Sanctuary

Priya, an exceptional yet dangerously obsessive pianist at Berklee School of Music, cannot fathom how her senior showcase assignment—to compose a piece that encapsulates her greatest fear—misses the mark, according to the unorthodox Professor Argerich. While she struggles to find where she went wrong, isolating herself in a practice room, we learn about the painful reasons Priya became a pianist. It isn’t until her four years estranged mother, Lakshmi, reaches out that Priya understands where her true fear really lies. “Sanctuary” shows how true artistry and vulnerability often go hand-in-hand.

“Sanctuary” is a senior capstone project I wrote, directed, produced, and edited during my time at the University of Michigan! It is currently in post-production and will soon be submitted to festivals.

Shoot Duration: 11 Days

Genre: Coming of age, Psychological Thriller, Melodrama, Family, Musical Drama

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CREDITS

Written, Directed, and Edited by Ella McKenzie

Starring: Sriamsha Dubakka as Priya, Ms. Niveditha Priyadarshini as Lakshmi, Michelle Feneberg as Professor Argerich, and Grace Monaca as Young Priya

Produced by: Caroline Maier and Ella McKenzie

Music by: Quinn McMath (not shown in teaser)

Director of Photography & Camera Operator: Nicole Delong

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Follow our Instagram @sanctuarymovie to keep up with post-production and festival submissions!

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All on-set stills below captured by Stefan Petrimichl | ashtewan.com