Everyone, all over the world, has seen or been bullied at some point in their life.
Bullies make us question ourselves and think less of the things that make us different. However, it is these very differences that make us unique and beautiful individuals. We should not shun our diversity, but embrace it because it is this diversity that gives us our self-identity. Without it, who would we be?
The short film ‘Uncovering Eden’ is a coming-of-age drama about self-identity and anti-bulling.
The story follows 16-year-old Edie as she just begins to grow into herself in one of the most challenging environments of her life so far: high school.
Bullies and cliques are the cost of high school royalty and it embodies almost every social struggle imaginable. It is not a surprise that the greatest battle young adults face today with bullies is in high school.
Yet, not many films address the consequences of bullying, let alone why it happens.
As it stands, most films that are truly about bullying are documentaries. 2011’s ‘Bully’ about bulling in U.S. schools is probably one of the few films to document the true consequences of bullying and became a worldwide campaign.
But why does bullying occur? When I was writing the screenplay for ‘Uncovering Eden’, I thought about this a great deal. Therefore ‘Uncovering Eden’ addresses the generational and cultural differences that have inspired such behavior.
The character, Darren, who is the object of Edie’s affectation, not only participates in some of the bullying that goes on but is also bullied, himself. He experiences peer pressure from his friends and intimidation from his Father, someone who is not only from an older generation, but a patriarchal figure to him.
‘Uncovering Eden’ is a film that tells a short story with a much wider picture. The internal struggle that Edie faces results in consequences with her relationship with her grandmother. Yet, despite everything that she does and strives to be, she will never be a member of the crowd that she so hopes to be a part of: Edie is too different from them.
‘Uncovering Eden’ is a short film that needs to be made because it addresses the nature and consequences of bullying. This short film sends the message that being yourself and not allowing others to dictate who you are, is worth everything.
Please make a pledge to this short film’s Kickstarter Project! You can donate ANY amount that you want, no matter how big or small… Anything helps and we need your help in order to make this film become a reality!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chelsealupkin/uncovering-eden-a-short-film
… You can also get awesome rewards including an HD Digital Copy of the final film, a DVD with special behind-the-scenes footage, a signed copy of the production script and even posters!!
‘Uncovering Eden’ is a short film that needs to be made!!
Help us turn this story into a real film!
Full Synopsis:
Edie, 16, lives with her grandmother who tries to instill moral values and life lessons by using her Jewish heritage as a tool.
However, Edie finds her grandmother’s words to be constricting and tries to separate herself from what she thinks is the problem: her Jewish faith.
At school, Edie wants to fit in with the popular crowd, particularly because of a boy named Darren whom she has feelings for. But Darren and his friends, June and Chad are not the most tolerable of characters and their prejudices toward others not like themselves, drives Edie in a downward spiral.
As Edie struggles to find her way through adolescence, faith, and her first love, she learns that her actions have consequences and perhaps the steep slope she has chosen to go down will risk more than she ever thought possible.
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@UncoveringEden or @ChelseaLupkin for more details.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Uncovering.Eden@gmail.com
Ramblings of a Filmmaker 