Masquerade
A young woman seeks escape at a New Year’s masquerade, only to find that the comedown is quieter and more confronting than the night itself
.jpeg)
Masquerade’ is a psychological drama riddled with allegorical elements and symbolism. It follows an isolated and benign young woman, Jade, who seeks escape at an opulent New Year’s masquerade with her foil and vapid best friend, Liv. Only to discover that when the masks come off, she is left alone to face the reflection she desperately tried to escape.
- Prince Diafuana
I believe Jade’s story is universal. We’re all guilty of escapism and chasing ephemeral elation to combat moments of seclusion and banality. I write from the lens of a young adult, drawing from the last few years of my own experience. This film explores why we seek meaning and substance in noise when silence becomes unbearable.
I decided to use the masquerade as the central theme because it allows me to depict the elegant and devastating duality of nightlife. On one hand, it’s celebratory and glittering, but on the other, quietly destructive. This film explores the masks we wear to escape reality and treats weekend nightlife as a psychological masquerade, a space where people wear versions of themselves for a night. Forget who you are or remember who you were.
To write this script, I had to internally confront myself of my own tendencies of avoidance. I hope, with the help and acumen of this great filmmaking crew, that this film invites viewers into a place of recognition, encouraging them to reflect not through spectacle, but in secluded emotional truth.
How do your donations contribute?
With your help and support, we can create a beautiful work of film, with your donations paying for:
location fees, set design, costume, travel, and subsistence for the cast and crew.
Support the film here: https://greenlit.com/project/masquerade
Our film is about identity and what lies beneath the mask. That’s why we’re supporting Place2Be, a UK charity that helps children navigate their mental health and feel safe being themselves. 10% of all donations go to Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity with over 30 years of experience helping students, families, and school staff in UK schools.
Learn more about them here!
How do your donations contribute?
Our film explores the idea of masks, an illusion of what we choose to show the world and what we hide beneath the surface. In the same way, many children quietly carry emotional challenges that often go unseen. We are donating a portion of our crowdfunding to Place2Be, a UK children’s mental health charity that provides early, life-changing support in schools. By supporting Place2Be, we hope to help create spaces where children feel safe to remove their masks and be heard.
Why are we donating to Place2be?
Meet the Crew
Director/ Writer
Prince Diafuana
Prince Diafuana is a London-born director and writer currently completing his final year of Film & Television at the University of the Arts London. Drawing from his background in theatre acting and literature, his filmmaking explores character, symbolism, and interiority. These influences will shape the tone and visual language of Masquerade
Producer
Kelcey Ntaganira
Kelsey Ntaganira is a Birmingham-born producer and filmmaker currently based in London. He is in his final year studying Film & Television at the University of the Arts London. Creative and devoted, Kelsey brings a strong sense of passion and professionalism to Masquerade.
Editor
Robert Graziano-Clint
Robert Graziano-Clint is a London-based editor and an Adobe-certified professional in video design, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. He is dedicated to taking Masquerade to its full potential in his final year of studying Film and Television at the University of the Arts London.
Production Designer
Irina Anton
Irina Maria Anton is a London-based production designer and filmmaker with a background in film studies and fine art. Currently completing a BA in Film and Television at the University of Arts London, her work is influenced by five years of experimenting with diverse artistic mediums and a strong interest in the whimsical and surreal. She is currently developing her final year project, Masquerade.
Director of Photography
Danielle Grimaldo
Danielle Grimaldo is a London-based cinematographer and filmmaker from Austin, Texas. She began her career assisting cinematographer Jim Flores and working on set as a grip and camera assistant. Her work has been exhibited at the AISD Performing Arts Center, the Bob Bullock Museum, and the Texas State Capitol Exhibition (2022). Now studying cinematography at the University of the Arts London, Danielle brings a unique visual voice to her final university project, Masquerade.
Sound
Ralf Simsolo Hayim
Ralf Simsolo Hayim, a soundie from İzmir, Türkiye. He worked on a fiction pilot episode and two mini documentaries. Now a second year in University of the Arts London he will bring sound to Masquerade.
Crew at work
