Genesis Valley, a stripped down survival-thriller, imagines the potential future of a world depleted by the climate crisis, and asks the viewer to consider how they would respond to the challenges presented by a collapsing eco-system.

THE STORY:

Through spare, action oriented sequences and little dialogue, the film tells the story of Shelby and Clarke – a married couple trying to survive in a world of rapidly depleting resources, of accelerated disasters brought on by climate change. Shelby, Clarke, and Mandy, a fellow survivor and widow taken in by the couple, hunt for resources, fortify their shelter, and plan their escape to the coast – all while being doggedly pursued by The Hive, a vicious gang of marauders. 

Genesis Valley imagines not only the practical challenges of living in a crippled ecosystem, but the moral and spiritual challenges that desperate circumstances present.

THE INSPIRATION:

Our goal is to create a film that is as riveting and suspenseful as it is prescient and personal. The climate crisis is a profoundly troubling concern for the founding members of Midnight Monolith, and Genesis Valley is an attempt to channel that concern into a creative venture – a film that will engage the viewer as a piece of genre entertainment while encouraging them to consider their relationship to the natural world. 

I was inspired to write the piece while considering the myriad of possible futures I may have to confront in the coming decades. I fear that I’m not brave enough to survive in a world devoid of modern comforts, nor am I morally sound enough to maintain my humanity when the chips are down. The practical challenges the characters face in Genesis Valley, the obstacles that propel the plot, the context in which those obstacles are created – it’s all a lens through which I’m exploring my inherent cowardice.

THE PRODUCTION TEAM:

Genesis Valley will be our third narrative short, and by far our most complex. Our initial short, Charm of Foxes, and its sequel, She’ll Live Forever were composed as audio-visual tone poems, exploring climate change, expressing anxieties about the future. Our first narrative short, Tomorrow Will Be Too Late – was a comparatively complex production. We recorded sound for dialogue for the first time, worked with a small cast of actors, and told a linear story in a controlled space. Our most recent film, Hello Hello, currently in the editing phase, is even more complex – utilizing complicated editing techniques and multiple sets to suggest jumps in time.

Genesis Valley is our most ambitious project to date; it’s a story that requires a larger scale and a wider scope than any of our past projects. 

We aim to make a film inspired by deeply personal fears. Of course, the project itself will employ local actors, technicians, and support staff, and compensate them generously. 

Cameryn and Christopher Duran, Midnight Monolith’s cinematography team, strive to capture images that evoke a heightened realism – images reflecting the real world infused with a subtle, shimmering beauty. 

Cameryn is a multi-talented artist and craftsperson, who applies her skill and insight as a professional graphic designer to her filmmaking. Cameryn is an invaluable member of the team – she is our compass and master key. There would be no Midnight Monolith, and no Genesis Valley, without Cameryn. 

Christopher Duran is a madman – and I mean that as a high compliment. After founding Midnight Monolith in 2019, Chris became a camera expert overnight. He’s incredibly well versed in digital filmmaking technology and, through remarkable commitment, patience, and countless hours of research, he’s built a stunning – and cost effective – collection of filmmaking tools for Midnight Monolith. 

Peter Twigg is a classically trained musician with modern inclinations and eclectic taste. Pete draws from a deep catalogue of influences – one can hear Bon Iver, American folk, early Jazz, and even John Cage in his compositions. As complex as it is beautiful, Pete’s emotionally resonant music is a soulful compliment to Cameryn and Chris’ images. 

Screenwriter and Director Harry Watermeier has a background in Theatre and Film Theory, and is interested in exploring the unique challenges and anxieties of the twenty-first century. Harry is a multi-talented writer/director and uses personal experience to inform his work. Harry has also acted in several Midnight Monolith productions. 

We're thrilled to be working with a remarkably talented cast and crew, composed of award winning performers and craftspeople - artists and technicians bringing years of experience and boundless enthusiasm to this project.

THE FUNDING:   

It's an expensive proposition, making a movie, and Genesis Valley will require a significant amount of capital. The better part of our budget will be utilized for payment for our cast and crew. We want to be as generous as possible within our limited budget, as well as house and feed the cast and crew (16 people total) for the duration of the shoot.

A portion of donations will go toward camera and sound equipment, set design, costuming and make up expenses, post-production costs, and the day-to-day expenses of a film shoot.

THE PURPOSE:

When forming our production company in 2019, we wanted to create “aesthetically beautiful, emotionally resonant films that explore the unique anxieties of the twenty-first century.” 

Since 2019 we’ve made four short films and one audio piece that have accomplished just that. We explored our fears regarding the climate crisis, the looming threat of fascism, anxiety disorders and emotional crises.

Based on our filmography, it seems we’ve stayed true to our mission statement, and importantly, in the context of a fundraiser, we’ve self-financed all of our projects thus far. Genesis Valley is our most ambitious project to date - it is the culmination of our experience as filmmakers, the distillation of all our creative obsessions.  

Making this film will be a dream, and we thank you for helping us realize it.