counting

Em is a young actress on the verge of a promising career, but her struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder threaten her dreams. When her acting begins to take off and a romance enters her life, Em’s intrusive thoughts grow louder, intruding on her ability to receive the things she most desires; a successful career and meaningful relationship. Afraid of rejection and ridicule Em is determined to hide her symptoms rather than open herself to help. With a real chance at happiness before her, can she overcome her fears to seize it?

  • Sarah Young
    Director
    FCK (Friend's Can't Kiss), In Case We Get Found, We're All Fine
  • Tori Ernst
    Writer
  • Tori Ernst
    Producer
  • Tori Ernst
    Key Cast
    "Em"
    Suspense (TV Series), In Case We Get Found, We're All Fine, Writers Block
  • Jinho Woo
    Key Cast
    "James "
    A Place in the Dark, In Case We Get Found, The Black Hole, The Red Envelope
  • Kat Dunn Watson
    Key Cast
    "Audition Friend "
    FCK (Friend's Can't Kiss)
  • Cristina Spina
    Key Cast
    "Therapist "
    500 Calories, So Be It, Italian Race, Ecuba
  • Andy Whitlatch
    Director of Photography
    Songs for a Sloth
  • Alex Chludzinska
    Production Sound and Sound Design
    FCK (Friend's Can't Kiss), In Case We Get Found, Exchange
  • Kevin Deming
    Editor
    Songs for a Sloth, Fire Insurance, Pulling Wool
  • Alexandra Peter
    Art Direction
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 8, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon C500
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Cannes Short Film Corner
    Cannes
    France
    June 23, 2022
  • McMinnville Short Film Festival
    McMinnville
    United States
    February 12, 2022
    Nominated for Best Drama
  • Bridgeport Film Fest
    Bridgeport
    United States
    July 24, 2022
    Winner - Best Writing Tori Ernst
  • FLOW Film Festival
    Miami
    United States
    June 25, 2022
    Winner - Best Dramatic Short
  • Oregon Short Film Festival
    Portland
    United States
    February 19, 2022
    Best Acting Performance - Tori Ernst "Counting"
  • NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    February 13, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 24, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Greenwich Village Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    November 10, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Albuquerque Film & Music Experience
    Albuquerque
    United States
    September 13, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Uptilt Film Festival
    Wilmington
    United States
    May 20, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Omaha Film Festival
    Omaha
    United States
    March 10, 2022
Director Biography - Sarah Young

Sarah Young is an award winning, NYC based, Director and Filmmaker. Sarah’s work challenges traditional systems of power with compassion and courage. Her first short film In Case We Get Found (2020) was inspired by her father’s experience as a survivor of the Umpqua Community College mass shooting and has won several awards including the Audience Award for Suspense at the McMinnville Short Film Fest. The webseries pilot FCK (Friend's Can't Kiss) about two gay couples navigating changes in their relationships is currently screening in festivals. We’re All Fine (2021), about the purpose of art during a crisis, was made entirely on zoom during lockdown and won Sarah Best Director at Couch Film Festival. Sarah is in post production on a horror short Not Him coming soon. She is a proud 2019 MFA graduate of The New School for Drama.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Mental health can be a deeply sensitive subject. In this semi-autobiographical film from writer/actress Tori Ernst, we explore the particular challenge women can face fearing that an acknowledgement of our needs will be perceived as weakness. This film is a frank yet whimsical look into the mind of one young woman learning to navigate career/romance when her mind seems determined to sabotage her chance at growth.

Counting proudly features a female leadership team including writer, director, and more. Made safely during the Covid 19 Pandemic in New York City, this indie short film was made possible by drive, resilience, and teamwork.