Where's Your Sunset Spot?
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
What happens when an out gay boy develops feelings for his female best friend? Support a unique coming-of-age story about sexual identity and self love. This project is a twist on the common bisexual narratives popular today, filled with heart and touching drama.
Where's Your Sunset Spot?
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $6,600 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
60 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
What happens when an out gay boy develops feelings for his female best friend? Support a unique coming-of-age story about sexual identity and self love. This project is a twist on the common bisexual narratives popular today, filled with heart and touching drama.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Director's Statement
Where's Your Sunset Spot is a coming of age story about David, a young queer teen, who goes on an end of summer road trip with his best friend Annie. David is gay, but begins to develop feelings for Annie. Follow David and Annie on their road trip and experience David's journey of self discovery.
This film is one that is deeply personal to me as a proud bisexual man. When I was younger I came out as gay publicly, announcing it loud and proud to my whole school. I was content with my decision and felt euphoric, however over the next few years I would learn that I still had feelings for the opposite sex. I had started developing feelings for someone very close to me who was female, and I began to question if I had lied about my true identity, or wondering what my identity was at all. I went back in the closet and hid myself because of that. I just did not talk about my sexuality and became very reclusive. It was only after high school that I began to accept myself and now I wear my sexuality like a badge of honor.
That is the message of this film: that sexuality is fluid and that it is okay to question your sexuality even after coming out. Labels do not have to define us, because at the end of the day love is love and that is what is key.
The funds we acquire will be used to pay for actors, paying for locations in Connecticut, food for our cast and crew from local businesses and homes, transportation, and production design when we begin filming in late July. Without the funds it would not be possible for this film to be made in a timely and effective manner and it will ensure that the filmmaking process is positive for everyone involved. The happiness and well-being of everyone involved in this film matters most to me, and to be able to provide everything needed to bring out the best in each person on set will make this film come to life.
Once completed the film will be submitted to film festivals and released online. Thank you for considering our project and I hope you will join us on this journey in bringing this film to life!
Characters
DAVID (17): David is about to be a freshman in college and has mixed feelings about leaving home. He has a cute and quirky personality with a bit of retro flavor, but can be awkward and easily intimidated. He is easy to make smile and can easily make others smile. He gets nervous and shy easily, but when comfortable is very much a people person. He is queer, and presents it openly.
ANNIE (18): Annie is a very bright and eccentric teen girl soon to be off to college. She has an infectious smile and personality. She loves to throw sass your way but can easily make you smile and laugh. She is someone very easy to be around. She is very open to people and gets along well with others, presenting a very mature confidence and bubbly personality.
Cinematic Influences
To develop the look and feel of the film, I skim through the encyclopedia of film history which has led us as filmmakers to this point in history. To form the future of film we need to look back at the past. I love cinema history and I love the films of yesteryear that define cinema today. These are the films that inspire me as a creative and inspire what has brought this film to life.
Theme
- The Long Day Closes (Terence Davies, 1992)
- Old Joy (Kelly Reichardt, 2006)
- The Green Ray (Éric Rohmer, 1986)
- In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar-wai, 2000)
Tone
- The Age of Innocence (Martin Scorsese, 1993)
- Scarecrow (Jerry Schatzberg, 1973)
- Certified Copy (Abbas Kiarostami, 2010)
- Dottie Gets Spanked (Todd Haynes, 1993)
Look
- Paris, Texas (Wim Wenders, 1984)
- Five Easy Pieces (Bob Rafelson, 1970)
- Y Tú Mama Tambien (Alfonso Cuarón, 2001)
- Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016)
Farmington Valley, CT
Farmington Valley is the location of this film. It is where I grew up and holds a special place in my heart. I want to showcase the beauty of this hidden area in rural Connecticut and through the film, on screen and off screen, support the small businesses and communities within the Farmington Valley. Helping this film will also give a voice to the Farmington Valley and showcase this place's unique voice.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our project and mission! We are so thankful for contributions of any scale. If you are interested, here are other ways to support and get involved:
- If you haven't yet, follow our Seed and Spark! This allows us to give you all updates, sneak peaks, and information on screenings when this film hits festivals!
