Edendale

In a world without death, what is the ultimate price? Three friends fight to escape a suburb-like afterlife, but when a stranger arrives, they are forced to face how far they'll go to save each other.

  • Michele Selene Ang
    Director
  • Michele Selene Ang
    Writer
  • Michele Selene Ang
    Producer
  • Chris Montagne-Waggoner
    Producer
  • Courtney Gabrielle Williams
    Key Cast
    "C"
  • Johnny Francis Pozzi
    Key Cast
    "J"
  • Lydia Jialu Li
    Key Cast
    "L"
  • Aja Singletary
    Key Cast
    "AVA"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 11, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Michele Selene Ang

Michele Selene Ang (writer, director, producer) is a Chinese-American actor, writer, and filmmaker with Indonesian roots. She was born in Surabaya, raised in the Bay Area, educated in New York, and is currently based in Los Angeles. Michele holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance from Fordham University, and was chosen as a 2012 National YoungArts Foundation Silver Award winner in Theater and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Her work can be found on Netflix’s hit drama 13 Reasons Why and CBS’ Elementary. She has performed in new plays at Lincoln Center, Yale Rep, and East West Players.

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Director Statement

The idea for this story emerged in the summer of 2022, during one of my mental health walks around the suburb I grew up in. My childhood in suburbia was comfortable–but I felt lonely, stifled, and paranoid by my perfect surroundings and invisible neighbors. Our family had a house on a hill, a backyard, and a Costco just down the street. My parents were in heaven. I couldn’t wait to escape. It was a strange mix of emotions.

The world of "Edendale" grew from those emotions. When I started writing, I knew I wanted to utilize this idea of suburbia as a peaceful prison, as a place that is capable of a quiet, subtle violence. I also wanted to explore the paranoia I felt growing up, and how it lends itself to the dystopian feel of the suburbs and (spoiler alert) the world beyond its borders.

In the feature, it is revealed that what the heroes believe is the afterlife is actually a set for a reality TV show, of which they are the stars. The story takes place in a near future, dystopian nation. In this nation, the most popular form of entertainment is to watch chosen humans struggle to escape an impossible situation. "Edendale" is the top TV program. The villain who overturns the three friends, a woman known as Ava, is the country’s most beloved TV host. We follow our trio as they unravel the truth of their situation.

While the world of Edendale has a large scope, it is ultimately a story about three friends who try to save each other. I truly think there isn't a bigger or more important story than that. I am passionate about exploring the humanity within these three characters in a world where most people have lost theirs.

At its core; this is a tale for those who have always felt trapped, who try anyway, and who refuse to give up.