Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How far would you go to be seen?
After countless rejection letters, an obsessive aspiring writer has had enough of waiting for her big break. If talent and persistence won’t get her the recognition she deserves, she’ll simply have to find another way.
What begins as desperation soon evolves into a devious scheme for literary fame, as ambition, ego, and greed push her increasingly beyond the limits of what’s acceptable.
Read or Alive is a darkly comedic thriller about our obsession with success, the currency of attention, and what happens when being recognized becomes more important than what you’re recognized for.
Written and directed by Kearsten Johansson and Trent Newton
SUBSCRIBE for Your Daily Dose of Inspiration ➠
youtube.com/channel/UCpa2QppVwCuivaWe5qfVY_Q
SUBMIT your film ➠
filmshortage.com/submit
⸻
From the filmmakers:
“While the story is exaggerated, it’s rooted in a very real question: how far are people willing to go to be seen? We wanted to explore a world where visibility often outweighs substance, and the pursuit of success can become more important than success itself.”
⸻
A FILM SHORTAGE SELECTION
#FilmShortage #DarkComedy #Thriller
FILM SHORTAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: instagram.com/filmshortage
Twitter: twitter.com/filmshortage
Facebook: facebook.com/filmshortage
Website: filmshortage.com
Film Shortage is home to the next generation of filmmakers, premiering some of the best and diverse short films online
How far would you go to be seen?
After countless rejection letters, an obsessive aspiring writer has had enough of waiting for her big break. If talent and persistence won’t get her the recognition she deserves, she’ll simply have to find another way.
What begins as desperation soon evolves into a devious scheme for literary fame, as ambition, ego, and greed push her increasingly beyond the limits of what’s acceptable.
Read or Alive is a darkly comedic thriller about our obsession with success, the currency of attention, and what happens when being recognized becomes more important than what you’re recognized for.
Written and directed by Kearsten Johansson and Trent Newton
SUBSCRIBE for Your Daily Dose of Inspiration ➠
youtube.com/channel/UCpa2QppVwCuivaWe5qfVY_Q
SUBMIT your film ➠
filmshortage.com/submit
⸻
From the filmmakers:
“While the story is exaggerated, it’s rooted in a very real question: how far are people willing to go to be seen? We wanted to explore a world where visibility often outweighs substance, and the pursuit of success can become more important than success itself.”
⸻
A FILM SHORTAGE SELECTION
#FilmShortage #DarkComedy #Thriller
FILM SHORTAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: instagram.com/filmshortage
Twitter: twitter.com/filmshortage
Facebook: facebook.com/filmshortage
Website: filmshortage.com
Film Shortage is home to the next generation of filmmakers, premiering some of the best and diverse short films online
