Help Bring a Gothic Masterpiece to the Modern Day

Hello, we’re the team of student filmmakers behind “The Cask of Amontillado,” a gothic horror short film based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic and haunting short story. Set in the modern day, it follows a scorned employee of a powerful company and his relationship with the CEO. Turned vengeful and angry due to his boss’s past actions, the protagonist vows revenge against him at any cost, although he also must maintain the charade that the two of them are still as good friends as ever. The film explores the nature of vengeance and betrayal and how past injustices can lead people to do whatever it takes to correct them.

Our writer/director Ethan Kozo chose to adapt this story because of the character of Fortunato, renamed Richard Preen in the film—a powerful, influential figure who claims a superior intellect and views himself as untouchable. It’s a timeless archetype that feels all too relevant today. By updating Poe’s work for modern times, Ethan aims to show how figures like this are still prevalent in our society, with some of the richest and most powerful people overexerting their influence over the rest of the world, whether or not we have a say in the matter

This project is our way of shedding light on this dynamic through a story that has captivated readers for generations. Your support will help us create a short film that speaks to the issues of power and influence that remain as relevant now as they were in Poe’s time. The cast and crew have been a fan of his since we were young studying his work in school, and we are so excited for the chance to bring one of his iconic stories to life.

Ethan, our producer Manuel Rubio and our crew are requesting a budget of $2,500, which will be put into catering, props, production design, paying our cast, and submitting to festivals. We have an incredible crew for this project who are all equally excited to get into production, and we would really appreciate your support. Thank you so much for helping us bring this chilling and timeless tale to life.