Private Project

Waking the Sleepers

An unknown disease sweeps through the world, causing people to become nothing but lifeless empty shells called Sleepers. A young and curious inventor named Jed is determined to prove the victims are still human and worth saving, but his inventions continuously fail. It isn’t until another survivor appears that Jed is exposed to the possible dangers behind the Sleeper illness, and he must convince his new companion that there is a cure, and a reason, to save humanity.

  • Abby Cole
    Director
  • Abby Cole
    Writer
  • Seth Sanders
    Key Cast
  • Allison Jones
    Key Cast
  • Caleb Murphy
    Director of Photography
  • Macey Yarbrough
    Assistant Director
  • Chad Ratje
    Key Gaffer
  • Nathaniel Wolfe
    Assistant Cinematographer
  • Colton Beach
    Composer
  • Abby Cole
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Dystopian, Drama
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 29, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Black Magic
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director - Abby Cole
Director Statement

When I was younger, my main form of communication was through stories. I just couldn’t get enough of creating characters and adventures through drawing and writing. It wasn’t long until I realized film was a combination of all forms of communication into one beautiful, seamless story.

My faith has also played a major role in how I make my films. I believe God loves stories. Since we are created in His image, everyone is driven one way or another to tell a story, whether with their work or their lives. I want to continue writing films that challenge norms and encourage others to tell their stories.

My film “Waking the Sleepers” focuses on an inventor who seeks a cure to redeem humanity from a disease that causes lifelessness and apathy. It explores the idea of human identity, ultimate purpose, and the value of human life.