SINGULARITY
Short Film
Project Type: Short Film
Project Status: Pre-Production
Director: Nick Brengle
Composer: Tyler Will
Producer and Director of Photography: Othello Banaci Lead Actor: Alli Smalley
Lead Actor: Rain Diaz
LOGLINE
In a post-tech-boom world, a woman returns to her estranged family’s farm to settle her father’s affairs, only to uncover unsettling truths about her robot brother and the haunting legacy of her mother’s tragic past.
SYNOPSIS
Evelyn, a woman in her early 40s, returns to her family's isolated farm in rural Virginia after the death of her estranged father. The farm, once a place of bittersweet memories, now holds secrets that blur the line between life and technology. Upon her arrival, she is greeted by her brother Alan, a humanoid robot who was created by her father. ‘
As Evelyn spends time on the farm, she is forced to confront the fractured memories of her family’s past. Through a series of surreal and unsettling experiences, including drinking a psychedelic tea that Alan administers, Evelyn relives moments from her childhood—moments that reveal the full extent of her father's technological experiments, which cost her family dearly. The story delves into themes of identity, mortality, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
It raises questions about the human soul and what it means to be truly alive. As Evelyn uncovers the truth about her father's final years and his unyielding quest to merge man with machine.?
MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Singularity seeks to express the deep intersection of technology and human existence, using a grounded yet surreal allegory to reflect on memory, mortality, and identity. With the rise of artificial intelligence and digital consciousness, the film raises urgent questions about what it means to be human.
Our goal is to bring this story to life with a carefully crafted visual language, practical effects, and a tone that evokes the weight of nostalgia and the fear of losing oneself to technology.
This is a story for our time, one that explores the boundaries of what is real, what is artificial, and what it means to be alive. Singularity is a timely and relevant story that will resonate with audiences who are grappling with the rapid pace of technological change. The film's themes of identity, memory, mortality, and the search for meaning in a technological world are more relevant than ever.
Meet The Filmmakers
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Nick Brengle
Director
Nick Brengle is a visionary cinematographer and filmmaker renowned for his creative prowess and innovative approach to visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the essence of every scene, Nick has carved a niche for himself in the world of filmmaking. His work is characterized by its emotive depth, striking use of natural light, and the ability to bring stories to life in a visually compelling manner. Whether he is working on narrative films, documentaries, or commercials, Nick's dedication to his craft and his commitment to excellence shine through in every frame. His versatility and expertise have made him a sought-after talent in the industry, and his projects often reflect a unique blend of technical skill and artistic sensibility. Nick Brengle continues to push the boundaries of cinematography, consistently delivering impactful and memorable visual experiences.
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Othello Banaci
DP/Cinematographer
A Liberian-American filmmaker and photographer based in Washington, DC. Known for his composition, clean aesthetic, and passion for human rights, he creates space for people to share their stories with compassion and grace. Recent credits include the Emmy-winning HBO documentary 38 at the Garden, the Paramount+ documentary Lynching Postcards ‘Token of a Great Day," and the Yale & Slavery Research Project. Most importantly, he is grateful for the blessings and connections with the PEOPLE behind all the brands and to God for his grace.
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Tyler Will
Composer
A Seneca, SC based composer for various forms of media. He has scored for a wide variety of projects, from short films, trailers, and video games. Recent credits include a trailer for the upcoming Skyrim Mod, Odyssey of the Dragonborn, as well as the in-game music for A Tale of Blood and Snow and Legacy of the Dragonborn. He believes in the extraordinary power of music to connect viewers to the world they experience, regardless of the medium, and uses the beauty of nature, coupled with how humans interact with it, as his motivation for writing.
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Rain Diaz
Lead Actor
Rain is an actor and model based in Philadelphia. A Graduate of Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, he played the character Sam in the short film titled Sugar (directed by Evan Galiffa) for which he earned the award of Best Actor in a US Short at the Jim Thorpe Film Festival (2022) and Best Actor in a US Drama in the HangOntoYourShorts film Festival (2022). He most recently performed as Trevor in The Play That Goes Wrong with 1812 Productions in Philadelphia last December. He also has experience performing live theatre at renowned venues such as People’s Light Theatre Co., City Theatre, The Kimmel Center, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, and The Mann Music Center of Performing Arts.
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Alli Smalley
Lead Actor
Alli is an actor and writer with a passion for telling character-driven stories. A Meisner-trained actor, Alli brings playfulness and presence to all the roles she portrays. She graduated from the William Esper Studio in 2024 and prior to that, completed short courses in the UK at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She’s studied improv with the Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC and loves teaching and working with young children when not acting. Before acting, Alli worked as an operations manager, video game writer, and content strategist in cities all over the world, from Buenos Aires to London.
Your Help
SINGULARITY is a fiscally sponsored project of Cinematography for Actors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation will be tax-deductible!