As the apocalypse looms, an obstinate café owner refuses to close his shop, forcing his estranged son to stage a desperate intervention and pull his father to safety.

Synopsis

On the eve of the apocalypse, everyone is fleeing for cover except Robert. Instead of seeking shelter, he keeps his quiet café open, stubbornly wiping down counters and brewing coffee as the world outside crumbles.

His denial is shattered when his son, Ben, bursts through the door. Desperate to save his father, Ben tries to drag him to safety, but Robert refuses to abandon the shop. As the argument escalates, deep-seated family trauma comes to light, forcing both men to confront the ghost of the matriarch they lost long before the world began to end.

A poignant drama about grief and denial, this film explores what we cling to when everything else is about to disappear.

Director's Statement

The concept for End of the World Sale stems from a deeply personal place. Having spent years caring for my mother through severe depression, divorce, and the loss of our family home, I learned firsthand what it feels like when your entire world collapses. Much of that raw, isolating experience is channeled directly into Robert’s character.

For Robert, the impending apocalypse is merely an outward reflection of his internal crisis. Rather than facing his grief, he clings to the familiar routine of his café. This film is an intimate, character-driven exploration of how we process trauma, the dangers of holding onto the past, and the profound power of family connection.

Through deliberate pacing and a claustrophobic, atmospheric visual style, I wanted to capture the delicate moment a parent’s denial finally cracks. Ultimately, End of the World Sale is not about the end of the earth. It is about the quiet, difficult work of letting go, and the lifeline that family can offer when we are at our lowest.

Donation Impact & Budget Breakdown

Every dollar donated goes directly toward the production of 'End of the World Sale'. We are committed to being transparent. Here is how we plan to allocate:

Location (30%): Securing the perfect space for our story that covers three days.

Transportation, Fuel & Parking (11%): Safe transportation for actors and parking.

Craft Service & Catering (20%): Daily catering for our cast and crew, as well as craft services.

Set Dressing, Props & Art Department (20%): Making and renting props and furniture to ensure the film resembles the director's vision.

Wardrobe & Makeup (4%): Purchasing a makeup kit and cast wardrobe.

Technical, Office Supplies & Production (15%): Securing external hard drives, stock music, production supplies like fishing wire and a pop-up gazebo, and office supplies like paper, staples, and printer ink for printing scripts and call sheets.

Thank you for making this vision possible!

Meet the Team

Evelyn Cholowski – Director

Mariam "Mimi" Foldvari-Abu – Producer

Leonardo "Leo" Belletti – Director of Photography

James Rudden – Sound Designer

Ali Evren Senel – Production Designer

Alex Lago – Editor

Other Ways You Can Help

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