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Elixir

“Elixir” is a short film following a girl’s journey with an unhealthy coping mechanism and the dangers of all-consuming daydreams. Shot over several months, it is also a love letter to the beautiful city of Chicago.

  • Sarah Fitzgerald
    Director
  • Sarah Fitzgerald
    Writer
  • Sarah Fitzgerald
    Producer
  • Sarah Fitzgerald
    Key Cast
    "Alice"
  • Jason Zaehler
    Key Cast
    "The Boy"
  • Londyn Gregorarz
    Key Cast
    "Friend 1"
  • Dwaa Khenouche
    Key Cast
    "Friend 2"
  • Gaby Rosales
    Key Cast
    "Friend 3"
  • Anna Gustafson
    Cinematographer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Narrative
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 24, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    150 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:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Barrington High School
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Sarah Fitzgerald

Sarah Fitzgerald is a student at Barrington High School aspiring to work in the world of film and entertainment. Her journey in high school has been marked by an endless pursuit of knowledge and a desire for hands-on experiences that will fuel her aspirations. Driven, hardworking, and organized, she is on a mission to blend her love for storytelling on the big screen with a keen business acumen. She has made a genuine impact at her high school through short film production, studio television production, and sports photography/videography. She has thoroughly enjoyed developing her own personal style, taking leadership in team settings, and understanding the art of capturing a visual narrative. Her goal is to contribute meaningfully to the film industry's success by leveraging her skills in areas such as management, communication, and creativity. She currently lives with her parents and older sister in Barrington, Illinois, and plays piano, listens to music, and, of course, watches movies in her free time.

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Director Statement

In my opinion, making “Elixir” has been one of the most important experiences of my life so far. I wanted to capture the essence of an unhealthy coping mechanism and ultimately, the vicious cycle it inspires. Taking the elixir might lead to a pleasant daydream for a moment, but it’s not truly healing our main character Alice (lovingly named after Lewis Carroll’s famed heroine due to their shared far-fetched daydreams).

From shooting with some of my closest friends to filming in my favorite local coffee shop to walking all the way from the Metra station to Navy Pier in shoes that were a size too small, “Elixir” gave me so many irreplaceable memories. It took organization, the sacrifice of several weekends throughout my second semester, and many prayers that it wouldn’t rain, but I am so proud of the finished product. Not only do I actually enjoy watching it, but I learned so much throughout the filmmaking process that just cannot be replicated.

I’m incredibly grateful to my friends, family, and teachers, who have all lifted me up and been nothing but supportive. I’m filled with joy at the thought of this film being in the hands of an audience, and excited to hear what new interpretations of the story will develop. Please enjoy “Elixir”!