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Jellyfishes

Jayde and her brother Ryan celebrate Jayde’s 21st birthday on a boating trip until things get a little out of hand. As the older brother, Ryan feels the responsibility to keep his sister safe while she has a good time. However, Jayde’s carelessness out at sea pays the full consequence as she becomes the jellyfish who hurts those who are close to her. Jayde’s story raises awareness for the importance of ocean safety and drowning prevention.

  • Evan Fujimoto
    Director
  • Evan Fujimoto
    Writer
  • Jaslyn Loftin
    Writer
  • Bryce Pedersen
    Writer
  • Evan Fujimoto
    Producer
  • Jaslyn Loftin
    Producer
  • Jade Young
    Key Cast
    "Jayde"
  • Ryan Young
    Key Cast
    "Ryan"
  • Keanu Pascua
    Key Cast
    "Lifeguard"
  • Carina Pelletier
    Key Cast
    "Drowning Victim"
  • Jaslyn Loftin
    Key Cast
    "Funeral Friend 1"
  • Bryce Pedersen
    Key Cast
    "Funeral Friend 2"
  • Ryu Yamane
    Key Cast
    "Funeral Friend 3"
  • Evan Fujimoto
    Key Cast
    "Newscaster"
  • Bryce Pedersen
    Director of Photography
  • Ryu Yamane
    Underwater Photography
  • Nick Yee
    Aerial Photography
  • Evan Fujimoto
    Editor
  • Jaslyn Loftin
    Production Assistant
  • Dakota Meleisea
    Production Assistant
  • Carina Pelletier
    Production Assistant
  • Project Type:
    Music Video
  • Genres:
    Drama, Electronic
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 53 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 4, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    900 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 - Evan Fujimoto

Evan Fujimoto was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he graduated with a degree in biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He gained interest in film production during college, and upon graduation began working as a freelance commercial filmmaker for local businesses. During the quarantine of 2020, Fujimoto learned how to produce electronic music and released his debut original song, “Jellyfishes” under his stage name, “ETRNL.” He went on to write, direct, edit, and produce the accompanying “Jellyfishes” music video about ocean safety awareness. Though this is only the first original film under his direction, he plans to continue to combine his music and film entities and create films that raise awareness for prevalent issues in the community.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My fatherʻs friend nearly drowned during a boating trip; He passed out while leaning over the side of the boat and fell into the water, unconscious. If it werenʻt for my father being able to pull him back into the boat, he would not be alive today. His story inspired me to base the ‘Jellyfishes’ music video plot around raising awareness for ocean safety.

Drowning, both physically and emotionally, is a real issue around the world especially in coastal areas. I wanted the themes within the film to revolve around this concept, so I created a dark and emotional narrative of what could happen if someone is reckless at sea. At this point, the situation is not only dangerous to one’s self but also to other people who are trying to protect them. Thus, the ʻjellyfishʻ becomes the perfect symbol for carelessness as jellyfishes can hurt those that are close to them. Her actions lead to physical drowning as she attempts to escape emotional drowning--the burden of loss that weighs her down throughout the film.

Although this story is fictitious, it is based on a true story. Something as insignificant as leaning over the side of the boat can instantly change someone’s life on the ocean. I hope this film resonates with people to raise awareness for ocean safety and drowning prevention.