Private Project

Violet Butterfield: Makeup Artist for the Dead

"Violet Butterfield" weaves a captivating narrative centered around a unique protagonist—an enigmatic mortician beautician who goes beyond the ordinary realms of her profession. Set in the eerie yet alluring atmosphere of her mortuary, the story follows Violet as she anticipates a calm and uneventful evening.
However, her expectations are quickly shattered when a new client enters her macabre domain. What unfolds is a revelation that challenges conventional notions of existence and self-expression. As Violet engages with her visitor, she unveils a profound truth—some individuals believe that their truest and most authentic life can only be lived posthumously.
Through its darkly groovy aesthetic and unconventional premise, "Violet Butterfield" delves into the complexities of personal identity, the pursuit of self-actualization, and the transformative power of embracing one's true nature. It invites viewers to question societal norms and reflect on the boundaries of living an authentic life, even in the face of mortality.

  • Brooke H. Cellars
    Director
    The Chills, Pumpkyn, Halloween Candy. Ivy, The Chills Part 2
  • Brooke H. Cellars
    Writer
    Pumpkyn, The Chills, The Chills Part 2, Ivy
  • Brooke H. Cellars
    Producer
  • Madeleine Yawn
    Producer
    Halloween Candy, The Chills Part 2
  • Michelle Colón
    Key Cast
    "Violet Butterfield"
  • Martini Bear
    Key Cast
    "Shirley Temple Tantrum"
  • Trevor Chapman
    Key Cast
    "Marvin"
  • Wicken Taylor
    Key Cast
    "Commercial Spokesperson"
  • Levi Porter
    Director of Photography
    The Chills, Halloween Candy, Pumpkyn, The Chills Part 2
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 43 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Super 16mm Film
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.66;1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Southern Screen Film Festival
    Lafayette, Louisiana
    United States
    November 13, 2022
    World Premiere
  • Final Girls Berlin Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    February 2, 2023
    European Premiere
    Winner Audience Award
  • Renegade Film Festival
    Marietta, Ga
    March 4, 2023
    Best Art Direction
  • Overlook Film Festival
    New Orleans, Louisiana
    April 2, 2023
    Audience Award, Best Short Film
  • Salem Horror Fest
    Salem, Massachusetts
    April 30, 2023
  • Portland Horror Fest
    Portland, Oregon
    June 11, 2023
    Abby Normal Award
  • Warped Witch Film Festival
    Lafayette, Louisiana
    United States
    May 6, 2023
    Special Screening
  • Boomtown Music and Film Festival
    Beaumont, Texas
    United States
    May 13, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Houston Horror Film Festival
    Houston, Texas
    United States
    August 12, 2023
    Official Selection (Best Director Nomination)
  • Camp Horror Film Festival
    Missoula, Missouri
    United States
    August 25, 2023
    Official Selection
  • GenreBlast

    September 2, 2023
  • Women's Film Festival
    Philadelphia, Pa
    September 22, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Pride Acadiana: Queer Film Festival
    Lafayette, Louisiana
    June 3, 2023
Director Biography - Brooke H. Cellars

Brooke (she/they) is an accomplished filmmaker who has received recognition for her outstanding work. Holding a BA in Moving Image Arts from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. With a focus on the horror genre, Brooke has written and directed a portfolio of seven short films, including the highly regarded "Violet Butterfield: Makeup Artist for the Dead."

Brooke's passion for horror storytelling dates back to her childhood, where she would immerse herself in writing captivating tales of terror. It was a lifelong dream of hers to become a filmmaker, but it wasn't until the age of 37 that she finally had the opportunity, support, and self-assurance to direct her first short film. Since then, she has demonstrated her versatility as a filmmaker by taking on various roles in both her own productions and others'.

Beyond her filmmaking endeavors, Brooke has made significant contributions to her community. She took the initiative to establish and independently manage Lafayette, Louisiana's first horror film festival. Moreover, her commitment to inclusivity and promoting diverse voices led her, alongside Wicken Taylor, to assume the co-chair position for the Pride Acadiana: Queer Film Festival, furthering the representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the film industry.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Our South Louisiana film team tries to promote diversity in front of as well as behind the camera. Our goal is to serve retro-inspired, unapologetic horror/comedy while bringing to the forefront those who aren’t usually recognized in the independent horror community, including women, BPOC, and the LGBTQ+ community. We pride ourselves on being a filmmaking team that is primarily fueled by women!