Genesis

At St. Agatha’s Catholic School for Girls, grace through obedience is expected … but it comes at a cost.

Genesis is a short psychological horror short film about two best friends competing for the role of Head Girl. Set in a hyper-disciplined, high-achieving all-girls’ private school, the film explores the quiet brutality of ambition, the cost of success, and the effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome. It examines how young women are praised for excellence but quickly criticised for standing out, and the pressure they face to suppress their shine in order to be accepted.

Loosely inspired by true events, Genesis asks: What happens when doing everything right still isn’t enough?

We are raising funds to bring Genesis to life. A project led by emerging wāhine creatives, with a bold visual style and an unflinching emotional core. This is a story about what it feels like to be torn down for trying too hard, for being too perfect, for simply wanting more.