- Follow @wheresyoursunsetspot on Instagram! We meant it when we said we want to build a community of artists. BTS, status updates, and community outreaches will be actively shared on our platform.
- Watch our pitch video! Hopefully you did, but words on a page mean nothing without a voice behind them.
- Feel free to reach out to director Matt Haller on instagram @thematthaller with any questions!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Talent
Costs $2,000
Help us cast and pay two amazing actors to bring David and Annie to life!
Locations
Costs $1,000
Help us find beautiful locations in Connecticut to shoot at
Catering
Costs $1,000
Help us feed our lovely cast and crew on set
Transportation
Costs $800
Help us provide transportation for cast, crew, & equipment to shoot on location in beautiful Hartford County, CT
Production Design
Costs $300
Help us bring the world of the film to life
Insurance
Costs $900
Help us insure our equipment and locations to make this film come to life
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet our Crew!
Matt Haller, Writer & Director
Matt Haller is a writer and filmmaker born in New Haven, CT. He has directed a number of short films, including Trading Post (2022), Burn Me Back (2024), and You Will Find Love (2024). He is also a producer and assistant director, known for Plush Carpet (2025), Dawn of Time (2024), and the upcoming cult horror film Selene, shooting this fall. Along with being a filmmaker, he is a published essayist and art curator.
Favorite Movie: The Long Day Closes (1992)
Maura Garnett, Producer & Casting Director
Maura Garnett is an NYC based Director, Producer and Casting Director, who is a proud member of New York Women in Film & Television and Teamsters Local 817. She’s worked as a Casting Assistant on AMC’s "The Terror" alongside Emmy-nominated Casting Director Mark Saks, and is now working on a "Dexter: Resurrection" with Emmy-winning Casting Director Ross Meyerson. Maura has produced and cast numerous films & is excited to be working closely with Matt on this beautiful story.
Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Nadia Santo, Director of Photography
Nadia Santo is a rising Thesis student at the School of Visual Arts, pursuing a BFA Film degree. With a focus in cinematography, Nadia has had the pleasure of shooting several films, including the following: Dawn of Time (dir. Manny Martinez), EXorcist (dir. Vanessa Brown), Minor G (dir. Lyn Li), Gnome Alone (dir. Jaime Berrio), and more. She is ecstatic to be a part of the production for Where's Your Sunset Spot and is grateful for your help in this endeavor.
Favorite Movie: Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Beatriz Coelho de Soárez, Assistant Director
Beatriz Coelho de Soárez is a New York-based Brazilian screenwriter and assistant director. She came to the US to follow her passion for filmmaking, and today, she focuses all her energies on writing (short and feature-length) and being on set in logistics-based roles. She has assisted directed several award-nominated short films, including director Matt Haller's previous film, You Will Find Love (2024).
Favorite Movie: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
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Lex Burger, Editor
Lex Burger is a director, writer, editor, and cinematographer based in New York. His most recent work is is feature debut Strangers to Strangers, which he co-wrote, directed, and edited.
Favorite Movie: Jaws (1975)
Vanessa Brown, Production Designer
Vanessa Brown is a production designer and filmmaker from Wayne, NJ. Her credits include the dark comedy Gnome Alone (2025), the thriller The Apostles (2024), and the upcoming cult horror film Selene. She is also the writer/director of the recent horror/comedy EXorcist (2025). Along with her film work, she is a student ambassador for the Met Opera.
Favorite Movie: Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
Todd Stephens, Script Consultant & Technical Advisor
Todd Stephens is an American film director, writer, and producer. Over his 25 year career, he has made such indie darlings as Edge of Seventeen (1998), Gypsy 83 (2000), Another Gay Movie (2006), and Swan Song (2021), which earned him and lead actor Udo Kier Indie Spirit Award nominations. Having made five feature films that all revolve around gay identity, there are few who understand queer cinema better than Todd. Having been a professor of director Matt Haller's for three years at the School of Visual Arts, Todd is elated to bring his perspective and talents to this unique queer story.
