Synopsis

Camila, a young aspiring-and-struggling illustrator, meets Madison, a teenage girl, when Camila is hired by Madison’s (very) wealthy family as her tutor. Unlike Camila, Madison is confident, popular, and has never experienced rejection. Though Camila initially dismisses the teenager as vapid and out-of-touch, they connect over their shared struggles as artists at heart. Camila becomes seduced by Madison’s can-do-attitude and naïve drive. The short interaction ultimately sparks a new fire inside of Camila.

There’s a low key, slice-of-life feel to the story. It moves us to reflect on the themes of wealth, privilege, and what it takes to be successful.

Director’s Statement

The first time I read the script for NEON RAGE, I was struck by its characters’ yearn to be seen. Camila, a talented and dedicated illustrator wants to be recognized and rewarded by society as such. Instead, she must resign herself to tutoring kids that are more privileged than her – not an unfamiliar plight for young creatives. The high number of rejections in her young career has made her doubt herself. Maybe she isn’t supposed to be an illustrator; maybe she’s not that good. If only someone could tell her what she thinks she knows: that this is her calling.

It's different with Madison. She is confident in her talent and is eager to share it with the world. Her optimism and belief in herself are infectious. On top of that, she has the world at her fingertips: young, pretty, and especially, rich – a dedicated team ensuring she gets the best possible education. Yet, Madison also yearns. She yearns to be seen by her parents, and not unlike Camila, to be seen as an artist. The turning point in their relationship comes when Camila and Madison come to the unspoken understanding that they both want to be seen and recognized for their talents. And so they see each other, and by seeing and being seen, Camila believes in herself once again.

That is the cycle of the creative, or really, of any human: losing belief and regaining it through our relationships with others. Sometimes, these relationships can be the least expected. But as long as we find our footing and can turn rejection letters into items of beauty, losing belief means there is also an opportunity to remember why we believed in the first place.   
 
One final note, lest we forget our poor, overworked Education Coordinator, Nate. That man yearns too, he yearns to leave that job quickly. I hope he gets the rest he seeks sooner rather than later so he too may feel seen.

-Alejandra

Writer’s Statement

NEON RAGE is based on my crazy, real-life experiences tutoring for wealthy families in New York. Like so many other emerging artists, I’ve spent just as much time on my side hustles as I’ve spent pursuing my acting and filmmaking dreams. Some children I’ve taught have been uber privileged, with entire staffs dedicated to ensuring their academic success.

As a creator, I’m interested in exploring the complexities of class dynamics, and how they affect everyday interactions. We often see stories about degrading exchanges between people of different socioeconomic statuses. But, in writing NEON RAGE, I wondered whether something as eye roll-inducing as the ego of a highly privileged teen could be a source of hope for someone who is accustomed to failure.  

New York is full of contradictions. There is great poverty next to great wealth, fantasy followed by suffering, and inspiration in environments we most resent. Neon Rage was made in New York, by New Yorkers who, in pursuing their creative passions, are constantly looking to connect with people, ideas, and opportunities that ignite their spirits – even in the face of great inequality. This is the task of the artist: to remain open to change by the most unexpected people and situations.

-Cecilia