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Awards

Almost Home

Almost Home, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Kayla B Saunders, follows the story of one family in the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster of 2003. This short film tells the story of two family members of one of the (fictional) members on board the shuttle. Though six-year-old Abigail, with her wild imagination, fascination for all things cosmic, and playful spirit, desires nothing more than to be an astronaut like her mother, her grandfather, Robert, who is left to take care of her, struggles to keep a positive demeanor for his granddaughter. As he struggles internally with the loss of his daughter, he must decide whether or not he will break the news to his young granddaughter. However, this is also a story of family bonds; of triumphing over a great loss with even greater love, and of nurturing rather than discouraging a child’s imagination.

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Finalist - New York Flash Film Festival
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 The 48 Hour Film Project

No stranger to long hours on set, Kayla has competed in Eight 48 Hour Film projects since 2016! Coming First in the Lynchburg 48 in 2021, Third in the Richmond 48 in 2022, and First in the Richmond Horror 48 in 2024! Kayla has received the privilege of attending Filmapalooza in Washington Dc, and Seattle Washington. View some of the accolades below. Films coming soon.

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Art of the Crime (2021)

Best Film
Best Director
Best Costumes
Best Sound Design
Best Use of Prop
Best Writing

 

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Consumed (2024)

Best Film
Best Directing
Audience Choice Award
Best Use of Genre
Best Ensemble
Best Cinematography
Best Writing
Best Sound Design
Best Musical Score

 

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Superman, made for the 2022 Richmond 48-Hour Film Project, earned 3rd place overall in the Richmond, VA division and received awards for Best Graphics and Best Use of Line.

Co-directed by Kayla Saunders

Synopsis:
Not all Heros wear capes

Cast:
Ryan Ramey, Dublin Quillen, Betsy Quillen, Gabrielle Shelton, Elizabeth Bowers, and Kenny Brown.

Crew:

  • Directed by: Kayla Saunders & Chloe Shelton

  • Written by: Kayla Saunders, Carter Schaeffer, Morgan Thorpe & Chloe Shelton

  • Director of Photography: Dylan Trail

  • Sound Mixer: Carter Schaeffer

  • G&E: Elizabeth Bowers

  • Production Assistants: Morgan Thorpe & Gabrielle Shelton

  • Edited by: Dylan Trail & Chloe Shelton

Lost Things, created for the 2022 Lynchburg 48-Hour Film Project, received nominations for Best Actress and Best Writing.

Co-directed by Kayla Saunders

 

Cast

Gabrielle Shelton, Kenny Brown, Ryan Ramey & Elizabeth Cobbs

Crew​

Written By: Kayla Saunders, Carter Schaeffer, Morgan Thorpe & Chloe Shelton

Directed by Kayla Saunders & Chloe Shelton

Director of Photography: Dylan Trail

Sound Mixer: Carter Schaeffer

Production Assistants: Morgan Thorpe & Elizabeth Cobbs

Edited by: Dylan Trail

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© 2018 Kayla Saunders. Proudly created by WIX.COM

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