Synopsis

Bethany (8/9) is a shy, imaginative girl trying to find her way in a restrictive religious community. As she prepares for her upcoming baptism, she grapples with her faith, her fear of Hell, and what it is she truly believes.  

But everything changes when she meets Keri, a new addition to the community who brings fresh ideas and triggers feelings of love that Bethany knows are forbidden. As their friendship blossoms, Bethany must confront who she is, what she wants, and what that means for her eternal soul. 

Together, Bethany and Keri navigate the liminal space between belief and doubt, childhood and adolescence, fear and freedom.

See the full project deck here!

Visual Style

SURREAL

EXPANSIVE

NOSTALGIC

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Unfortunately this project is very important in our current political climate. Stories about “diverse” communities, including LGBTQ+ stories, are being implicated as DEI programs lose funding. Obergefell v. Hodges (which legalized gay marriage in 2015) was challenged in 2025, and will likely be under attack again with 2026 Supreme Court changes.

    Contributing to this project is an act of resistance; you are actively helping to us tell our LGBTQ+ story and boost representation.

  • We are filming in the Los Angeles area in the summer of 2026; we have specific dates assigned as part of the AFI DWW+ program.

  • Participants are responsible for fundraising, so every contribution to this film is hugely impactful. Your help makes this film possible!

    It’s helpful to think of a film like a small company; every dollar in the budget is used to rent equipment for the company, pay its workers, and more. We are hiring professionals and paying for services every step of the way — from buying insurance and city permits, to renting equipment, to paying wages for crew members, to buying costumes and props, etc.

    If you are donating to the film and would like to see a budget breakdown, please reach out via email. We are happy to share!

  • Because AFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donation to this film (made via the AFI portal) may be tax deductible.

    However, we aren’t able to confirm this for you, as we don’t know your individual tax situation. Please verify this with your financial professional.

  • AFI can also accept donations via check and wire. If you would like to donate offline, please reach out via email and we’ll make sure you have the info you need (ensuring that funds given reach this specific project).

    Apart from financial contributions, we are also (very) happy to accept in-kind donations from companies offering production services, equipment, and other applicable services or goods. Please send us an email if you would like to discuss further!

  • Because AFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they are eligible for most matching gifts programs from employers.

    If you intend to give to our project, but want your dollar to go further, matching gifts programs are an amazing way to double (or triple) your impact!

    Please reach out to let us know more, so we can make sure the funds reach our specific project at AFI.

What is AFI DWW+?

AFI DWW+ was first founded as the AFI Directing Workshop for Women in 1974 – a pioneering, tuition-free program and one of the first of its kind to champion emerging filmmakers.

Learn more