Favorite Movie: Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Director's Statement
Where's Your Sunset Spot is a coming of age story about David, a young queer teen, who goes on an end of summer road trip with his best friend Annie. David is gay, but begins to develop feelings for Annie. Follow David and Annie on their road trip and experience David's journey of self discovery.
This film is one that is deeply personal to me as a proud bisexual man. When I was younger I came out as gay publicly, announcing it loud and proud to my whole school. I was content with my decision and felt euphoric, however over the next few years I would learn that I still had feelings for the opposite sex. I had started developing feelings for someone very close to me who was female, and I began to question if I had lied about my true identity, or wondering what my identity was at all. I went back in the closet and hid myself because of that. I just did not talk about my sexuality and became very reclusive. It was only after high school that I began to accept myself and now I wear my sexuality like a badge of honor.
That is the message of this film: that sexuality is fluid and that it is okay to question your sexuality even after coming out. Labels do not have to define us, because at the end of the day love is love and that is what is key.
The funds we acquire will be used to pay for actors, paying for locations in Connecticut, food for our cast and crew from local businesses and homes, transportation, and production design when we begin filming in late July. Without the funds it would not be possible for this film to be made in a timely and effective manner and it will ensure that the filmmaking process is positive for everyone involved. The happiness and well-being of everyone involved in this film matters most to me, and to be able to provide everything needed to bring out the best in each person on set will make this film come to life.
Once completed the film will be submitted to film festivals and released online. Thank you for considering our project and I hope you will join us on this journey in bringing this film to life!
Characters
DAVID (17): David is about to be a freshman in college and has mixed feelings about leaving home. He has a cute and quirky personality with a bit of retro flavor, but can be awkward and easily intimidated. He is easy to make smile and can easily make others smile. He gets nervous and shy easily, but when comfortable is very much a people person. He is queer, and presents it openly.
ANNIE (18): Annie is a very bright and eccentric teen girl soon to be off to college. She has an infectious smile and personality. She loves to throw sass your way but can easily make you smile and laugh. She is someone very easy to be around. She is very open to people and gets along well with others, presenting a very mature confidence and bubbly personality.
Cinematic Influences
To develop the look and feel of the film, I skim through the encyclopedia of film history which has led us as filmmakers to this point in history. To form the future of film we need to look back at the past. I love cinema history and I love the films of yesteryear that define cinema today. These are the films that inspire me as a creative and inspire what has brought this film to life.
Theme
- The Long Day Closes (Terence Davies, 1992)
- Old Joy (Kelly Reichardt, 2006)
- The Green Ray (Éric Rohmer, 1986)
- In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar-wai, 2000)
Tone
- The Age of Innocence (Martin Scorsese, 1993)
- Scarecrow (Jerry Schatzberg, 1973)
- Certified Copy (Abbas Kiarostami, 2010)
- Dottie Gets Spanked (Todd Haynes, 1993)
Look
- Paris, Texas (Wim Wenders, 1984)
- Five Easy Pieces (Bob Rafelson, 1970)
- Y Tú Mama Tambien (Alfonso Cuarón, 2001)
- Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016)
Farmington Valley, CT
Farmington Valley is the location of this film. It is where I grew up and holds a special place in my heart. I want to showcase the beauty of this hidden area in rural Connecticut and through the film, on screen and off screen, support the small businesses and communities within the Farmington Valley. Helping this film will also give a voice to the Farmington Valley and showcase this place's unique voice.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our project and mission! We are so thankful for contributions of any scale. If you are interested, here are other ways to support and get involved:
- If you haven't yet, follow our Seed and Spark! This allows us to give you all updates, sneak peaks, and information on screenings when this film hits festivals!
