WHAT’S THAT NOISE COMING FROM THE ATTIC?

American Film Institute presents...

“PERSON IN THE ATTIC”
After her longtime roommate abruptly moves out, Claire, a socially isolated woman in her late twenties, becomes convinced that someone is secretly living in her home—eating her food, moving through the walls, communicating from the attic. As she forms an intimate, one-sided bond with this unseen presence, Claire finally finds the comfort, purpose, and companionship she’s been looking for.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!

Person in the Attic is an AFI thesis film created by a team of five filmmakers working with limited financial access but a highly ambitious vision. As international fellows, our director and producer face major funding barriers, with many U.S. grants unavailable to non-citizens, leaving us with fewer traditional funding options.

We are raising $40,000 to cover essential production and post-production costs, including a fully custom-built house set with an attic and balcony, camera equipment, fair working conditions for cast and crew, and professional post-production (color, sound, music, and VFX).

By contributing, you are directly supporting emerging international filmmakers and helping ensure this film can be completed at the artistic level it requires. Your support makes this project possible.

MEET THE TEAM


Person in the Attic is our graduation thesis film at the American Film Institute, created by a team drawn to storytelling as a way to express our inner worlds, using suspense and restraint to tell a deeply human story.

WRITER/DIRECTOR
Ece Tagıl
Ece is a Turkish filmmaker based in Los Angeles, currently pursuing her MFA in Directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory. She is a graduate of the International Film School of Paris (EICAR), where she attended on a full-ride scholarship and graduated top of her class with a BFA in Filmmaking. During her studies, she worked in key roles on over 20 short films, led multiple productions, and directed several shorts and documentaries. She was one of only two first-year students selected to direct a short film and was recognized as an outstanding crew member by the faculty for three consecutive years.


PRODUCER
Francesca Lo Bianco Pugliese
Francesca is a Los Angeles–based producer pursuing her MFA in Producing at the American Film Institute Conservatory. She has produced five short films and worked as Line Producer, UPM, and Production Coordinator on over twelve projects. She also directed, produced, and co-wrote Al Chiaro di Luna, a 35mm MOS short selected for AFI’s Second Year Visual Essay Showcase. Drawn to emotionally precise, character-driven stories, she brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every stage of production.


WRITER
Alex Chadwick
Alex is a North Carolina–raised writer and Screenwriting Fellow (Class of 2026) at the American Film Institute Conservatory. She graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Cinema and Television Arts, where her thesis film received an Award of Excellence from the Broadcast Education Association and was a finalist at the New York International Film Awards. A Black List Recommended Writer, Alex focuses on naturalistic, character-driven dramas centered on quiet but strong-willed protagonists, with a passion for bold, evocative storytelling.


CINEMATOGRAPHER
Jo  Choi

 Jo is an award-winning cinematographer focused on visual storytelling. He won Best Cinematography at the Burbank International Film Festival for En Pointe and was selected from over 2,000 applicants for ColorCreative’s Find Your People Program, executive-produced by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis. He holds an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute, is a member of IATSE Local 600, and an Associate Member of the Society of Camera Operators.

EDITOR
Frida Sophia Gonzalez


Frida is a Mexican-American editor from San Francisco who has been shaping stories on screen since 2016. Working across both short- and long-form projects, she is drawn to intimate, character-driven narratives and has contributed to several award-winning films. A recipient of the Canva Fellowship at AFI, Frida brings a sharp eye and quiet sensitivity to all of her projects, carefully shaping the tension, rhythm, and emotional ambiguity in the edit.

YOUR DONATION MATTERS


The AFI Conservatory—ranked among the top three film schools in the U.S. and often #1—has trained generations of filmmakers who shape the industry today. The Thesis Production is the pinnacle of its program: the moment Fellows transform two years of rigorous training into their most ambitious, personal film.
Unlike earlier projects, thesis films receive no funding from the school. Each team must raise its own budget to meet professional standards, mirroring the realities of the industry. These films premiere at top festivals worldwide and serve as the launchpad for the next wave of bold new voices in cinema.

In-Kind Donations!

Not all support comes in dollars—in-kind donations fuel the heart of our production. From equipment, costumes, props, and locations to catering and professional services, your contribution directly powers the storytelling on screen. Every gift helps us stretch our budget and bring more artistry to the work. If you’re interested, send us a message—we’d love to discuss how your support can leave a lasting mark on this film.

Matching Grants!

If you work at a mid-sized or larger company, your donation may be eligible for a matching gift. As a nonprofit organization, AFI participates in many corporate matching grant programs, meaning some employers will match donations made by their employees. If you’re unsure whether your company offers matching gifts, you can check with your HR department. Matching grants can potentially double or even triple your contribution, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Tax-Deductible Donations!

The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating excellence in the art form and to creating national education initiatives that inspire artists and audiences alike. You may be able to make a 100% tax-deductible donation.

A donation of any size gets you a mention in the credits of the film in the “special thanks” section.

“Person in the Attic” begins filming on 04/21/26

Our FUNDRAISING deadline is 03/21/26!!!

Share the word about our film! Tell your friends :)


For any additional questions,
please contact
FPUGLIESE@AFI.EDU