During a weekend at a remote cabin, a bullied teenager awakens a dark, vengeful spirit. As tensions rise between her and her cruel sister, she must confront both the malevolent force and her own inner strength, discovering newfound confidence as the cabin’s horrors unravel.

The story centers on the psychological and emotional impact of bullying and familial abuse, and how these experiences can deeply scar an individual.

The singular philosophical point being conveyed is that true empowerment comes from confronting one’s fears and reclaiming control over one’s own narrative, regardless of past trauma or external cruelty.

Through Mel’s journey, we learn that standing up to abuse—whether from family or external forces—requires both internal strength and the ability to break free from the victimization imposed by others. The supernatural element serves as a metaphor for the way trauma haunts, but also for how one can transform that pain into power. The story underscores the importance of breaking cycles of abuse and finding the courage to no longer let others define or control your self-worth.

In essence, the philosophical argument is about the choice between remaining a victim of your past or seizing your future by facing your deepest fears, no matter how overwhelming they seem.

 Writer / Producer – Yulia Arispe

Yulia is an American-Venezuelan producer with a Russian heritage. She discovered her passion for storytelling and filmmaking early and immigrated to the United States due to political instability in Venezuela.
After earning her first MFA from the New York Film Academy in Miami and driven by her dream of becoming a storyteller, Yulia moved to Los Angeles, graduating with honors with her second MFA in Producing.
She has directed and produced numerous films, which have been screened and awarded at several prestigious film festivals. Recently, produced by her drama Lost in Memories won the Immaculate Heart Award at the LA Shorts FF.
In June 2024, Yulia was awarded a WomenInFilm 2024 Fellowship in Physical Production.
Yulia is committed to creating films that entertain, deliver powerful messages and challenging perspectives, and contribute to a better world through the art of storytelling.

Cinematographer – Yves Arispe

Yves is a versatile filmmaker with a strong focus on cinematography, photography, and film coloring, complemented by a background in psychology.

He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and discovered his passion for cinema through early involvement in the feature film “Mom, I Can Do It.” After earning a psychology degree and fleeing political unrest in Venezuela, he moved to Miami, where he maintained close ties to the arts.

As a cinematographer and colorist, Yves has shot both in digital and film and has worked on multiple projects that have been screened at film festivals.  Starting from the bottom and working in different positions in G&E taught him a holistic approach to cinematography, greatly benefiting his ability to craft visually compelling stories.

Yves made his cinematography debut during the pandemic with the short film Waters, which screened at festivals and won several awards. Since then, he has contributed to films in different genres, adding his expertise and creative touch to each one.

Director – TBD

 

Director's statement

A DAY OF HOPE is a deeply personal and important project for me. I have lived through the trauma of domestic abuse and violence, and I understand the devastating effects that it can have on individuals. 

One of my primary goals with this film was to break down stereotypes and explore a middle/high class perspective on domestic violence. It is a pervasive issue that affects people from all walks of life, I wanted to show that domestic violence is not limited to any particular group or socioeconomic status, race or religion. It can happen to anyone, and it is important for us to recognize this fact in order to effectively address and combat this issue

As a survivor, I understand the importance of giving a voice to those who have experienced domestic violence. Through this film, I hope to raise awareness, help others understand the complexities of abusive relationships and to provide a message of hope and empowerment to those who have suffered from domestic violence, and to encourage them to seek help and support.