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In a remote convent, a nun is stalked by the vengeful ghost of the identity she tried to erase — and must face the past she buried before it consumes her completely.
Sister Claire is a queer horror short film about the fear that becoming who you are means killing who you were.
Meet the Team
ZEGAN DOYLE is a writer, director, and film programmer. They are a Storytelling Institute Fellow with Canal+, the City of Cannes, and the Cannes Film Festival. They have been involved in programming at Outfest LA, Fine Art Film Festival in Bridport, England, Baby Teeth Film Festival, and Rubin Museum of Art, and has evaluated scripts at Austin Film Festival and BFI Film London Production Film Market. They earned their MFA in Screenwriting from the University of California, Los Angeles.
SELENA LEONI is an award-winning producer from Italy and China who champions social inclusion and gives a platform to those who have been historically marginalized. She is a BAFTA Connect Member and a Film Independent Project Involve Producer Fellow. Selena's projects have reached platforms including STARZ, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV, and have screened at prestigious film festivals such as Outfest Fusion, NewFest, BFI Flare, Tribeca Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
LUCIA RINALDI is an Italian Cinematographer based in LA and London. She grew up in a small city in Italy where she studied still photography and film restoration. Her background led her to motion-picture, where she found her footing in the camera department. She is an American Film Institute cinematography alumna (class 2019). She has been selected by BAFTA for their renown Newcomers program, as well as being a member of the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) and illuminatrix raising in the UK. Lucia’s work is a combination of technical prowess, sensitivity and identity.
Why give?
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At a moment when queer and trans stories are politicized, censored, and pushed to the margins, this story centers queer/trans perspective.
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Your contribution directly funds production and distribution while also qualifying as a tax-deductible donation, making it easier to give generously.
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Horror consistently performs — especially in the independent film space. It has a dedicated global fan base, strong streaming demand, and a thriving festival circuit. You’re backing a genre with proven reach.
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We are intentionally hiring queer and trans crew members behind the lens. This means authentic storytelling — and real economic support for artists who are too often excluded from industry opportunities.
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Many employers offer donation matching programs — which means your contribution could be doubled at no extra cost to you. This means your support could have twice the impact.
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You’ll follow the film from script to screen, and be part of the team. The risks, the breakthroughs, the late nights — you’re in it with us. When this film premieres, you won’t just watch it, you’ll know you helped bring it to life.
FAQs
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FAQs *
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You can donate directly through our official fundraising page. The platform is secure, and you’ll receive confirmation (and tax documentation, if applicable) after your contribution. If you prefer to give through a donor-advised fund, employer match, or by check, please reach out to us and we’ll provide the details.
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Your contribution directly funds production costs — including paying our cast and crew (with a focus on queer/trans artists), securing locations, equipment, post-production, and festival submissions. Every dollar shows up on screen.
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Yes. Donations are tax deductible through our fiscal sponsor Film Independent.
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Supporters will receive updates throughout the process — from behind-the-scenes moments to post-production progress and festival announcements. We want you to feel connected to the journey, not just the premiere.
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Every amount makes a difference. Whether it’s $100 or $1,000, you’re helping us move toward our $50,000 goal. If you’re unsure, consider giving what you’d spend on a night at the movies — or make a larger contribution if you’re able. And remember: many employers offer matching programs, which can double your impact.
Birth (2004)
Lilies of the Field (1963)
Diary of a Country Priest (1951)
Cries and Whispers (1972)
SISTER CLAIRE is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a non-profit independent media arts organization. Film Independent will receive grants for the charitable purposes of SISTER CLAIRE, provide oversight to ensure that grant funds are used in accordance with grant agreements, and provide reports as required by the grantor. Contributions for the charitable purposes of SISTER CLAIRE must be made payable to Film Independent and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Thank you for supporting us!
This project is a labor of love, created to expand the boundaries of queer and trans storytelling on screen. Every donation brings us closer to making this vision a reality. Your support will help cover essential production costs, from casting to camera equipment, from post-production to the festival circuit, ensuring the highest quality filmmaking and fair wages for our cast and crew. Whether you contribute $25 or $500, your support matters and makes a tangible difference. Click the link below to join our journey and help bring this story to life. And welcome to our community of independent filmmaking!
Selena Leoni,
Producer
Lucia Rinaldi,
Cinematographer
Zegan Doyle,
Writer/Director