A young researcher aboard an interplanetary mission gets a brief chance to observe the subject of her academic obsession up close, a species on the brink of extinction: humans.
Synopsis
TARISH is a young researcher who has dedicated her studies to one of the most unusual, predatory and self-destructive species in the galaxy – human beings. Having secured a spot as a junior crew member on an exploratory mission to Earth, Tarish begs her senior officer BRYN for a day in the field, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the planet and its inhabitants up close. Begrudgingly, Bryn grants her two hours, equips her with a tracking device and insists on a strict no-contact policy with the locals…
On planet, Tarish immediately disobeys orders, determined to help the humans prevent their imminent demise. She’s surprised to find her efforts met with hostility, annoyance and apathy. When an encounter with a curious CYCLIST nearly blows her cover, it leads to her first hot dog, a final conversation, and a spark of hope, however small, for the planet’s chances of survival…
Artist Statement
My creative vision – for this project and, really, for most of my work – is an exploration of human frailty and strength through a lens of wry humor, earnest curiosity and heart. In Anomalous, I’m specifically interested in tackling an enormous, weighty subject (climate change) through a series of mundane moments and ridiculous interactions. For me, that’s where real life lives — in the little things. It’s where intimacy breathes and where the seeds of change germinate. It’s also what I believe will allow audiences to connect to our film – seeing themselves in both our impassioned protagonist and arrogant, ignorant earthlings. It’s my hope that, in treating this heavy subject with a light touch, in telling a story that is as entertaining as it is infuriating, we’ll do more than just “keep the conversation going” after the credits roll – we’ll move audiences to act.
Key Personnel
LEAH CURNEY (Writer/Director/Producer) is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker with over two decades in the entertainment industry. Her short script 6:18 to Omaha won the CinemaStreet Women’s Short Screenplay Competition – it was produced in 2020 and enjoyed a successful festival run. In 2024, her feature screenplay Great With Kids won a place on the first annual The Women’s List, is a finalist for the PAGE Awards and was a quarterfinalist for the Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest.
Through her production company Blue Skies Media, she has directed, produced and edited numerous narrative short films, as well as brand and documentary content. A seasoned content creator and strategist, she has led cross functional video production and content teams for Fortune 500s and high growth SaaS companies. She began her career as a performer and remains a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, with credits in film, television and commercials – it’s entirely possible she’s popped up on your TV during a late-night “Law & Order” or “Law & Order: SVU” marathon.
website: leahcurney.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahcurney/
KYLE SCHMIDT (Director of Photography) is an accomplished cinematographer, camera operator, editor and animator whose client work includes Netflix, Edelman and Bud Light. He was Director of Photography on the short film “The Story of Jacob”, an official selection at the 2024 Big Apple Film Festival – the film has since secured funding and is being developed into a feature, to which Kyle is attached as DP. His documentary about anti-circumcisionists, “The Need Foreskin” won the NYU Sight and Sound showcase in Fall
of 2016.
Instagram: @mr.kyle.schmidt
YASMIN ZELLIPOUR (Producer) is a New York City based film producer and camera operator. She is a master of spreadsheets and multi-tasking with a diverse range of technical, creative, and logistical skills. Her experience includes narrative, corporate, and live-event production. Clients include Ad Age, Netflix, BlackRock and Edelman. Her film “Ridge Army” won Best Documentary at the 2015 Halfway There Festival.
Instagram: @yasminzellipour
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yzellipour
