fiscal sponsorship
Floating Daisies
TYPE: Narrative Short
GENRE: Drama
STATUS: Pre-Production
LOGLINE
As the anniversary of her sister's death approaches, Charlie is unexpectedly confronted by her estranged mother's sudden reappearance, igniting a turbulent journey of confronting deep-seated grief and guilt.
SYNOPSIS
Charlie faces worry at her girlfriend's house when a revelation about her family's wealth sparks tension. Returning home, she confronts her estranged mother, Lily, stirring buried emotions. Delving into a poignant flashback of her sister's drowning, she reconciles with Grace, influenced by Lily's reassurance.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
Floating Daisies is an intimate portrayal of the complex dynamics between mother and daughter, inspired by my journey navigating adolescence burdened with adult responsibilities typically assigned to maternal figures. Through this narrative, we delve into the profound emotional weight and practical necessity I bore for my siblings. Driven by a deep-rooted belief in the abundance of talent within Jacksonville's artistic landscape, I am dedicated to bringing this poignant story to life through collaboration with our local community. By casting local talent and assembling a homegrown crew, we aim to authentically capture the essence of our city's spirit on screen. As a black, gay filmmaker hailing from Jacksonville, I am impassioned to contribute to our cultural tapestry by amplifying voices often sidelined in mainstream narratives. "Floating Daisies" serves as a vessel for these underrepresented voices, offering a platform for stories that resonate deeply within our diverse community. At its core, Floating Daisies serves as an allegory, suggesting a sense of fragility. I hope that the audience is left questioning the complexities of trauma and how it can affect everyday relationships.
KEY CREW
Michelle Calloway - Director
Michelle Calloway, a photographer and filmmaker based in Jacksonville, Florida, infuses her work with influences from her Midwest upbringing and her love for urban environments. Her storytelling is characterized by compassion, deep insight, and authenticity. After earning her art degree in Chicago, she explored set photography and ventured into the film industry, eventually landing a position as a full-time set photographer in Los Angeles. During her six years there, she also freelanced for various publications, films, and TV series. Michelle's dedication to her craft was recognized when she received the Community First Cares Foundation Cultural Council Grant in 2019, enabling her to complete her photographic project "Bold New South." She also had the opportunity to exhibit her work internationally and participate in prestigious exhibitions such as the Every Woman Biennial Group Exhibition in Los Angeles. With funding from various sources including grants from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the PNC Foundation, and Film Florida, as well as a successful Seed & Spark fundraising campaign, Michelle completed her latest short film, "Belle Isle," which premiered in the summer of 2023 under her production company, Lulah Films. Her upcoming film, "Tallulah Park," which she wrote, produced, and starred in, is currently in post-production. Michelle continues to make waves in the film industry, leaving her mark with her unique storytelling and artistic vision.
Gareth Paul Cox - Cinematographer
Gareth is a perceptive observer with a knack for translating life's complexities into emotionally charged screenplays. Collaborating closely with directors, he delves beneath characters' surfaces to infuse realism into their fabricated worlds. Not your conventional storyteller, Gareth's work motivates both audiences and critics alike, marked by his memorable compositions and beauty work on shows like MTV's "Siesta Key" and HBO's Emmy-winning "Hard Knocks." Recognized globally for his outstanding photography, Gareth's genuine nature, organization, and calm demeanor propel him toward outstanding projects. His raw talent, adaptability, and eye for interesting stories have taken him to locations such as Zanzibar, Fiji, Nicaragua, and Vietnam to name a few. Having started his life in England he and his family moved to Spain and eventually America while he was still a child. He is nomadic by nature but currently resides in Jacksonville, FL.
Dajiana Burroughs - Producer, Screenwriter, Actor
Dajiana, a native of Jacksonville, FL has always been captivated by the art of storytelling. She is currently in pre-production for a short film she wrote titled “Floating Daisies”, a poignant exploration of guilt and healing. The film follows a woman in a complete state of vivid depression on the eve of her sister’s death anniversary. The film is a reflection of Dajiana’s childhood and relationship with her own mother.
Over the years, Dajiana has garnered roles in acclaimed shows such as HBO's "Insecure" and Hulu's "PEN15."
She is currently residing in Jacksonville, FL as an active participant in local film. She was an Assistant Director in "Tallulah Park" and a PA in “Belle Isle” - both films produced by Lulah Films.
Connect With The Filmmakers:
ACCOLADES
Help promote my fundraising campaign
Put our donation widget on your website
The Gotham Film & Media Institute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding, developing and celebrating the people and projects that shape the future of story.