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Logline

After her brother goes missing, an 8-year-old girl obsessed with detective shows dons the persona of Kid Midnight and embarks on a gritty mission to find him. Armed with a toy gun and a fierce sense of justice, she stumbles into a dangerous world far beyond her years, leading to a shocking conclusion that exposes the devastating reality of gun violence in American homes.

Synopsis

Kid Midnight is a powerful and emotionally charged short film that follows Kate, an imaginative and determined 8-year-old, after her older brother Brandon mysteriously disappears. Struggling to make sense of the adults’ vague answers, she turns to her love of detective shows, transforming into her alter ego, Kid Midnight—a fearless young sleuth armed with a toy gun and an unshakable sense of justice.

As Kate embarks on her investigation, the film weaves between her imaginative perspective and the harsh realities of her world. Her search takes her into the overlooked corners of her neighborhood, where she uncovers clues, faces unexpected allies, and encounters dangerous foes. As her journey unfolds, triumphs and setbacks lead to a shocking revelation about Brandon’s fate—forcing her to reconcile her childhood notions of justice with the grim truth of gun violence.

Structured around a three-act trajectory, Kid Midnight captures Kate’s transformation from an innocent child using fantasy as a coping mechanism to a brave and resourceful individual confronting a devastating reality. Through her eyes, the audience experiences a raw, unfiltered look at the ripple effects of gun violence on children and families.

At its core, Kid Midnight is a poignant exploration of courage, resilience, and lost innocence. Blending gritty realism with moments of whimsy, the film delivers a thought-provoking narrative that sparks meaningful conversations about gun violence and its impact on communities.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Mychal Sargent — Writer/Director
Mychal Sargent, the writer and director of Kid Midnight, is an Emmy award-winning storyteller and multiple-award-winning VFX artist. With over 15 years of experience in short films and a decade in commercial production, Mychal’s work blends raw emotion with social commentary, earning 4 Emmy nominations (one win) and recognition in prestigious competitions like Screencraft and HollyShorts. A graduate of the University of Oregon, he is listed in Coverfly Screenplay’s top 1%. Residing in Eugene, Oregon, with his wife and dogs, Mychal brings Kid Midnight to life, tackling gun violence and legislation through the eyes of children.

Colette Minter — Lead Producer
Colette Minter is a writer, director, and producer with over a decade of experience in film and television. Currently a senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), she is completing her degree in Film and Television with a minor in Sculpture and a minor in Photography. Colette’s body of work consistently reflects her dedication to projects that align with her values, sparking dialogue on social issues and fostering meaningful change.

Her current capstone project, Kid Midnight, is an award-winning screenplay written and directed by Mychal Sargent. Kid Midnight is a narrative short film that delves into complex issues such as gun violence and American legislation, told through the eyes of children. As a survivor of gun violence herself, Colette’s personal connection fuels her commitment to the project’s mission to raise awareness and inspire action.

In all her endeavors, Colette strives to build community through storytelling, using film as a platform to address pressing societal challenges. By leveraging SCAD’s state-of-the-art resources and assembling a diverse team of students, alumni, and professionals, Colette continues to merge artistry with advocacy, demonstrating a deep belief in the power of film to educate, inspire, and serve.

Isabella Monzo — Producer
Isabella Monzo is also a producer and fellow SCAD student passionate about creating films that address real-world issues and inspire meaningful conversations. Her collaborative spirit and hands-on creativity, including experience in set design, special effects, and sculpture, make her a dynamic force in filmmaking.

Isabella’s dedication to impactful storytelling makes her an ideal fit for Kid Midnight. She thrives on uniting diverse talents to bring shared visions to life, aligning perfectly with the film’s mission to shed light on gun violence and its impact on children. Her commitment to fostering change through film is evident in her work.

Brendan Hirsch — Director of Photography
Brendan Hirsch is a cinematographer and film student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), widely regarded as one of the best DPs at the institution. With a passion for visual storytelling, Brendan’s work blends dynamic camera movement, composition, and lighting to evoke emotion and enhance narrative.

His background in surf and action photography ignited his love for cinematography, which grew into a focus on crafting compelling motion pictures. Brendan enthusiastically joined Kid Midnight, calling it the best script he’s ever read. His technical expertise and creative vision make him the perfect fit for this powerful story.

Judy Cairo — Faculty Advisor
Judy Cairo is an acclaimed film producer with over two decades of experience, known for her work on Crazy Heart (2009), which earned Jeff Bridges an Academy Award, and Hysteria (2011). Her career is marked by a commitment to compelling narratives that captivate audiences and address meaningful themes.

Now a professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Judy shares her wealth of industry knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers. As a mentor on Kid Midnight, she brings unparalleled expertise and insight, helping shape the film into a powerful and socially impactful story.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.