I'm doing a GOODIE SALE because we're almost half way there, thanks to your support!
. Publish by Initiator.
The Magic Trick - Film
How far would you go to be free?
Leyla Chykulina
Zürich, CH
Project Overview
We’re bringing a psychological coming of age thriller to life! A film about rebellion, control, and identity. It makes you question who you were, who you are, who you’re becoming, and what it might cost to truly be free. With your support, we can complete the final stages of post-production and show the world what a fresh, bold new voice in cinema can do. Be a part of movie magic with us!
59%
5.976 CHF
of 10.000 CHF
28
days
of 50 days left
55
Boosters
supported project
Funding goals
-
Stage 1:
4.500 CHF
100% funded
With this amount, we can finish this film, such as paying our professional post-production team for their services (Editor, Composer, Sound Designer, VFX Artist, Sound Mixer, and Colorist), VFX for the greenscreen removal, and creating a poster by a professional Graphic Designer.
-
Stage 2:
5.500 CHF
100% funded
With this amount, we can show the film worldwide, such as national and international festival submission fees, social media marketing (content creation: trailer, BTS reels), paid ads, and pay the salary for the social media manager.
-
Finish Stage:
10.000 CHF
10% funded
With this amount we can finish the film, send it out to film festivals and advertise it on social media.
The Magic Trick is a psychological coming-of-age thriller about rebellion, control, and the terrifying price of freedom.
A rebellious teenager, trapped in her mother's strict control, is drawn into a dark world where a mysterious stranger offers freedom through a twisted magic trick. But the price she pays forces her to question everything she has ever believed in.
A rebellious teenager, trapped in her mother's strict control, is drawn into a dark world where a mysterious stranger offers freedom through a twisted magic trick. But the price she pays forces her to question everything she has ever believed in.
This story is deeply personal to me. Like Jenna, the lead character, I’ve experienced the desperation to be free, wrestled with reclaiming my life, and asked myself how far I’d go for it.
That raw, personal experience makes me the right person to tell this story and my background as an actress helped me craft it with emotional honesty and depth.
What matters to me is how this story reflects a harsh reality many young people quietly face, the urge to break free, to reclaim their lives from those who control them, and to feel in charge of their own futures.
This film imagines a worst-case scenario and leaves audiences questioning: How far would you go? And how can we better support young people before they reach that edge?
That raw, personal experience makes me the right person to tell this story and my background as an actress helped me craft it with emotional honesty and depth.
What matters to me is how this story reflects a harsh reality many young people quietly face, the urge to break free, to reclaim their lives from those who control them, and to feel in charge of their own futures.
This film imagines a worst-case scenario and leaves audiences questioning: How far would you go? And how can we better support young people before they reach that edge?
I want to personally welcome you to be a part of The Magic Trick and help us finish this film and get it in front of audiences everywhere. This story is deeply personal to me, and now it has the chance to spark conversations and make an impact far beyond what I could do alone.
Your support won’t just help us complete the film, it’ll help give a voice to young filmmakers, open up important conversations about control, freedom, and identity, and remind people of the power of bold, original storytelling in cinema.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a film that entertains, challenges perspectives, and leaves people asking the right questions.
If you’d like to see a magic trick, choose your goodie, share it with your people, and follow us on Instagram @themagictrickfilm for more updates and behind-the-scenes magic!
You can make a difference, just like a magic trick.
Your support won’t just help us complete the film, it’ll help give a voice to young filmmakers, open up important conversations about control, freedom, and identity, and remind people of the power of bold, original storytelling in cinema.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a film that entertains, challenges perspectives, and leaves people asking the right questions.
If you’d like to see a magic trick, choose your goodie, share it with your people, and follow us on Instagram @themagictrickfilm for more updates and behind-the-scenes magic!
You can make a difference, just like a magic trick.
Leyla Chykulina
Zürich, CH
Writer / Director / Producer / Actress
Hey, I’m Leyla Chykulina, an actress and filmmaker from Zurich with roots in Kenya, India, and Russia. My love for cinema started as a kid, watching films that made me feel seen and understood.
The Magic Trick is my first time stepping behind the camera to tell a story that’s close to my heart - about freedom, rebellion, and finding your voice. This project is my way of chasing my passion and with your support, I hope it inspires others to do the same.
Boost
Popular goodies
News
Boosters
PB
A
SM
A
Stay up-to-date
Film & Video
