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 this summer (2026) in the Los Angeles area.

  • DWW+ participants are responsible for doing their own fundraising, so every contribution to this film is crucial to its success.

    Making this film will take a team of hired professionals and services — funding will go towards insurance and city permits, rented equipment, wages for crew members, costumes, props, and much more.

    If you are donating to the film and would like to see a budget breakdown, please email us. We are happy to share and want to foster transparency.

  • Because AFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donation to this film is likely tax deductible.

    Please verify this with your financial professional.

  • AFI can also accept donations via paper check and wire. We’re happy to help you donate offline.

    Apart from financial contributions, we also really appreciate in-kind donations of production services, equipment, food, etc. Please send us an email to discuss further.

  • Because AFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they are eligible for employer matching gift programs.

    Matching gifts programs are an amazing way to double (or triple) your impact!

    Please reach out so we can help make sure the funds reach our specific project.

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