Mission Statement

Ever since I was a kid, I had this dream of making movies. I wanted to tell stories, entertain and most importantly, inspire people. That has always been my main driving force in life and that’s why I’m super excited and grateful to announce that I’m finally making a real step towards my dream with this short film, 'THE MAY BENCH', the first European film Mandalay Film Club will produce! But in order for us to make this happen, we need your help…

-Dino Mujic (Writer/Director of The May Bench)

The Premise

Inspired by modern meditative dramas like Paterson, Columbus, Before Sunrise and Past Lives, 'The May Bench' follows a poet who meets the same woman on a park bench every day at the same time, slowly getting a more introspective look not just into who she is, but who he is.

'The May Bench' is a very personal project, dedicated to Dino's great-aunt - who was very much a grandmother figure to him. Three years ago, his family lost her to a brain tumor. This forced Dino to start writing in an effort to manage grief in a healthy way. Our goal is to both create something beautiful for her and something inspiring for anyone who's lost someone.

Next Steps:

• How Your Support Matters: Your contribution empowers us to visually communicate a unique narrative, sparking conversations on human relationships and grief. You're not just helping us out monetarily, but joining in on this journey with us to make Dino's first film!

• Timeline: Production kicks off in August, with a release slated for Fall 2024!

• Spread the Word: Our vision is unique, and with your support, we aim to bring it to life, visually communicating a story only we can tell. Help us realize our dream by contributing to the artistic journey we're set to undertake. #TheMayBench

The Team

Dino Mujic - Writer/Director

A native to Lörrach, Germany, Dino Mujic has always had a lifelong desire and need to tell stories. He's put his cinematic eye to use by creating one of the most well-respected film pages on Instagram with @EveryShotaPainting - a cinematic drawing board frequently used by a variety of Hollywood and International directors, producers, cinematographers, and more! As a filmmaker, Dino has a transcendental style reminiscent to Paul Schrader, Yasujirō Ozu, and Kogonada - exploring the unexplained beauty in mundane settings. Focused on his short film debut, "The May Bench," Dino aims to create an escape that also acts as a loving ode to a family member that made such a large impact on his life.

Tristan Chandra - Producer

Tristan Chandra is a producer from Tampa Bay, FL - but is perhaps best known as the founder of Mandalay Film Club, the only production company in the South Eastern United States that shoots exclusively on film. A part from the countless years of experience both directing and writing, Chandra has proven himself to be a well-rounded producer, heavily inspired by maverick producers like Roger Corman and the Duplass Brothers. He's been able to pull off a plethora of productions with shoe-string budgets - while still emphasizing the importance of shooting everything on the world's greatest storytelling medium -- film.