Private Project

White Elephant

Dani prepares for a cheerful White Elephant gift exchange at her childhood home’s final Christmas gathering. As the night goes on, her carefully crafted façade begins to crack, revealing hidden tensions and dark secrets she can no longer avoid.

  • MacKenzie Jae Caines-Balogh
    Director
  • MacKenzie Jae Caines-Balogh
    Writer
  • MacKenzie Jae Caines-Balogh
    Producer
  • Ananyaa Bhardwaj
    Producer
  • Quinlan J. Sullivan IV
    Producer
  • Lindsey Newton
    Key Cast
    "Dani"
  • Juliana Leonardis
    Key Cast
    "Maeve"
  • Aidan Hupper
    Key Cast
    "Logan"
  • Liam Thomas
    Key Cast
    "Axel"
  • Ruby Westhoff
    Key Cast
    "Francesca"
  • Ananyaa Bhardwaj
    Assistant Director
  • Thomas Chadwick
    Second Assistant Director
  • Quinlan J. Sullivan IV
    Director of Photography
  • Alec Maskell
    Gaffer
  • Tyler Gorman
    Sound Mixer
  • Addy Tetaj
    Key Grip
  • Tyler Rockwell
    Boom Op/Grip
  • Stephanie Patella
    Set Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 12, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Sacred Heart University
Director Biography - MacKenzie Jae Caines-Balogh

A passionate filmmaker pursuing an MFA in Film & Television at Sacred Heart University, with experience managing equipment, social media, and events as a Graduate Assistant. I've filled roles such as AD, DOP, Producer, Director, and Editor. At Western Connecticut State University, I created videos highlighting diverse programs and organisations, earning accolades like the Khalda Logan Media Award and an Award of Excellence. Committed to crafting impactful, visually compelling content.

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