Awards
Moonlight On Water
Moonlight On Water, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Kayla B Saunders, follows the story of Layla, who after falling in love with dance from an early age, decides to pursue a career as a professional ballerina. However, when she loses her hearing to Meniere's Disease, her goals become fleeting. Despite those around her suggesting other career paths and telling her those dreams are impossible, Layla remains steadfast as she discovers new strength from within to pursue her dreams.
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.
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.
Art of the Crime, made for the 2021 Lynchburg 48-Hour Film Project, earned 1st place overall in the Lynchburg, VA division and received awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Costumes, Best, Sound Design, Best Use of Prop, Best Writing.
Co-directed by Kayla Saunders
Synopsis:
A Killer Radio Show
Cast:
Ryan Ramey, Elizabeth Bowers, and Benjamin Perry.
Crew:
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Directed by: Kayla Saunders & Chloe Shelton
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Written by: Kayla Saunders & Chloe Shelton
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Director of Photography: Dylan Trail
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Sound Mixer: Carter Schaeffer
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G&E: Elizabeth Bowers
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Edited by: Kayla Saunders& Chloe Shelton
Consumed, made for the 2024 Richmond Horror 48-Hour Film Project, earned 1st place overall in the Richmond, VA division and received awards for Best Film, Best Directing, Audience Choice Award, Best Use of Genre, Best Ensemble, Best Cinematography, Best Writing, Best Sound Design, BestMusical Score
Assistant directed by Kayla Saunders
Synopsis:
In the End, You Have To Eat
Cast
Thomas Scott, Brooke Mucci,
Crew
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Directed by: Sam Van Fosen
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Written by: Sam Van Fossen
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Director of Photography: Matt Owen, Christian Mucci, Sam Van Fossen
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Sound Mixer: Constance Miracle
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G&E: Joshua Wright
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Edited by: Bobby Orme
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:
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Directed by: Kayla Saunders & Chloe Shelton
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Written by: Kayla Saunders, Carter Schaeffer, Morgan Thorpe & Chloe Shelton
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Director of Photography: Dylan Trail
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Sound Mixer: Carter Schaeffer
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G&E: Elizabeth Bowers
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Production Assistants: Morgan Thorpe & Gabrielle Shelton
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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
