Chi Chi
Chi Chi is a twisted coming of age journey in 1984 Miami. Inspired by true events, the story follows Ava, a young naïve student, as she meets a smooth talking, wealthy man and gets swept into a world of excess, luxury, drugs and partying. Ultimately choosing between loyalty and self preservation.
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Chelsey d'AdeskyDirectorThe Closure Center
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Chelsey d'AdeskyWriterThe Closure Center
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Chelsey d'AdeskyProducerThe Closure Center
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Nicole FranzenProducer
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Vivi RojasProducer
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Rachel CohenProducer
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Jenny WatwoodKey Cast"Ava"
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Nicholas SellarKey Cast"Dany"
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Ricardo KleinbaumKey Cast"Al"
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Katie LuddyKey Cast"Lyla"
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Viglis VigolisKey Cast"Julia"
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Isaac ReyesKey Cast"Benny"
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Janmargo SantiagoKey Cast"Kiki "
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Amber D'AmelioKey Cast"Mom "
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Genres:Drama, Romance, Crime, Period
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Runtime:15 minutes
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Completion Date:May 25, 2020
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Production Budget:30,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:16mm film
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Aspect Ratio:1:85
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes
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Nashville Film Festival
October 1, 2020
Chelsey d’Adesky is a Director, Writer, Producer and Production Designer currently based in Los Angeles. After studying broadcast journalism at The George Washington University in DC, she started working as a producer at an advertising agency in New York City. During her time at Publicis NY, she produced broadcast, online and radio commercials for clients such as; Citibank, Cadillac, P&G, Crest, Garnier, Lancome, Matrix and many more. Eventually she began directing spots through the agency before deciding to shift gears and go to The London Film School to earn her Masters degree in filmmaking. While in film school, Chelsey wrote and directed several award winning short films and worked as a production designer on other major projects. Once completing her degree she moved to Los Angeles to continue working in narrative film, music videos and commercials.
Miami has always had a special place in my heart. I was born there, and most of my very large extended family is still based there. Through the years of travel and living in different cities, it has remained a home base.
The history of the city is beautiful, gritty and complicated. In the 1980s the drug industry brought a huge influx of money which in turn led to very rapid, large-scale development. The world of partying, glitz, glam, flashy luxury is seeped into the very essence of what made the city what it is today.
There was a naivety at the time, about the legal and health consequences of drugs that allowed young people to have a false sense of invincibility. However as with anything that booms fast, there is usually a crash. The money and drugs led to an increase in violence and crime, which then led to a police crackdown and the strong local presence of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency).
It is during this time that Chi Chi takes place. The story and main character is loosely inspired by my mother and her whirlwind introduction to this strange, fast-paced lifestyle which happened during her first serious relationship with a man she later found out was involved with more than she anticipated. The story follows Ava, as she makes an attempt to step out on her own, and begins losing control. In this loss she finds her strength and is able to protect herself when the pressure is on.
One thing I noticed when looking into the subject- is every film, TV show or book that details the history of cocaine in Miami tends to focus on the male-dominated business and violent side of things. However, there was this whole other side of this world in Miami that had yet to be seen or told. A collective willful ignorance of what was really going on under the surface.
I wanted to tell a story from a female perspective and show the beneficiaries of the money and efforts of those involved in the drug trade and how the truth always emerges.