Private Project

Falling Up

College student Davis clings joyfully to his childlike surroundings. Video games, stuffed animals, singing eggs - who could want anything more? He is content in his current stage of life, and has no intention of growing up, due to the notion that being an adult kind of sucks.
Therefore, when adulthood is literally delivered to his doorstep, Davis responds appropriately. He freaks out. In an effort to cope, Davis traverses through several examinations of change, innocence, and fear—all in a desperate effort to preserve his childhood.

  • Davis Cameron Chu
    Director
  • Davis Cameron Chu
    Writer
  • Aaron Connor
    Producer
  • Lauren Brooks
    Producer
  • Davis Cameron Chu
    Key Cast
  • Milana Scarlato
    Cinematographer
  • Payton Mack
    Production Design
  • Dan O'Shannon
    Executive Producer
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Music Video, Short, Student, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    35 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 4, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    4,500 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:
    Yes - Cleveland State University
  • Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival (2022)
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    August 13, 2022
    Best Writing, Best Editing, Best Acting
  • New York Lift-Off Film Festival (2022)
    New York, New York
    United States
    July 1, 2022
    Audience Choice
  • Buffalo International Film Festival (2022)
    Buffalo, New York
    United States
    October 8, 2022
    Best Student Film
  • Los Angeles Student Film Festival (2022)
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 13, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (2022)
    Athens
    Greece
    Special Mention
  • Short. Sweet. Film Fest. (2023)
    Cleveland, OH
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Cleveland Premiere
    Best Experimental Film
  • Allentown Film Festival (2023)
    Allentown, PA
    United States
    Honorable Mention
  • Austin Lift-Off Film Festival (2023)
    Austin, TX
    United States
    April 1, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Davis Cameron Chu

Davis Cameron Chu is a recent graduate of Cleveland State University, where he studied film and graphic design. He enjoys romantic dinners and long walks on the beach. Davis was born in New York City to parents David and Vanessa Chu and grew up in Cincinnati, OH, during which he learned the definition of Kentucky. Passions include writing, motion design, music, and other creative outlets.

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Director Statement

When you’re a kid, the act of growing up is as fascinating as it is dreadful. And from the perspective of many young adults, the grownup world is seldom a desirable destination.
It’s the fear of accepting responsibility compounded with the sense that, from here on out, everything is downhill. It’s the grieving at the end of an era. It’s the growing awareness of the world and all its follies. It’s weird and confusing and silly and stupid. And yet this transition is necessary.