Our Film

Dive into the story and vision that brings our film to life.

We’re tackling the question of human creativity through our short film about a young artist who is tempted to shortchange the creative process in the face of relatable life pressures after his girlfriend asks him to make her a painting.

The question of human creativity is more relevant now than it ever has been. With AI art tools being so accessible to the average artist, there is a much easier path to completing creative tasks--and this use of AI to create often overflows into the creative work itself.

With this in mind, my friend Liam Siegler and I have set out to make a short film that follows the story of a young artist, Marcus, who faces these questions about art and the creative process when his girlfriend asks him to make her a painting. Like many artists, Marcus feels pressure from all sides as he struggles with his own desires to be professional painter. Our film, 'Poiesis' explores the implications of identity, ambition, technology, and love, and how they relate to the creative endeavor.

About Poiesis

Poiesis follows the story of a young artist who faces a central question: why create? When Marcus’ girlfriend asks him to make a painting for her, he is confronted with the dual threat of both compromise and despair. His anxieties come to the forefront, including his identity as an artist. In the face of temptations to subvert and give up the creative process, will he relent? Poiesis explores the implications of identity, ambition, technology, and love, and how they relate to the creative endeavor.

The title for our film, ‘Poiesis’, comes from an ancient Greek word that means “the act of creation or making”. This word was chosen intentionally. In a world where the very act of creating is threatened by things like artificial intelligence, consumerism, and cynicism, we want to tell a story that invites our audience to reconsider what makes creativity good. What should make us want to create? Why should we reject the myriad of temptations to compromise and despair - things that ultimately undermine and discourage the creative endeavor?

Rather than directly give the answers to these questions, Poiesis tells a story about an artist experiencing many of the same issues modern artists face today. Our goal is for this film to be relatable, down-to-earth, and thought-provoking.

I don’t know. I have this image. I just want to capture it in a bottle. Paint it. But right now it’s just a bunch of scattered pieces floating inside my mind.

"

How you can partner with us

Quality filmmaking matters to us. Our goal is to tell this story through compelling acting, editing, cinematography, sound design, and music. We believe the experience of the viewer with our film will largely depend on how well they engage with the content. But to make that happen, we need your help.

To pay actors, a composer, and a sound designer, we are looking to raise $5,000.

If you would like to partner with us and help make this film a reality, we kindly ask for your support.

Anyone who partners with us will receive:

Email updates

Behind-the-scenes content

Their name in the credits of the film

Businesses that contribute more than $100 will have their business logo and name featured in the credits.

Partners who donate $500 or more will be named as an associate producer.

Any contributions will be secure. All money fundraised for Poiesis will be used directly for the creation and distribution of this film.

We are passionate about telling stories that will make people think, and believe Poiesis has the potential to stimulate important dialogue on creativity and what it means for us today. I hope you will consider joining us in making this film!

Give Towards the Film

Concept Art

Visual glimpses into our film's world.

A detailed sketch of the film's main character standing in a misty forest.

Concept art showing the futuristic cityscape at dusk with glowing neon lights.

A hand-drawn map outlining the key locations featured in the story.

An atmospheric painting of the film's climactic battle scene under a stormy sky.