Saved


Evelyn, a middle-aged single mom facing financial strain and a recent cancer diagnosis, contemplates suicide on a bridge.

On the verge of leaping into the river, she encounters Grace, a rough old lady with similar intentions, who is cussing out to the sky.

Through shared stories, a competition unfolds to determine whose life is more unbearable, leading to a flood of memories and a revelation that Evelyn cannot ignore.

Tianyi Zhai, a former Chinese theater playwright and director with three original productions, committed herself to her original dream of filmmaking upon arrival at the University of Michigan, supported by three prestigious scholarships. On her way to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Film, Television, and Media and Psychology at Michigan, she has been recognized by the College of LSA Honors, James B. Angell Scholarship, University Honors, William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize, and the first place of Michigan Association of Broadcasters Scholarship.

Maintaining academic excellence, she has written, directed, and produced five original short films and one TV pilot at Michigan. She founded and led the first and largest cross-cultural film production club, Cinnamon Cinema, in UMich history. She also initiated the inaugural Ann Arbor Chinese Film Festival, sponsored by the Film, Television, and Media Department and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. Venturing into television broadcasting, she served as the Sports Channel director and later the President of WOLV TV, the designated student-run TV station on campus, and produced two sports programs and one entertainment program there.

In the industry, she worked as the director’s assistant in a Tencent network TV crew in China. Additionally, she completed two film and television development internships, one with Paris Films in Michigan and the other with The Wolper Organization based in Warner Bros Studio Lot.

Director Statement

This story came into my mind when my mom told me how many times she wanted to leave this world after my father passed away in a car crash ten years ago and also how she was pulled back by the merciful God every time. I was so shocked to hear that since my mom has been this tough and independent superhero in my life, teaching me how to stay strong and keep being faithful. There are times she wants to give up but pushes through by the strength of God. I always joke that as the most miserable person I know, it is already a miracle she is hanging in there instead of hanging herself. This film is to honor her and countless women who have been staying strong through the bitterness of life. And yes I still keep some humor in the darkness in this film as I do in my life. Always.

Moreover, the stylistic approach I am using in this film is very intimate. The shots are designed to capture subtle emotions – every bit of sadness, isolation, joy, and heartbreak – as most of them are very close shots of the actors’ faces. Joy Kahil and Candee Kramer, who play Evelyn and Grace, are both women who have a wealth of life experience and have persevered through hardships. They resonate very well with the two characters and have enriched their performance with precious personal insights, adding another layer to this film. I am also incredibly grateful that every cast and crew member understands the significance of this film and has put forth their utmost effort to make it a success.

So this is “Saved,” a story that tells us we are not alone, there is hope, and more importantly, we could be saved.

Director:

Tianyi Zhai

Writer:

Tianyi Zhai

Producer:

Tianyi Zhai

Talent:

J Cesar Ayala, - Mya Zelenak, - Andy Jones, - Kendra Love Draper, - Kim Iverson, - Alexander Marshall, - Alma Hearin, Associate Producer - Alexander Marshall, Assistant Director - Jamie Zhou, Director of Photography - Aleesia Mangham, Assistant Camera - Tiger Wu, Assistant Camera - Aleesia Mangham, Chief Lighting Technician - Loui Gabaron, Sound Recordist - Alma Hearin, Prop Master / Set Decorator - Chuhan Tong, Costumer - Alma Hearin, Editor - Alexander Marshall, Assistant Editor - Alma Hearin, Colorist - Chuhan Tong, Production Coordinator - Daniela Castillo, Production Assistants - Sam Rao, Production Assistants - Jingyi Fang, Production Assistants - Alma Hearin, Graphic Designer - Zoe Wynns, Film Score Composer - David Marek, Special Thanks To - Joel Iverson, Special Thanks To - Jamik White, Special Thanks To - Samuel Chen, Special Thanks To

Year Released:

2024

Country:

U.S. A.

Length:

00:11:00

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