Experiencing Interruptions?

Virtual Living

LOGLINE: Kira, a VR programming genius, builds a world for her grandmother, suffering with Alzheimer’s, to live out her days. The only catch is, once she enters this virtual world, she can never come out.

Starring: William Stanford Davis (Abbott Elementary)

20 -year-old Kira is a programming genius , raised by her Grandma June. Roles have reversed and Kira finds herself as a programmer by day and caregiver by night. That is until she is forced to concede that her grandma needs constant care. As June’s health quickly deteriorates, Kira stumbles upon a way to help. She creates a virtual world for her grandmother to live a lucid and full life with her partner Frank. As things evolve, Kira discovers that in order for the VR world to successfully halt June’s deterioration, she must connect June permanently. The secret is found out and Kira is forced to face the authorities for her actions.

  • Brenda Zuniga
    Director
    Santa Teresa
  • Heather Long
    Writer
    Static
  • Alicia Marotto
    Writer
    Static
  • Alicia Marotto
    Producer
    Static, The Zero Theorem (Associate Producer)
  • Heather Long
    Producer
    Static
  • Brenda Zuniga
    Producer
    Santa Teresa
  • William Stanford Davis
    Key Cast
    "Frank"
    TV: Abbott Elementary (Mr. Johnson), Swagger, Ray Donovan, If Loving You Is Wrong, Snowpiercer, Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip, Lincoln Heights, Perry Mason, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Chicago Med, Criminal Minds, The Big Bang Theory, Ally McBeal, Touched By an Angel FILM: A Holiday Chance, Please Stand By, So B It,
  • Judith Scarpone
    Key Cast
    "June"
    TV: Brooklyn Nine- Nine, Hung, Dragnet, ER, Law & Order, Drew Carey Show, Ellen. FILM: God Save the Queen, Everybody Wants To Be Italian
  • Madison Pullman
    Key Cast
    "Kira"
    FILM" Foul Ball, Maggie In My Mind, Glimpses
  • Heather Long
    Key Cast
    "Detective Blatnik"
    TV: Brothers & Sisters, 24 , Haunted. FILM: Static, Best Fake Friends, Sketchbook, Faceless Man, Amnesia, Brad's Untitled Project
  • Chris Jones
    Key Cast
    "Jasper"
    TV: Pam & Tommy, American Horror Story, A Time To Kill, Dear White People, Unsolved; The Murders Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G., General Hospital. FILM: Echo Base, Two of Everything, To Leslie
  • Alicia Marotto
    Key Cast
    "Detective Palmini"
  • Tema Sall
    Key Cast
    "Officer Parker"
    TV: Tema Sall-Big Uke Energy, Life In Pieces, This WebSeries, Late Bloomer, Kevin From Work. FILM: The Miranda Murders,
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    drama, sci-fi
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 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
  • LA Shorts International Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    July 17, 2024
    North America
    Official Selection
  • Toronto Women Film Festival - Nominee
    Toronto
    Canada
    Nominee - Best Narrative Short
Director Biography - Brenda Zuniga

Brenda Zuniga is a Los Angeles native and daughter of Central American immigrants. She has established herself as a skilled director of photography in multiple genres and specializes in underwater cinematography. Her interest in art began at a very young age and she received her Bachelors degree from UCLA in Fine Arts and World Literature, and her Masters degree from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Having traveled the world as a cinematographer and volunteer for environmental causes, Brenda’s keen eye and warm heart bring a unique perspective to her style of filmmaking. Her background as an artist gives her a deep understanding of how to tell a story. Her recent credits include 'Abbott Elementary', 'Somebody, Somewhere', and 'Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted'.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The script for 'Virtual Living' caught my eye at first glance. I have a profound love for science fiction, fantasy and magical realism. Paired with the references to technology and our human connection (or disconnection) to the elderly population, the project was a dream to visualize. The film is not only about the reality of growing old but also about the way the technological world is constantly changing. And the moral dilemma that encircles everything.
Through the process of making this film I am constantly reminded of why I began working in the film industry. The collaboration with writers and fellow producers, Alicia Marotto and Heather Long, reminds me that a good product can be made with hard work and kindness.