Dwelling

Narrative Short / 11 min / 2025

After a Black couple buys their first home, their American Dream becomes a nightmare when they’re tormented by the ghost of the racist former owner.

And when an ill-equipped deacon attempts to expel the ghost, they’re left in even more danger than before.

“I entered the 2023-2024 cohort of the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund with a feature script for Dwelling and no idea what to do with it. But I was committed to learning and experiencing as much as I could.”

Photo credit: Hannah Oneda

“My experience at StoryLab set the tone for my experience as a fellow. I instantly connected with Zaentz staff, advisors and other fellows and felt a spirit of camaraderie, support and contagious intensity throughout that weekend. 

Through group conversations and one-on-ones with advisors, I received positive feedback about DWELLING and I was challenged to dig deeper. I felt that the advisors I was paired with understood my story and my perspective and wanted the best for my work. I left that first weekend with thorough notes that I would apply to future rewrites and relationships that are strong to this day.

And then there were the multi-day labs devoted to screenwriting, producing, distribution and more. In-person master classes led by industry professionals, in my city, for free!”

“My constant challenge as a creator has been how to make X happen. I’ve always had confidence as a writer (well, as much confidence as a writer can have) but I didn’t know how to transition from writing scripts to making a film.

Through the labs and funding application process, and guided by my incredible mentors, I learned the visual, technical, logistical, pitching and grant-writing skills I would need to move my project forward. 

I was so grateful to receive a 2024 SZIF development grant to support my project.”

“My mentors stayed with me through all the phases of development and production. Without the moral, hands-on and financial support of the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund community, I would never have made Dwelling.

Finished in 2025, my 11-min short has screened at The New/Next Film Festival, The Black Harvest Film Festival, two Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund screenings, The Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest, Artscape, The Bmore Horror Fest, and The Baltimore Film Summit, among other events. 

The audience response has been incredible and at all the Q & A’s, I thank the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund for creating a path for me to become a filmmaker.”

- Jamyla Krempel, Director & Writer