About Art & Rot

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. Celebrities "canceled" for abusive behavior can take a hiatus from everyone except those they’re closest to; how do these relationships spark meaningful change?

The Story

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.

Succession S3E3: "The Disruption", dir. Cathy Yan (Visual Reference)

Marriage Story, dir. Noah Baumbach (Visual Reference)

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.

The Team

Wesley Willgrubs Bio.png 463.74 KB

Maclaine Lowery Bio.png 439.02 KB

Brian Molloy Bio.png 282.37 KB

Production Status

Principal production wrapped in March 2026 in Austin, TX. We are now in post-production as our Writer/Director/Editor, Wesley Willgrubs, works on assembly and our Composer, Moraine Assembly, begins score.

ART & ROT, BTS Day 1, by Maclaine Lowery

ART & ROT, BTS Day 2, by June Shaukat

Our timeline is to have picture lock by June 2026, sound design, VFX artistry, and a color grade by September 2026, and a sound mix by November 2026. We aim to begin the festival circuit in January 2027.

The Finishing Fund Goal

The Art & Rot Finishing Fund Goal is $4,775. This amount will go toward the costs of essential post-production and distribution teammates and expenses, such as colorists, VFX artists, editing facilities, graphic design, and festival entries.

Any excess amount raised will go toward marketing and distributing the film

Perks of Donating to Art & Rot

Up to $50: Art & Rot Reading List
$50: All of the above + Social Media Callout
$100: All of the above + Special Thanks in Film Credits
$200: All of the above + Link to the Film and Soundtrack MP3
$500: All of the above + Associate Producer in Film Credits
$1,000: All of the above + Executive Producer in Film Credits

Connect with Us!

Keep up with Art & Rot on Instagram: @artandrotshortfilm