A short film by Chris Grant Wenchell (XXII Pictures)
Desert Sleep
Stranded overnight near the border wall, a tow truck driver slips into a surreal night where reality fractures—and something starts answering back.
Phase 1 — Production Prep & Lock
THE FILM
Desert Sleep is a tension-forward, psychological short set in the harsh stillness of the desert—where the border wall becomes more than a landmark. As the night deepens, reality bends and a stranded tow truck driver is forced to confront what’s real, what isn’t, and what wants him to stay.
WHY DESERT SLEEP
I’m building Desert Sleep to deliver a festival-level short with cinematic production value and real emotional impact—built lean, executed professionally, and designed to compete. Your support directly funds production and post so we can finish strong and submit to top festivals.
CURRENT STATUS
- Pre-Production: assembling key crew & locking locations
- Production Plan: 2 nights (3 max)
- Festival Goal: Sundance & top-tier circuit (strategy-driven rollout)
SUPPORT TIERS
Desert Sleep — Supporter ($25)
Desert Sleep — Friend of the Film ($100)
Desert Sleep — Supporter ($25)
Help move Desert Sleep from prep to production.
- Name listed on website
- Digital Thank You
- General production updates
Note: Sponsorship supports production and post. Credit placement is subject to final cut and deliverables.
Desert Sleep — Backer ($50)
Desert Sleep — Friend of the Film ($100)
Desert Sleep — Supporter ($25)
The fastest way to help us move Desert Sleep from prep into production.
- Digital Thank You + your name listed our website
- Behind-the-scenes updates as we prep + shoot
- Early access to festival/news announcements
Note: Sponsorship supports production and post. Credit placement is subject to final cut and deliverables.
Desert Sleep — Friend of the Film ($100)
Desert Sleep — Friend of the Film ($100)
Desert Sleep — Friend of the Film ($100)
You’re officially part of the build.
- Your name listed on the website as Friend of the Film
- Private progress updates (pre-pro + post milestones)
- Everything in Backer
Note: Sponsorship supports production and post. Credit placement is subject to final cut and deliverables.
Desert Sleep — Contributor ($250)
Desert Sleep — Contributor ($250)
Desert Sleep — Contributor ($250)
Fuel a real production need (gear, locations, permits, meals).
- End credits: Special Thanks — Contributors
- Early private link to the finished film (when available)
- Private progress updates
- XXII Pictures Mug (shipped post-production)
- Everything in Friend of the Film
Note: Sponsorship supports production and post. Credit placement is subject to final cut and deliverables.
Desert Sleep — Patron ($500)
Desert Sleep — Contributor ($250)
Desert Sleep — Contributor ($250)
This level helps us finish strong in post (sound, color, music, deliverables).
- End credits: Special Thanks — Patrons
- Early private film access
- All prior updates
- Private post-production update + festival plan
- XXII Pictures Mug + Hoodie (shipped post-production)
- Includes all lower-tier perks.
Note: Sponsorship supports production and post. Credit placement is subject to final cut and deliverables.
Desert Sleep — Champion ($1,000)
Desert Sleep — Contributor ($250)
Desert Sleep — Champion ($1,000)
A serious push that moves the needle.
- End credits: Special Thanks — Champions (priority placement)
- Early private film access
- Included in post-production + festival updates
- Direct thank-you from Chris (email or video)
- XXII Pictures Mug + Hoodie (shipped post-production)
- Includes all lower-tier perks.
Note: Sponsorship supports production and post. Credit placement is subject to final cut and deliverables.
FAQ
No — this is a supporter contribution to an independent film.
Credits are locked during post-production. We’ll confirm your credit name after purchase.
Supporters receive periodic production updates by email.
Yes. Use “Partner / Press” below and we’ll coordinate logo + recognition options.
PRESS / CONTACT
For partnerships, press, or sponsor coordination, contact:
Desert Sleep Supporters
Contributors
Will Howe
Friends of the Film
Jessica Kelly
Backers
Laith Wallschleger
Supporters
Kevin Reed
XXII PICTURES
XXII Pictures | VitaFit Performance | Dutch Ball | Chris Grant Wenchell (Founder)
Copyright © 2025 XXII Pictures - All Rights Reserved.
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