OPIA

A dreamer finds herself lost and stalked by supernatural entities that promise to turn her life around for the better, but are they what they seem?

Written & directed by Bishop DreweryContact: [email protected] (if you are a UW student), [email protected], writteninthestars (Discord), revolutions_under_nightskies (Instagram)Note: OPIA was not selected as a quarterly at LUX, but will be made independently instead! We currently have 6/7 scenes shot, and aim to finish shooting by summer 2025. After post, the goal is to have the film uploaded to YouTube by the end of the year!

But wait! There's more!

Curious why the songs in the OPIA playlist are in that order and/or why I choose them?
(Spoilers ahead!)

A Playlist in 3 Acts

Want to see more OPIA content behind the scenes?

Want to check out my final project for LSJ 332 (Disability & Society: Disability in Theatre and Performance) about fostering accessability when making short films on a low budget (created for LUX productions)?

Accessibility in Film

What does the word "Opia" even mean? I'm so glad you asked!"opia, noun. the ambiguous intensity of looking someone in the eye, which can feel
simultaneously invasive and vulnerable—their pupils glittering, bottomless and
opaque—as if you were peering through a hole in the door of a house, able to
tell that there's someone standing there, but unable to tell if you're looking in
or looking out."This word was borrowed from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig. It's a collection of hyper-specific words to describe particularly undefinable emotions. You can read more on the Internet Archive or check out John Koenig's website!

Special thanks to you, for reading this site and my script! And a huge thank you to the LUX: Film Production Club at the University of Washington, Seattle for letting me pitch in Spring 2024. This club has helped this film be made in so many ways, from the amazing cast and crew to the community it has built on campus.Quoted from LUX's statement (based on the UW Library's), I'd like to acknowledge that:
"LUX, an RSO from the University of Washington, acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of the land on which our school is built, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot nations. We recognize that this is a small effort in advocating for Indigenous people in our community, but we hope this serves as an important reminder. Also this is a reminder to seek out Indigenous forms of storytelling and Indigenous-made media."

OPIA - Playlist

Act 1 - Nadia's Dream

1. [Dirty Imbecile, The Happy Fits]
- Reminiscent of Nadia's character in general--she wants more out of this life!
2. [Mirror Man, Jack Stauber]
- Same thing, just specifically regarding how Nadia has just been fired and needs to be recognized for her potential.

Act 2 - Arabelle's Requiem

3. [A Mask of My Own Face, Lemon Demon]
- The creep factor of Arabelle's existence in the scene. She isn't herself, as if she is wearing a mask of her own face.
4. [Metaphor, The Crane Wives]
- This song has the vibes of Arabelle's current predicament. She's "living on someone else's page."
5. [Absence, Rio Romeo]
- "Lover, please prepare for my absence" is very close to the point that Arabelle is making--whatever's left of her protecting Nadia, even.
6/7. [Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart / I Don't Smoke, Mitski]
- The "breakup" from Nadia's perspective.

Act 3 - The Angels' Game

7. [Dead God Graveyard, Oliver Buckland]
- Dreamland ambiance!
8. [Stuff Is Way, They Might Be Giants]
- Has the general vibes of the Angels' dialogue and the "prophecy" they attached to Nadia.
9. [Introduction to the Snow, Miracle Musical]
- The Angels' promise to the two lovers.
10. [Willow Tree March, The Paper Kites]
- The terms of the deal were that Nadia had to leave behind something for what she "prayed" for.
11. [Dream Sweet in Sea Major, Miracle Musical]
- This song reminded me of the moment when Arabelle appeared in the dream scene, and how they make the final deal together.
12. [Running Up That Hill, Kate Bush]
- Reminiscent of the deal again; Nadia wanted to save Arabelle, despite not really knowing what happened or that she had already lost her soul.
13. [Unknown / Nth, Hozier]
- I was thinking of Nadia and Arabelle's relationship. As Hozier himself put it, the song "reflects on having your heartbroken by someone you trusted. You think you learned, and it happens again. It also recalls ‘Ninth’ or the 9th circle of treachery. The song throws away the old premise of angelhood."

Thank you so much for reading! (Now go check out the Spotify playlist! Plus, a bonus vibes-only playlist I made to write OPIA <3)