THE STORY
Agnes just wants to live her life as a painter, but when her gallery suddenly drops her, she finds herself at an existential crossroads. Should she continue scraping by as a barely-making-it artist or go and get a "real job"? 

Luckily, she’s visited by her future self who advises her on what to do. But... it's not exactly what she expected to hear. 

Which path should she take? One that's creatively fulfilling or one that offers financial security? And how will that affect her future self?

WHY THIS FILM?
The idea for The Circle was hatched way back in 2019, but was promptly shelved after being deemed "not good enough" by a respected peer. The only problem was, the film refused to be forgotten.

Its philosophical message was too big to ignore. There were too many people who believed in the story and felt it was not only "good enough" but maybe even necessary (like my Assistant Director , Kathleen!).

In a time when capitalism and financial concerns seem to rule so many decisions, it feels even more important than to have stories that remind us: Art *is* worth making.
Ipso facto, this film is worth making.

And so, in the summer of 2024, when I met my producer Jonathan and told him about this short, and he immediately jumped on board, I knew: it was time to make this already!

I met Tom (cinematographer) rock climbing in Malibu, CA years ago. We chatted about collaborating on a project and after sending him several scripts, he said yes to The Circle.

Ted, 1st AC, had shot several of my shorts from when we were both part of the comedy sketch collective Nightpantz. He not only agreed to come on board, but was instrumental in helping me secure gear and other crew members

These people all believed in me, this story and its message.

Thanks to the incredible team, production is complete, but now we need your help to finish the journey. Your support will directly cover these critical post-production costs:

Editing: Shaping the final cut so the story hits just right.

Music Composition: Crafting an original score to emphasize emotions and give it that proper sci-fi vibe.

Color Correction: Giving the film its polished, cinematic look.

Audio Mixing: Adjusting all the levels so your ears love it as much as your eyes.

Film Festival Submissions: So we can share The Circle with audiences across the country... and globe??

OUR TEAM
Director Writer
Heloise Chung is a Korean American filmmaker who's passionate about making films that challenge perspectives while amplifying under-represented voices and stories. She is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors, a recipient of mentorship from Women in Film and Unlock Her Potential. She's written and directed several shorts. Her films have screened in Los Angeles and New York City.

Producer
Jonathan Gonzalez loves managing the logistical chaos that is independent filmmaking so that creatives can get creative. While he may be new to the producing game, that hasn't stopped him from quickly moving up the ranks to become a Unit Production Manager (UPM) on his most recent project. He honed his work ethic in NYC where he helped run political campaigns, knocking on thousands of doors and making countless phone calls. He brings that same relentless energy to the world of film and has already produced several short films in the past two years.
 

Cinematographer
Tom Clancey is known most recently for his cinematography on Ransom Canyon (Netflix) and the Gossip Girl reboot (HBO Max).

Lead Actress
Aria Song is a 2.5 language actress whose motorcycle riding skills kickstarted her film career opposite David Della Rocco from the famed Boondock Saints. She has verbally sparred with Kevin Costner on "Yellowstone" and David Boreanz on "Seal Team," and is officially a member of the astronaut's wives club via her role in Apple TV’s "For All Mankind." She provides the English lead character voiceover for Korean Netflix hits "The Glory," and "Hellbound." Aria also has theatre, hosting, and commercial experience.

Lead Actress
Keiko Shimosato Carreiro is a critically acclaimed actor, designer, writer, director and member of the Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe. She has performed at American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory, The Magic Theater, San Jose Stage, and many other Bay Area Theaters. Films include“Kintsukuroi” Kerwin Berk 2022 and “The Truer History of the Chan Family”, Eugenie Chan 2023. Podcasts include “Tales of the Resistance”,San Francisco Mime Troupe 2021, “Leylines,” Good Story Guild 2024, and “Divorce Ranch” Good Story Guild, 2024.

Composer

Darren Will is a composer, sound designer, and lifelong musician who recently scored two short films as well as music for Jaguar, JetBlue, PayPal, and Teach for America. He was a Runner-Up in the 2025 Sundance Collab x Dolby Horror Soundscape Challenge and received a 2025 Telly Award for Autodesk’s ESO Telescope Project.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Independent films like The Circle don’t just entertain—they create space for stories that reflect diverse perspectives, resonate with underrepresented audiences, and inspire conversations about the choices we make in life. 

By contributing to this project, you’re helping ensure these kinds of stories find their audience. Whether you’re a fellow artist, a supporter of indie film-making, or a fan of experimental sci-fi, your support makes a real impact.

THANK YOU
With your help, The Circle can reach its full potential and find its audience.

Together, we can prove that independent stories, especially those that center underrepresented voices and ask big questions matter. 

Make a donation today. 
Thank you for being part of this creative journey—I couldn’t do it without you.