Although the tunnel is long and dark, in the distance there is still light. Follow it...

Labyrinth of a Torn Out Heart

A psychological drama short film about a young man trapped in comatose as his subconscious is split into two beings who wage a battle between the comforts of innocent dream and the painful truth of waking reality, haunted by guilt of the woman they’ve lost and guided by memory and passion for life as they traverse their indifference of how to move on, whether is it better to dream or to wake.

A BFA Thesis production from Columbia College Chicago.

Synopsis

An internal battle ensues between two sides of the subconscious mind of a boy trapped in a comatose state after an unknown accident that had resulted in the loss of their loved one, HEATHER. 

One part of the mind fights to wake up, even in the face of what they’d lose in the real world, even while they’re seen as THE MONSTER. While the other, THE PRESERVER, dreams of a liminal world of nostalgia and preservation, where Heather is still with them, and nothing has to go wrong.  

The two cannot coexist with their opposing plans, resulting in the destruction of this liminal dreamscape, unveiling painful truths and harsh realities in order to proceed with the boy's journey from loss and overcoming.

Mission Statement 

Grief can take shape in many ways, and in many ways can it change you. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to grieving and processing what you’ve lost, and it is especially so when you’re unsure of the path that awaits ahead of you. Through dynamic and experimental visuals depicting the dreamworld, our goal with this film is to tell a raw and genuine story of true heartbreak and a journey through turmoil to acceptance.

About The Director 

Osvaldo Cornejo Jr. is a Mexican American aspiring film director who is currently attending his third year at Columbia College Chicago for a BFA in Film & Television. He hopes to create emotionally impactful and engaging psychological  stories that expand on the beauties and complexities of our human minds. Osvaldo Cornejo has a passion for creating and finding images to feelings that can be difficult to put into words, that leaves the audience thinking on how these stories reflect their own shadows and understandings of themselves.

Director's Statement 

My goal with this story is to tell a manifestation of a state of limbo that exists in between the past and the future of personal catastrophe- and the internal battle dealing with the guilt and grief that comes with loss.

This film had originated in a strange and difficult point in my life where I felt absolutely stuck, like I couldn’t bring myself to move forward and entrapped myself with the mundane and melancholy.

I want to portray the dramatics of the reality of such feelings of being torn between action and rest, a complicated future and the comfort of the past, which in turn leads to inaction.            - Osvaldo Cornejo Jr. 

How the Funds Support the Film  

Labyrinth of a Torn-out Heart is a BFA short-film project that places a strong emphasis on the Art Department and Set Construction.

The story takes place in a dreamlike, theatrical environment that requires the creation of multiple detailed spaces, such as a living room, dining room, hospital room, prison, and more. With the help of your donations, our team can construct a beautiful and vivid set that would immerse you into a real life dream!

Costume Design and Prop Design are other major roles in our film, as we plan to create ravishing and dramatic pieces for each of our distinct characters, including an elegant yet haunting look for Heather, a proper and regal look for The Preserver, and a grotesque and nightmarish look for The Monster.

In addition, funds will be used to compensate our cast for their time, as well as providing catering and crafty services throughout every day of the preparation and production to our entire team for their hard work and dedication.

Supporting the people who help bring this film to life is a priority to us, and we want to give back to the team whose commitment and passion make this film possible!

Follow us on Instagram! And share this everywhere with everyone! Thank you again for your interest and support, and we are excited to share this journey with you!