Parallel Lives (Proof of Concept)

The lives of two seemingly unrelated people struggling with mental illness become eerily intertwined.

  • Stephanie Kirves
    Director
  • Stephanie Kirves
    Writer
  • Stephanie Kirves
    Producer
  • Stephanie Kirves
    Key Cast
    "Sam Greene/Ava"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 13 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 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:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Stephanie Kirves

Stephanie Kirves is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Best known for her strong emotional performances in horror films as a "scream queen", she has recently found an equal passion working behind the camera. Founder of film company Parallel Lives Pictures, she seeks to utilize cinema to explore issues she is passionate about - namely destigmatizing mental illness and combatting the ecological crisis. Stephanie's films are known for their carefully crafted symbolic storylines, complex characters, and unique experimental visuals. Stephanie is known for simultaneously writing, directing, producing, and acting in her own projects - a rising quadruple threat!

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Director Statement

This film was shot as a proof of concept for my award-winning feature script, "Parallel Lives". "Parallel Lives" is a powerful, character-driven story that takes a deep-dive into the resonating impacts of mental illness and trauma. Through symbolism and engaging, experimental imagery, I hope to both showcase an engaging mystery that keeps the audience on their toes, and bring to life the authentic stories of those who live with mental illness - in order to fight the stigma that constantly bombards those who suffer in silence. Many of the emotions present in this story stem from my own battles with mental illness, and it was a truly cathartic experience that helped me to heal throughout the writing process. Enjoy this introduction into the lives of Sam and Alan (and their mysterious doppelgängers) and stay tuned for the mystery to unravel in our upcoming feature production!