A drifter’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a runaway member of a survivalist cult in the back of his truck.
Year of production 2026 Length 19' CountryUSA/Philippines Shooting Format Digital Aspect Ratio 1.85:1 Dialogue English
Director Hannah Schierbeek Producers Hannah Schierbeek, Trenton Davis Co-producer Alemberg Ang Writer Hannah Schierbeek Director of Photography Vincent Prochoroff Editor Brandon Bunner Composer Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan Assistant Director Meghan Shannon Production Coordinator Meghan Shannon 1st Assistant Camera Luke Nelson 2nd Assistant Camera Andy Colohan Costume Designer Anika Ladero Production Sound Mixer Joseph Vnuck Re-Recording Mixer Henry Hawks VFX Artist Keaton McQuarrie Colorist Sam Howells Cast Eli Vidis Newman, Taika Augustaitis, Heather Evans
Director's Statement I grew up in a community believing that the world we are living in would soon come to an end. This existential mindset taught me to not take anything f or granted, however, it also taught me not to dream of a future for myself and for those around me. I have worked throughout my life to escape from this mentality and to be able to experience hopes and dreams in my adulthood, even to this day, and in this way, I hope that the film can serve as a way of healing. One of my earliest memories experiencing joy during those times is when my uncle, who had seemingly disappeared into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for most of my childhood, took me on a trip there when I was around 10 years old. I remember seeing the sun on the water and laying down in a canoe, and feeling like there was a bigger purpose for me in the world. In Radiant Frost, we get a glimpse of a niche community through the eyes of our protagonist, one that is led by ideas of survivalism and a territorial instinct that pushes some of our characters to rebellion and escapism. There is a clash that we witness between our two main characters, but at the same time they are both longing for something beyond their present reality. This feeling manifests physically in the natura world and draws them emotionally closer to each other. The Upper Peninsula feels like a place to disappear into, and I’m interested in exploring the freedom of that.
