Adam, Eve & Me is a conceptual fantasy short film produced through the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. Selected by a professional jury, the project unites students from film, theatre, animation, and music to bring a shared creative vision to life. Directed by Hadi Iraqi, the story follows Zoé, an 18-year-old French student who has just arrived in Montreal. Isolated and introspective, Zoé discovers her soul can leave her body—only for her body to escape on its own. What follows is a surreal, city-wide chase as she inhabits different bodies, exploring questions of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Through this fantastical premise, the film conveys a powerful social message: we are not defined by our physical appearance but by the essence of our soul. As Zoé moves through the lives of others—an elderly woman, a Black man, a homeless person, a flamenco dancer—Montreal’s diversity and cosmopolitan spirit come alive, inviting audiences to experience empathy and understanding across differences.
Sustainability was central to the production. Filming took place within a 1.5 km radius to minimize transportation emissions, and most scenes were captured outdoors using natural light to reduce energy consumption. Costumes were thrifted, equipment was rented, and props were created by repurposing already owned items. The crew also prioritized waste reduction and the use of reusable materials, embracing environmentally conscious filmmaking practices that reflect the values of a new generation of storytellers.
The purpose of Adam, Eve & Me is to explore the internal and external struggles of young adults searching for identity and connection in an unfamiliar environment. By focusing on the experience of international students, the film highlights a smaller yet deeply relatable demographic—those who leave home to navigate a new culture, language, and way of life. Through Zoé’s fantastical journey, the film captures the emotional turbulence of self-discovery, loneliness, and adaptation, while offering moments of humor and joy. We want audiences to laugh, reflect, and leave with something meaningful—to recognize themselves in Zoé’s uncertainty and courage.
Ultimately, Adam, Eve & Me aims to resonate with “the Zoés of the world,” reminding them that it is okay to be uncertain, to still be figuring things out, and to not have all the answers. By blending elements of surreal fantasy with emotional realism, the film offers a fresh perspective on identity and belonging in today’s multicultural society. It celebrates difference as a source of understanding rather than division, and encourages viewers to see themselves—and others—through a more compassionate lens.
YEARS FUNDED
2025
AMOUNT ALLOCATED
$2000