front of and behind the camera.
Composer - Rebecca Vander Zalm
Rebecca Vander Zalm is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter blending folk and musical theatre influences into honest, experience-driven songs. Inspired by artists like Alanis Morissette and Brandi Carlile, her debut EP Baby Steps (2025) explores the challenges of growing up with vulnerable lyrics over an acoustic backdrop. Alongside her solo work, Rebecca composes music for film and has collaborated on multiple music videos, reflecting her interest in the intersection of music and storytelling on screen. Her latest single and music video, “Isn’t It Enough,” released January 31, 2026, marks a clear moment in her evolving artistic voice and image.
Co-Producer - Jasmine Hans
Jasmine Hans is a Canadian filmmaker with a strong interest in character driven storytelling and emotionally grounded narratives. With hands-on experience across multiple departments, she brings a clear understanding of set workflow, collaboration, and crew dynamics. Her work emphasizes emotional resonance and visually intentional filmmaking.
Assistant Director - Maria Clara Sarem
Maria Sarem is a mixed-race writer/director from Brazil, with Japanese, Portuguese, and Italian heritage. Her work explores identity, belonging, and performance, informed by lived experiences across Brazil, Japan, and Canada.
Production Designer - Mannat Dhillon
Mannat Dhillon is a Vancouver based South Asian production designer and graphic designer crafting visual identities and cinematic spaces. Blending graphic design with hands-on production experience, her work centers on bold concepts, meaningful details, and strong storytelling. She is passionate about collaboration and building worlds that support narrative from concept to final frame.
Costume Designer - Caeley Boehm
Sewing all the time, costuming occasionally. Caeley has a love for whimsy and an eye for detail, as an avid home sewist/textile artist and a graduate from the Costuming For Stage And Screen program at Capilano University, she has gained skills in all areas of the costuming department. Working on independent projects for both film and theater, in various roles, she has a special interest in both design and construction. Beyond her work in the arts, Caeley works for Vancouver based independent fabric store, Blackbird Fabrics, where she works in the marketing team, managing product releases and e-commerce marketing. Finding joy in sharing her makes and inspiration to their online community as well as developing her photography skills, she loves being able to spend her days surrounded by fellow creatives. As a queer woman, Caeley seeks to lift LGBTQIA+ voices, lending her skills to help tell stories from her community.
Hair & Makeup Artist - Robby De Mesa
Robby De Mesa is an award-winning Filipino-Canadian makeup artist based in Vancouver, specializing in film, television, fashion/editorial, and celebrity clientele. Known for clean, modern makeup, his work emphasizes individuality while elevating the overall visual aesthetic of each project, production, or client.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the ballroom scene, two women engage in an intimate, structured dance that draws from classical partner forms. The choreography is restrained, elegant, and charged with unspoken tension. Touch is deliberate; proximity is both intoxicating and dangerous. The ballroom becomes a social cage where longing must be expressed through coded gestures rather than overt confession. As the dance progresses, the movement softens and deepens into mutual surrender, culminating in a kiss.
In stark contrast, the second scene unfolds in a forest, where the same two women confront each other through a visceral sword fight. The choreography abandons refinement in favor of raw physicality: sharp attacks, defensive spirals, moments of hesitation that mirror their emotional doubt. The forest strips away societal constraint, allowing the suppressed emotions of the ballroom to erupt. The tragic culmination of their unresolved passion ends in despair.
Visually, the film draws inspiration from the lush romanticism of Bridgerton combined with the brooding intensity of Wuthering Heights. Soft candlelight, flowing fabrics, and ornate compositions contrast with wind-swept landscapes, desaturated tones, and untamed natural elements. This visual duality reinforces the emotional dichotomy of the story: romance versus ruin, restraint versus abandon, tenderness versus destruction. At its core, the film is a meditation on queer desire and how it can exist simultaneously as sanctuary and battlefield.
Why this story?
As a queer filmmaker, it is so important to me to get queer stories out into the world. We All Fall Down centres two women whose connection is intense, physical and undeniable, set within a period world that rarely allows space for queer love to exist openly. Through dance and combat, their relationship is expressed through the body rather than dialogue, reclaiming both softness and aggression as part of queer desire. Making this film is about giving that complexity visibility, and allowing queer love to be messy.
HITTING OUR GOAL WILL ALLOW US TO...
- SHOOT AT THE LOCATION OF OUR DREAMS! Not only is this story a period piece, but a period piece with a ballroom! These things don't come cheap but having them will enhance our production value and make our film look all the more authentic!
