Art & Rot is a 15-minute contemporary drama short film about the rehabilitative potential of art, with a focus on personal accountability behind public scandal. Cancelled abusers can take a hiatus from everyone except those they’re closest to; how do these relationships spark meaningful change?

ROLAND THOMAS is a lauded veteran actor that has just been outed for sexual abuse. Hoping to find favor in the eyes of his daughter, performance artist SARINA PILNOVSKY, Roland attends the showing of her new piece happening the same evening as his fall from grace.

After Sarina gives a visceral performance critiquing the very type of abuse her father perpetuated, Roland visits Sarina in her dressing room where, instead of absolution, a confrontation ensues. Sarina challenges Roland to take accountability for exploiting his power and figure out how to remain an artist without it.

We are actively crowdfunding as we finalize crew, choreography, and costumes and prepare digital production design elements. We will begin cast rehearsals and sourcing crafty donations next month, followed by camera tests and 2 days of principal photography in early March in Austin, TX. Art & Rot will then begin the post-production phase, and enter the independent film festival circuit in the summer of 2026 before being released online for free digital viewership.

Our goal is to raise $14,350 for essential production costs, ranging from crew, equipment, transportation, costuming, and more. 

We will continue to crowdfund after reaching our goal to cover post-production and distribution expenses, such as editing facilities, score, marketing, and festival entries.

Contact us: artandrot@gmail.com

Keep up with Art & Rot  on Instagram: @artandrotshortfilm