THIS LAND IS CURSED
by Jilian Sobrino
Charles Town, West Virginia | Short Film / Drama, Romance
Somewhere in West Virginia, three teenage girls navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. When emotions run high, their idyllic summer takes an unexpected turn – challenging their bond.
MAKE A PLEDGE
OR CLICK ON IT
*every backers will receive a copy of the film once it’s completed.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This Land Is Cursed tells the story of three teenage girls navigating love and friendship in West Virginia. As a filmmaker from Appalachia, I’m telling this story now to amplify overlooked and underrepresented voices. It’s a film for anyone who’s ever felt both out of place and rooted to home.
THE STORY
This Land Is Cursed is set during a sweltering summer in the heart of West Virginia, where the river holds secrets, and every moment feels like it could last forever—or shatter in an instant.
The story begins with a group of friends - Devin, Cherry, and Ollie - in the midst of a melancholic August. Devin finds herself entangled in a romance with a boy that shares the same name as her. As the relationship unfolds, Devin begins to question her own emotions and the nature of love.
The narrative weaves through moments of joy, embarrassment, and heartbreak as the girls grapple with their desires and confront the harsh realities of adolescence. Amidst it all, an unexpected turn of events prompts the girls to confront the mortality and the transient nature of their teenage years.
Growing up as a brown girl in West Virginia was a journey filled with contradictions. The isolation of the mountains often felt suffocating, and yet, there was a strange comfort in it—a quiet clarity that came from the river and untouched landscapes. At times, it felt like the mountains were alive, listening to my hopes, fears, and questions when no one else could. That duality—the difficulty of existing in a place that also offers a sense of grounding—has stayed with me and serves as the emotional backbone of This Land Is Cursed.
This story is important because it challenges the stereotypes that often define West Virginia in the cultural imagination. Appalachia is far more than its caricatures, and to undo those damaging narratives, we need to amplify voices that have been historically underrepresented. By telling a story about identity, love, and friendship through the lens of young women of color, This Land Is Cursed seeks to redefine what it means to belong in a place like this. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt out of place yet tethered to the land they call home.
This Land Is Cursed will be shot on 16mm film, lending the story a tactile, nostalgic quality that mirrors the fleeting nature of adolescence. The grain and texture of film bring a sense of intimacy and nuance, perfectly complementing the raw emotions of growing up.
Through natural light and muted tones, we aim to immerse viewers in a world that feels both personal and universal. This is a story of self-discovery, connection, and the abrupt, unknowing end of youth—told with honesty and sensitivity to its transformative power.
The budget for This Land Is Cursed is thoughtfully designed to ensure every aspect of the production is supported while maintaining financial responsibility. Every detail has been carefully planned to bring our vision to life, from supporting our talented cast and crew to securing the tools and resources needed to craft a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. We’ve also included a contingency fund to cover any unforeseen expenses, ensuring we stay on schedule and deliver a polished final product.
Wardrobe & Makeup ($350): Styling to enhance the characters and bring authenticity to every frame.
Catering & Transportation ($2,855): Meals and transportation to keep our hardworking team energized and on the move.
Post-Production & Distribution ($1,180): Editing, sound design, and festival submissions to ensure the film reaches its audience.
Contingency & Overhead Costs ($4,524): A safety net for unforeseen expenses to keep the production on track and on budget.
Cast & Crew ($18,050): Fair compensation for the talented professionals who will bring this story to life.
Equipment Rentals ($6,200): High-quality cameras, lenses, and lighting to capture the beauty and rawness of the story on 16mm film.
Production Design ($1,050): Creating an authentic, immersive world that reflects the heart of Appalachia.
This Land Is Cursed is more than just a short film—it’s the first step in a larger journey. We’re treating this project as a proof of concept for a feature-length film, and this is just the beginning of bringing our vision to life on a broader scale.
We are committed to being mindful and intentional about where we submit this short. We want this film to go where it will be truly seen—festivals that champion underrepresented voices and have created space for stories like ours. We’re not just submitting a film; we’re opening a conversation, building a bridge, and inviting people to experience a world they might not otherwise know.
Creating This Land Is Cursed is a labor of love, but bringing our vision to life requires your support.
PLEDGE to our campaign–every contribution, no matter the size, gets us closer to creating something meaningful and memorable.
FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook @ThisLandIsCursedFilm to stay connected and join our growing community–and follow this page for updates!
LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE our posts to help amplify our story.
Share the love with these pre-written messages!
I’m so excited to support @ThisLandIsCursedFilm, a beautiful story about love, friendship, and self-discovery set in the heart of Appalachia. Join @jillysobrino in bringing this story to life. Support now: https://www.insouciantfilms.com/thislandiscursed
I just pledged to @ThisLandIsCursedFilm, a powerful exploration of youth, love, and identity in Appalachia. Please consider supporting and sharing: https://www.insouciantfilms.com/thislandiscursed
By telling a story about identity, love, and friendship through the lens of a young woman of color in Appalachia, @ThisLandIsCursedFilm is a story for anyone who has ever felt out of place yet tethered to the land they call home. This story is long overdue and needs your support: https://www.insouciantfilms.com/thislandiscursed
@ThisLandIsCursed is a beautiful, honest film about love, loss, and self-discovery. Support now: https://www.insouciantfilms.com/thislandiscursed
support the film
*every bakers will receive a copy of the film once it’s completed.