- FEED OUR CREW *GOOD* CATERING EVERY DAY. It is so important that we are able to treat our cast and crew to good catering. They deserve the best!
- HAVE ACCURATE PRODUCTION DESIGN & COSTUMES! Again, period pieces are a lot of work but so worth it when done well.
- SUBMIT TO FILM FESTIVALS!!! We want to share our film and story with some big festivals and that can really add up!
We need your support to make this film a reality! Join us in bringing this story to life!
- Pledge to our campaign if you can!
- Follow along on our film journey on Instagram: @gooseberryfilmsltd
- Share with your friends!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
BALLROOM LOCATION
Costs C$1,750
To sell the period piece aspect, we need a fancy ballroom!
COSTUMES
Costs C$750
We need budget to create period accurate costumes for our cast!
Cash Pledge
Costs C$0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Starring Jess McLeod
Jess McLeod is a Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker from Victoria, British Columbia, known for roles in One of Us Is Lying, The Unforgivable, and It’s a Wonderful Knife. Active since childhood, they are a trans nonbinary performer with multiple Leo Awards and an ACTRA Award for A Little Vacation, which they also co-wrote. Their work spans film, television, and indie projects, often reflecting on queer identity and representation.
Writer / Director / Producer - Maddy Ginn
Maddy is a Canadian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. She studied film production at Vancouver Film School where she specialized in directing and producing, and has been able to continue her work as an independent filmmaker on short films such as Starman (2026), Space Cadet (2024), and Pieces (2025), as well as directing/producing local artist Lila Gray’s last four music videos Oceans (2023), Haunt (2024), Something I Knew Was Missing (2024) and Oh, Hey Honey (2025).
As a queer filmmaker, she wants to use her work as a conduit to uplift underrepresented communities in the media, with a special focus on intersectional feminism & 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. She hopes to make a difference in the film industry with her passion for inclusive storytelling.
Cinematographer / Producer - Tyler Banich
Tyler Banich is a director of photography based out of Vancouver, BC. After honing his craft at Vancouver Film School, he has continued his work as an independent filmmaker, influenced by the diverse and dynamic arts scene he grew up with in Vancouver.
His work spans a wide range of music videos and short films, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of how to shape light and shadow to create visually compelling stories and narratives.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of visual excellence and a collaborative spirit, Tyler continues to push the boundaries of cinematography, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant films & media in the hope to captivate and enthrall an audience.
Choreographer - Mackenzie Green
Originally from Regina, Canada, Mackenzie Green is a dynamic and versatile dancer whose passion for movement has propelled him to remarkable success in the entertainment industry. Trained extensively in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, and Tap, his diverse skill set has made him a sought-after performer in film, television, and live
productions.
After spending 11 years working professionally as a dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles, Mackenzie has recently returned to Vancouver, Canada. Throughout his career, he has built an impressive resume, appearing in major film and television productions such as CBS’s Dancing With The Stars, Paramount’s Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Netflix’s Julie & The Phantoms and The Woman in the House, Disney’s Descendants franchise, Hulu’s Chippendales, NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Amazon’s Elle, Showtime’s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, FOX’s 9-1-1: Lone Star, and ABC’s Once Upon a Time. His credits also include Glee, Step Up 5, The Middle, Witches of East End, and many more.
Mackenzie’s talent extends beyond the screen to some of the world’s most prestigious live events. He has performed at the Academy Awards for Barbie – I’m Just Ken, The Grammy Awards, The Primetime Emmy Awards, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, the Latin Grammy Awards, Lip Sync Battle, the MTV Awards, the Pan American Games, and the Riot Games ceremonies for League of Legends and VALORANT. His impressive list of collaborations includes global superstars such as Jennifer Lopez, One Republic, Paula Abdul, Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor, RuPaul, Gloria Trevi, Keke Palmer, Nelly Furtado, Robyn, Cece Peniston, Crystal Waters, Stevie Mackie, PVRIS, Mel C, Tom Odell, Hurts, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Todrick Hall, Patrick Starrr, and many more.
A standout moment in Mackenzie’s career was touring Europe with Helene Fischer in a spectacular production by 45 Degrees, a division of Cirque du Soleil. He has also toured with Art on Ice across Europe, Cheryl Burke’s Love On The Floor in Japan, and AHF’s West Side Story tour.
Beyond performance, Mackenzie has been featured in campaigns for leading brands including Nike, BeachBody, Avon, LG Electronics, Redken, Herbalife, and Mary Kay. His ability to seamlessly blend artistry with athleticism continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making him a powerful force in the dance industry.
