Where the Light Stays

My name is Stephanie Kirves, and I am the award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress behind Parallel Lives Pictures. “Where the Light Stays” was born from a very personal recent experience - as my grandma has declined into advanced dementia and is now living in a memory care facility. I quickly realized this was a familiar experience for many - as almost half of my cast and crew told me about a personal connection to Alzheimer's. I wanted to tell a story that would bring attention to those who suffer in silence, while also inspiring their loved ones. 

Soon, another layer was born: people with dementia often regress mentally - and I often noticed my grandma talking about registering for college classes or visiting her mother. But, what if a trauma survivor developed dementia - how would it feel to be trapped in your worst memories as a helpless child? As a filmmaker, I hope to bring these topics to light in an engaging, compassionate manner, while deep diving into the story’s horror elements.  

The only remaining barrier is financial: all of the cast and crew are locked in, our location is secured, and the team is already deep in pre-production. With the help of a line producer, I have determined that the minimum amount we will need to successfully bring this story to life is $6,614. The main costs are: location fees (AirBnB rental), paying key crew, purchasing supplies (sfx makeup for faceless looks, period costuming and set dressing), and meals/crafty. Investment tiers for screen credit start at just $100, and all donations are tax deductible! 

With your help, “Where the Light Stays” can become a reality! Please refer to the attached pitch deck, and email me at stephaniekirves@gmail.com if you are interested in also viewing the script or budget, to negotiate film credit, or with any questions. Thanks so much for your consideration!

Watch my directorial debut to get an idea of my visual style: "Parallel Lives (Proof of Concept)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDqYrK0_WeM