- Follow @wheresyoursunsetspot on Instagram! We meant it when we said we want to build a community of artists. BTS, status updates, and community outreaches will be actively shared on our platform.
- Watch our pitch video! Hopefully you did, but words on a page mean nothing without a voice behind them.
- Feel free to reach out to director Matt Haller on instagram @thematthaller with any questions!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Talent
Costs $2,000
Help us cast and pay two amazing actors to bring David and Annie to life!
Locations
Costs $1,000
Help us find beautiful locations in Connecticut to shoot at
Catering
Costs $1,000
Help us feed our lovely cast and crew on set
Transportation
Costs $800
Help us provide transportation for cast, crew, & equipment to shoot on location in beautiful Hartford County, CT
Production Design
Costs $300
Help us bring the world of the film to life
Insurance
Costs $900
Help us insure our equipment and locations to make this film come to life
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet our Crew!
Matt Haller, Writer & Director
Matt Haller is a writer and filmmaker born in New Haven, CT. He has directed a number of short films, including Trading Post (2022), Burn Me Back (2024), and You Will Find Love (2024). He is also a producer and assistant director, known for Plush Carpet (2025), Dawn of Time (2024), and the upcoming cult horror film Selene, shooting this fall. Along with being a filmmaker, he is a published essayist and art curator.
Favorite Movie: The Long Day Closes (1992)
Maura Garnett, Producer & Casting Director
Maura Garnett is an NYC based Director, Producer and Casting Director, who is a proud member of New York Women in Film & Television and Teamsters Local 817. She’s worked as a Casting Assistant on AMC’s "The Terror" alongside Emmy-nominated Casting Director Mark Saks, and is now working on a "Dexter: Resurrection" with Emmy-winning Casting Director Ross Meyerson. Maura has produced and cast numerous films & is excited to be working closely with Matt on this beautiful story.
Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Nadia Santo, Director of Photography
Nadia Santo is a rising Thesis student at the School of Visual Arts, pursuing a BFA Film degree. With a focus in cinematography, Nadia has had the pleasure of shooting several films, including the following: Dawn of Time (dir. Manny Martinez), EXorcist (dir. Vanessa Brown), Minor G (dir. Lyn Li), Gnome Alone (dir. Jaime Berrio), and more. She is ecstatic to be a part of the production for Where's Your Sunset Spot and is grateful for your help in this endeavor.
Favorite Movie: Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Beatriz Coelho de Soárez, Assistant Director
Beatriz Coelho de Soárez is a New York-based Brazilian screenwriter and assistant director. She came to the US to follow her passion for filmmaking, and today, she focuses all her energies on writing (short and feature-length) and being on set in logistics-based roles. She has assisted directed several award-nominated short films, including director Matt Haller's previous film, You Will Find Love (2024).
Favorite Movie: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
Lex Burger, Editor
Lex Burger is a director, writer, editor, and cinematographer based in New York. His most recent work is is feature debut Strangers to Strangers, which he co-wrote, directed, and edited.
Favorite Movie: Jaws (1975)
Vanessa Brown, Production Designer
Vanessa Brown is a production designer and filmmaker from Wayne, NJ. Her credits include the dark comedy Gnome Alone (2025), the thriller The Apostles (2024), and the upcoming cult horror film Selene. She is also the writer/director of the recent horror/comedy EXorcist (2025). Along with her film work, she is a student ambassador for the Met Opera.
Favorite Movie: Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
Todd Stephens, Script Consultant & Technical Advisor
Todd Stephens is an American film director, writer, and producer. Over his 25 year career, he has made such indie darlings as Edge of Seventeen (1998), Gypsy 83 (2000), Another Gay Movie (2006), and Swan Song (2021), which earned him and lead actor Udo Kier Indie Spirit Award nominations. Having made five feature films that all revolve around gay identity, there are few who understand queer cinema better than Todd. Having been a professor of director Matt Haller's for three years at the School of Visual Arts, Todd is elated to bring his perspective and talents to this unique queer story.
Favorite Movie: Sunset Boulevard (1950)