Supervising Choreographer - Joe Tuliao
Joe Tuliao is a Filipino-Canadian choreographer, director, and performer whose boundary-pushing work continues to reshape the entertainment landscape across film, television, and live performance.
Joe most recently served as the series choreographer for Disney+ reboot of Malcolm in the Middle and Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, crafting innovative movement that enhances character, culture, and story on a global scale.
Previously, Joe choreographed the standout KPOP fantasy sequence in Lionsgate’s hit comedy Joy Ride, a feature film directed by Adele Lim. The viral scene set to Cardi B’s WAP featured stars Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu transforming into a fictional KPOP group. The work on Joy Ride earned a Leo Award nomination for Best Choreography and is widely celebrated as a milestone moment for Asian representation in mainstream media.
Joe is also a Leo Award winner for directing, choreographing, and producing the music video for Love Song by Warren Flandez. Director credits include the musical short film Uprooted, which explores the challenges and family dynamics of Filipino immigrants, officially selected for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival’s MAMM and premiered at the Philadelphia American Asian Film Festival. Joe has also directed and choreographed live dance productions such as Awaken, Transcend, and Mantra, presented by Illustrative Society, a training company founded in 2015. Additional television and film credits include choreography work for RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race, Darren Criss’s SHEIN fashion special, Nickelodeon’s The J Team, Disney’s Mech X4, and performing in major titles such as Descendants 2 and 3, Freaky Friday, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and Riverdale.
Beyond screen work, Joe is the visionary behind Illustrative Society and 8 Magazine, platforms that empower the next generation of dance and media artists. Joe is also co-producer of the Innovate Dance Film Showcase.
Blending cultural storytelling with cinematic vision, Joe continues to pioneer impactful work that amplifies underrepresented voices both in front of and behind the camera.
Composer - Rebecca Vander Zalm
Rebecca Vander Zalm is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter blending folk and musical theatre influences into honest, experience-driven songs. Inspired by artists like Alanis Morissette and Brandi Carlile, her debut EP Baby Steps (2025) explores the challenges of growing up with vulnerable lyrics over an acoustic backdrop. Alongside her solo work, Rebecca composes music for film and has collaborated on multiple music videos, reflecting her interest in the intersection of music and storytelling on screen. Her latest single and music video, “Isn’t It Enough,” released January 31, 2026, marks a clear moment in her evolving artistic voice and image.
Co-Producer - Jasmine Hans
Jasmine Hans is a Canadian filmmaker with a strong interest in character driven storytelling and emotionally grounded narratives. With hands-on experience across multiple departments, she brings a clear understanding of set workflow, collaboration, and crew dynamics. Her work emphasizes emotional resonance and visually intentional filmmaking.
Assistant Director - Maria Clara Sarem
Maria Sarem is a mixed-race writer/director from Brazil, with Japanese, Portuguese, and Italian heritage. Her work explores identity, belonging, and performance, informed by lived experiences across Brazil, Japan, and Canada.
Production Designer - Mannat Dhillon
Mannat Dhillon is a Vancouver based South Asian production designer and graphic designer crafting visual identities and cinematic spaces. Blending graphic design with hands-on production experience, her work centers on bold concepts, meaningful details, and strong storytelling. She is passionate about collaboration and building worlds that support narrative from concept to final frame.
Costume Designer - Caeley Boehm
Sewing all the time, costuming occasionally. Caeley has a love for whimsy and an eye for detail, as an avid home sewist/textile artist and a graduate from the Costuming For Stage And Screen program at Capilano University, she has gained skills in all areas of the costuming department. Working on independent projects for both film and theater, in various roles, she has a special interest in both design and construction. Beyond her work in the arts, Caeley works for Vancouver based independent fabric store, Blackbird Fabrics, where she works in the marketing team, managing product releases and e-commerce marketing. Finding joy in sharing her makes and inspiration to their online community as well as developing her photography skills, she loves being able to spend her days surrounded by fellow creatives. As a queer woman, Caeley seeks to lift LGBTQIA+ voices, lending her skills to help tell stories from her community.
Hair & Makeup Artist - Robby De Mesa
Robby De Mesa is an award-winning Filipino-Canadian makeup artist based in Vancouver, specializing in film, television, fashion/editorial, and celebrity clientele. Known for clean, modern makeup, his work emphasizes individuality while elevating the overall visual aesthetic of each project, production, or client.