Nostalgic Short Film Deck

In my fourth pitch of the Pitch Dash series, where I create seven pitches in 14 days for projects of mine, I give you this melancholic short film: Hot Chips

In this poignant and emotionally charged project, Hot Chips explores the complex relationship between Andreia, a 27-year-old woman recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, and her grandmother Josie, who is in the throes of dementia. Set in a quiet food court, the story unfolds over a simple shared moment—eating chips—but it is infused with layers of love, loss, and the passing of time. As Andreia and Josie sit across from each other, their fading memories are mirrored in their connection, highlighting the heartbreaking reality of their respective conditions. Despite the struggle to hold on to their past, their bond remains a testament to the enduring power of love.

Andreia is a bright, introspective young woman, but her recent diagnosis has shaken her confidence and she fears losing herself. She tries to maintain her independence and dry humor, but it is evident that she is grappling with the idea of forgetting her own identity. Her relationship with Josie serves as both a source of comfort and sorrow, as she clings to the memories they’ve shared, even as her own mind begins to slip away. Andreia’s love for her grandmother is the anchor that keeps her grounded, even as they both navigate the unpredictable tides of memory loss.

Josie, in her 80s, is a fiery, playful woman whose mind drifts between the past and the present due to dementia. Though she sometimes forgets who Andreia is, her affection for her granddaughter remains unwavering, manifesting in moments of sharp wit and charm. Josie’s connection to Andreia, while fractured by her confusion, is a quiet, constant presence that underscores the deep emotional bonds that transcend memory. Together, Andreia and Josie navigate the fragility of their relationship, capturing the universal experience of love and the inevitable loss that accompanies aging and illness.

For the design of the deck I wanted to obviously include chips! The orange-r the better in my opinion. I mixed this more modern amenity with aged textures, nostalgic designs, and old photos.  

You know those dusty, beautiful photo albums tucked away in a corner of your grandma/grandpa/uncle/aunt’s home? The smell of paper and plastic and memories? Imagine going through one of those as you share a bag of chips with an older relative. That’s the atmosphere of this film–and I believe I captured it with this light-heartened yet nostalgic design.  Gosh–I’m almost crying just typing this. Because of course, the idea of this short comes from my own experiences with my grandmother. An all too familiar tale.

Okay, so maybe for my next deck I will do something happier? Yeah?