Private Project

Universe 25

A mysterious entity holds human lab rats captive. With no hope of escape, they must confront the absurdity of their new existence.

  • David Tappan
    Director
  • Kelly Tappan
    Writer
  • David Tappan
    Writer
  • Andrew Reisfeld
    Producer
  • Juan Herrera
    Producer
  • David Tappan
    Producer
  • Victor Lord
    Producer
  • Kelly Tappan
    Key Cast
    "Mel"
  • Kalen Parrot
    Key Cast
    "Antonio"
  • Josephine Valentina Clark
    Key Cast
    "Manon"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    35,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - David Tappan

David Tappan is an award-winning director who's work spans the commercial, music video, documentary, and narrative film worlds. Tappan’s work has garnered attention and awards from film festivals nationwide, including the Cleveland International Film Festival.

With a fresh, surreal voice and keen eye for emotive storytelling, David Tappan is a director on the rise and definitely one to watch.

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Director Statement

Drawing on works similar to Albert Camus’ The Plague or Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, our one-room film was conceived as an existential dialogue.

People crave stability, yet the truth is that everything in life is transient. Universe 25 focuses on this basic human dilemma through an allegorical Sci Fi concept.

What if you were the subject of an experiment where everyone you met disappeared? What if this was guaranteed to happen every 30 days like clockwork? With nothing permanent to hold onto, how would you live your life?

"If we do not learn to perceive the mystery and beauty of our present life, our present hour, we shall not perceive the worth of any life, any hour" - Philip Kapleau