Andrew Salerno
Eden’s Shadow is a modern psychological mystery story centered on the relationship between parents and children with traces of gothic horror and fantasy.
The story builds from grounded reality to quiet invasions of fantastical story elements that redefine the character’s understanding of themselves and their world, providing an engaging and surprising viewing experience.
Logline
On the eve of her 18th birthday, Victoria discovers the work of a well-known photographer that seemingly recreates her recurring vivid nightmare; a murder taking place in her own home. As Victoria develops a mentorship with the photographer, she connects her nightmare with family secrets hidden by her stepmother that reveal the truth about Victoria’s dead mother and their shared, sinister nature.
Director
Statement
Director
Bio
Eden's Shadow is currently being developed as part of the inaugural Micro-Budget Feature Film Lab at the University of North Georgia, aiming to connect local filmmakers in building community and pooling resources. The film is one of five Lab projects that will enter production in 2026. More info on the Lab projects can be found here.
"After our first micro-budget feature Waking State, I wanted to explore some similar themes - the relationships between parents and children, the pressures they put on each other, and the nagging feeling that the world around us is unknowable - but through the eyes of much different characters - a high school girl anxious to begin her life and her stepmother hiding painful family secrets.
Developing the script in collaboration with our crew and members of the UNG Lab, I found that the characters kept surprising me with their personalities and decisions, allowing the story to bloom into something that is both tender and sharp, gentle and sinister.
I'm extremely excited to bring Eden's Shadow to life with a dedicated team (many of which also worked on Waking State) and find the perfect performers to lift these characters off the page."
Filmmaker, art director, comic book illustrator, train conductor, Jedi Knight: these are all things I have aspired to be. Some I have achieved, others have been deemed unrealistic. I'm from Bristol, PA but also lived in Los Angeles. I currently teach film production at the University of North Georgia in Oakwood, GA while continuing to develop micro-budget features.
Waking State
Most of the production crew of Eden's Shadow previously collaborated on a micro-budget feature titled Waking State which had it's premiere at the Georgia Film Festival in October 2025 and most recently won the Independent Spirit Award at the Midwest Weirdfest in Eau Claire, WI.
Logline: After watching a top secret videotape, a small town law clerk must track down the tape's origin and its connection to a deeper conspiracy.
Watch the trailer below:
