Support the Making of STARBURST. Let's Bring Dance and Diversity to the Big Screen!

A war-torn Ukrainian teenager, having lost everything and bearing the scars of the past, seeks healing in America, a place where he remains friendless. Amidst his struggles, an unexpected friendship blossoms, transforming his life in profound and unforeseen ways.

“STARBURST” is a 15 minute Romantic Drama and is intended for all audiences.

"Starburst” follows ALEX, a skilled 16 year old Ukrainian dancer trained by his mother, a famous ballroom teacher. When his leg is wounded in the war, his mother arranges surgeons in America to save him. In an act of love, she forbids him from returning home until the war is over. Alone in Los Angeles, he begins to heal and returns to what he loves best.

VIVIAN, 16, a talented but spoiled dancer, sees Alex as a way to be noticed and start winning bigger prizes in ballroom competitions. Initially dazzled by Vivian’s promises, Alex senses her superficial nature that lacks the heart, wisdom his mother taught him.

He’s feeling lost again, until he meets Rachel, 17, a spirited blind girl, who not only helps him with English, but also makes him feel a true human connection, giving him hope in finding a loving friendship in the world.

We’re living in a moment when the world feels divided, distracted, and disconnected, and that’s exactly why "Starburst" needs to be made now. In an age where social media rewards image over authenticity, "Starburst" reminds us of what truly matters — empathy, resilience, and real human connection.

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the story follows Alex, a young dancer forced to rebuild his life in a new country. His friendship with Rachel, a blind girl who teaches him to “see” again, reveals a truth we urgently need to remember — even in darkness, there is still beauty, hope, and love.

By confronting the emotional fallout of war and the misconceptions about blindness, "Starburst" shines light on the quiet strength of those who refuse to give up and invites audiences to do the same.

Now is the time to tell this story because the world needs more than entertainment. It needs heart!

"Starburst" is led by an award-winning creative team with decades of experience in film, television, and character-driven storytelling.

Producer and Writer PAUL BROWN is an Edgar Award–winning storyteller whose career spans over one hundred projects, including The X-Files, Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, and Quantum Leap. With multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, Paul brings narrative precision, industry insight, and a deep understanding of emotionally grounded drama.

The film’s visual language is shaped by JON PHILION, an award-winning cinematographer known for his expressive use of light and texture. Having collaborated with legendary cinematographers such as Janusz Kaminski and Seamus McGarvey, Jon’s work has been recognized at festivals including the New Orleans Film Festival.

Editing is led by GUSTAV LINDQUIST, whose credits include the Oscar-Nominated The Sea Beast and projects for Netflix, Warner Bros., and Paramount. Gustav’s strength lies in finding rhythm and emotional clarity in performance-driven stories.

At the center of "Starburst" is DMITRY CHAPLIN, serving as Producer, Writer, Director, and Choreographer. Dmitry is one of the world’s most distinguished ballroom dancers — a longtime professional on Dancing With The Stars and an Emmy-Nominated choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance. He has collaborated with legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Taylor Swift, Enrique Iglesias, and Michael Bublé. Now enrolled in UCLA’s Directing Program, Dmitry is channeling a lifetime of movement and lived experience into Starburst, his deeply personal thesis film destined for major festival submissions.

The film is set in the present day, and takes place at a stunning ballroom competition, where the passion and skill of the dancers take center stage. Through a series of expertly crafted flashbacks, the tone of the film evolves, transporting viewers through a range of emotions.

It navigates from the dark and heartbreaking moments of Alex’s past in Ukraine, evoking a sense of raw vulnerability, to the heartwarming and dreamy tone of his high school days, filled with hope and youthful exuberance. The dance studio scenes pulsate with passion and energy, capturing the transformative power of movement and self-expression. Additionally, the film explores the artificial world of stardom and fame through visually striking sequences in a photoshoot studio, where dazzling lights and staged perfection reflect the allure and superficiality of that realm.

These contrasting tones and settings serve to enhance the storytelling, immersing the audience in a rich tapestry of emotions, from heartache to inspiration, as the characters navigate their personal journeys within the competitive and dazzling world of ballroom dance.

How Your Support Helps Bring "Starburst" to Life

Independent filmmaking thrives on the idea that films grow through community, and Starburst is no exception. This project exists because of the people who believe in intimate, human stories, and your support is what allows us to make this film happen.

The funds raised will go directly toward the essentials that make independent filmmaking possible: cast and crew, locations, permits, insurance, equipment, meals, and festival submissions. These resources allow our team to focus on storytelling, performance, and emotional truth, while creating a safe and respectful working environment for everyone involved.

By backing "Starburst", you’re not just supporting a short film, you’re joining a creative community that believes storytelling can build understanding and spark compassion. We’re deeply grateful to have you as part of this journey and honored to share this story with you.

For further information about our project and an award winning team involved, please visit www.starburstmovie.com

Donate today and help us make "Starburst" a reality!