Private Project

Save All Who Dare

"Save All Who Dare" is a poetic film that asks the question of what truly is right or wrong during a time of crisis. A timely yet timeless piece that follows the journey of two members of a cult questioning their faith, their leaders, themselves, and what the consequences would be. An allegory for our current political and pandemic climate.
“...is walking away braver than a last stand?”

  • Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow
    Director
  • Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow
    Writer
  • Gretchen Mahkorn
    Producer
  • Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow
    Producer
  • Ross Crain
    Key Cast
    "Man"
  • Gretchen Mahkorn
    Key Cast
    "Woman"
  • Joshua Handrich
    Director of Photography
  • Jacob Handrich
    Original Score
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 14, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    Honorable Mention
  • London International Monthly Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    Special Mention
  • Niagara Falls International Short Festival
    Niagara Falls, NY
    United States
    Official Selection Spring 2021
  • Twister Alley Film Festival
    Woodward, OK
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Toronto International Women Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    Official Selection
  • AltFF Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    Semi-Finalist - Short Films
  • AltFF Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    Nomination Best Director North America Short Films - Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow
  • AltFF Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    Nomination Best Actress North America Short Films - Gretchen Mahkorn
Director Biography - Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow

Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow (Director/Writer/Co-Producer) – holds a BFA in Theatre and an MA in English from the U. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she is currently based. She has practiced as a dramaturg in Theatre for nearly a decade. Her career includes the creation and development of new theatrical works. In addition, she as acted as an assistant director and producer on numerous theatre productions. Her bridge into filmmaking includes training at PA Academy with Atlanta Film Society and her own independent study behind the lens. She has worked with film festivals in Wisconsin and Chicago. "Save All Who Dare" marks her filmmaking directorial debut with the aim of addressing the various existential difficulties of the current moment in a poetic manner.
www.ErikaKZ.com

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Director Statement

"Save All Who Dare" questions the nature of faith when our deeply held convictions are challenged, inspired by the difficult questions I grappled with after being raised in a strict religious environment.
The text is designed to balance lyrical, otherworldly dialogue with universal feelings. The simplistic imagery is designed to juxtapose between the two timelines of conversation. The original score, composed by Jacob Handrich, was conceived as being two interwoven songs colliding by the end of the film.
The concept of the film was a collaborative effort of the artists involved. It stemmed from our feelings around the current state of our world – the political climate, pandemic, and the idea of community leaders vs. the individual. A timeless poetic piece that asks more questions than answers.
I desired to challenge myself as a director both practically and artistically. The time crunch and restrictions of production was a limit that had to be creatively worked within. The more abstract nature of the ideas presented of the film was a challenge to both ask important questions while remaining accessible to audiences.