Experiencing Interruptions?

Willingly Into Darkness

A young actress with a blossoming theatre career is unexpectedly visited by a person from her past. Fighting to hold back the emotions she had locked away for so long, things start to unravel and the secret she thought she had buried may push her back into the darkness.

  • Michelle Kaumeyer Hoffman
    Director
  • Michelle Kaumeyer Hoffman
    Writer
  • Michael Baker
    Writer
  • Michelle Kaumeyer Hoffman
    Producer
    Because I Love You
  • Daniella Molfino
    Co-Producers
    Because I Love You
  • Kaden Buchanan
    Co-Producers
  • Hannah Jane Jennings
    Key Cast
    "Grace"
    I'm Not Nice
  • Robyn Needham
    Key Cast
    "Mother"
  • Lanie Taylor
    Key Cast
    "Hayley Ann"
  • Manny Santana
    Key Cast
    "Director"
  • Hannah Hoffman
    Key Cast
    "Stagehand"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 11, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    9,000 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:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Michelle Kaumeyer Hoffman

Michelle Kaumeyer Hoffman, writer/director, is an emerging filmmaker, based in Dallas, TX. She was born in Los Angeles where much of her family currently resides. She also lived in Chicago, IL for nearly 12 years.

Michelle has a background in journalism and marketing, and has spent many years as a writer and producer of commercials, corporate videos, and interactive digital media. She has a MBA, and took Producing/ Filmmaking classes at New York Film Academy.

A natural storyteller, Michelle began writing short stories several years ago before recently turning some into scripts. She was inspired to enter filmmaking by her late uncle who was part of the Directors Guild of America (DGA).

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Director Statement

Filmmaking has been my passion since I was a kid. I would write and direct my own plays and commercials for my family. I aspired to be in the film industry. I knew it was a perfect fit for me. But, anxiety and fear of failure (much like the lead character) took me down a totally different, yet parallel path than I had originally imagined. The great thing is, I am here now and excited to be making films!

Willingly Into Darkness is loosely based on scenarios I have experienced throughout my life. I have spent a great deal of time in the theatre world as I am on the board of directors for a children's theatre in North Texas. I have seen many young people put so much pressure on themselves to try and achieve perfection. Anxiety, depression, and paranoia plague their lives. I felt it was important to tell this story.

I have partnered with some of the best independent filmmakers to help bring this to the screen. Approximately 70% of our cast and crew are female. Our team hails from New York, Ohio, New Jersey, California, and of course, Texas!