About
CRUX is a powerful short film that explores grief, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood through the lens of rock climbing. With an all-female cast and director, we aim to inspire resilience, connection, and the strength of female relationships through the power of storytelling and adventure in the heart of scenic Alabama.
What Makes This Project Special
A Story of Strength & Resilience – CRUX follows Margo, a determined rock climber navigating grief and reconnecting with her estranged sister, Hattie, making it a deeply human and emotionally powerful journey.
All-Female Cast & Director – We’re proud to feature an all-female cast and a female director, highlighting the power of women-led storytelling in film.
Authentic Climbing Representation – With realistic climbing sequences and a story deeply rooted in the sport, CRUX captures the physical and mental challenges of rock climbing.
Filmed in the Heart of Alabama – Shot in Gadsden and Birmingham, Alabama, the film showcases the region’s stunning landscapes while supporting local filmmakers, many of whom are students at The University of Alabama.
Made by Emerging Creatives – CRUX is the result of passionate work by up-and-coming filmmakers, actors, and crew members, bringing fresh voices to the industry.
Festival-Bound Film – Our team is preparing to submit CRUX to film festivals, where it will share its unique story with wider audiences.
Exploring Grief, Adventure & Sisterhood – At its core, the film is about healing, pushing limits, and the bonds that hold us together, making it a relatable and moving experience for audiences.
Timeline
In 2024, Madison Merkel began to write a script for the stage about a girl struggling with a rock climbing project and the loss of her mother. Unable to figure out the story’s next steps, Kelsey Risher stepped in with fresh ideas and a collaboration with Madison that changed the medium of the story to short film and the birth of CRUX. Knowing that the two wanted to act together in the project, they were able to work together on the script, creating a story that deals with themes of grief, resilience, and female connection.
As Madison and Kelsey moved beyond the script to bring in a crew, Kelsey began to be drawn to the idea of directing the project. Thus, a female written script, starring two females, directed by a female became a guiding light in the point of view and impact that this film will have.
Now, CRUX is produced by Straley Studios LLC and is building momentum to be a strong contender in the film festival circuit with filming set for April 2025 in Alabama.
THEMES
Resilience – Embracing challenges, both physical and emotional, as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Authenticity – Telling raw, honest stories that reflect real struggles, emotions, and relationships.
Female Empowerment – Uplifting women’s voices in film, fostering strong female representation both on-screen and behind the camera.
Connection – Highlighting the power of human relationships, especially the complexities and strength of female bonds.
Adventure & Grit – Celebrating the courage it takes to face the unknown, push limits, and find strength in adversity.
Healing Through Storytelling – Using film as a medium to explore grief, reconciliation, and personal triumphs, inspiring audiences to embrace their own journeys.
Going against societal norms- What if your life doesn’t look like those around you?
Identity- To know who we are, we must know from where we come.