Exeunt

When a gifted but frustrated Broadway dresser finally reaches her breaking point with her life backstage, she decides to take a stab at her real dream.

  • Peini Chen
    Director
  • Priscila García-Jacquier
    Writer
    Foundation, Sweetie
  • Eva Minemar
    Producer
    8MM, Cork Man, In Search of Myster Ey, The Bo-Bo & Skippy Show
  • Sara Bowie
    Producer
    Cady Did, Keylight, Time Can Break Your Heart
  • Emma Ramos
    Key Cast
    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Dichos, Valentina
  • Jack Sochet
    Key Cast
    Gotham, Consent, Heaven Is Now
  • Kristen Dawn Calgaro
    Key Cast
  • Ryan Brennan
    Key Cast
  • Ellie Dvorkin
    Key Cast
    The Mel and El Show, Law & Order, Deadline, The Education of Max Bickford
  • Patrick McGuinness
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    22,000 USD
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Peini Chen

Peini Chen is a film director of Chinese descent based in New York City. She earned a Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, before attaining a Master’s in film directing from the School of Visual Arts.

Her background in design and architecture gives her unique insight for developing and creating her film aesthetic. She challenges traditional narratives through bold perspectives.

Peini’s debut short film, “Exeunt,” will open in 2018.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The story of “Exeunt” comes straight from my heart. After studying architecture in undergrad for five years, I asked myself why I chose architecture in the very first place since it’s clear that I don’t have the passion for it. Many people asked me the same question before but I never had the answer until I was talking with my screenwriter about the main character in this film, I finally realized that this character is the answer and I am her, a girl who fantasized about a different life but was too afraid of disappointing herself to give change a try!

I dreamed of doing either fashion design or filmmaking before I went to college and chose my major since I’ve always loved art and design. But those seemed too “risky” and “unrealistic”. Am I able to get a job after graduating from learning fine art for 4 years? Will I really have a chance to direct my own film and how long will it take? Under the pressure of those questions I compromised and studied architecture. It’s still design based but more practical which means I can still get a 9 to 5 job. Fantastic, problem solved! However, I spent 5 years suffering doing it because I knew for every second that it was not the thing I loved and want to spend rest of my life on.

Exactly the same as my main character, she fantasized about becoming a broadway actress. But on the other hand she also tells herself that “How dare you dream about that? Girl be realistic you need to pay your rent first.” So she chose to become a wardrobe assistant working backstage and trying to convince herself that “I’m not quitting on my dream, I’m still in the theater just one step away from the front stage and I’m not compromising my dream, I’m just being realistic to make a living first.” She is doing great as a dresser and that’s why she made it to the broadway show. But this doesn’t make her happy. What if I try to become an actress and fail?

This film is not a cinderella fairy tale. Sometimes in our lives, you just don’t get what you want. But don’t let the failure or disappointment hold you back. Learn to let go and accept who you are, you will find the life more beautiful than before.