A Short Film by
Courtney Karwal
& Rachel Forman

THE HOLE

Two lonely strangers.

One apartment complex.

And a hole in the ceiling
that brings them together.

NEWS

Festival

Screening

L.A. Shorts
International
Film Festival


July 24, 2025
5:30 PM


Tix on sale 7/8
(Program 49)

5:3

Accolade

MEET THE TEAM

DIRECTOR

COURTNEY KARWAL is a director and writer with a decade of comedy experience under her belt. Courtney made her directorial debut with her short film LIPSTICK CITY, which won Best Comedy Short at the New York Shorts Film Fest and Best Director at the Portland Comedy Film Festival. This past year, Courtney directed MARGOT’S OFF THE MARKET, a short film that was selected by Vail Film Festival. She also wrote, directed, and produced a spec NIKE campaign to gain attention in the commercial world.

WRITER

RACHEL FORMAN is a writer and comedian working in film, TV, animation and live comedy. She co-wrote and will E.P. an UNTITLED MUSICAL ROM-COM (EP Bill Burr). She co-wrote the short BAD ASSISTANT, which stars Jason Schwartzman and has earned film fest prizes for Best Writing and Best Dark Comedy. She has performed standup, improv & sketch at The UCB Theatre and The Comedy Store, developed animated series for Gaumont, and written on shows for Disney, Nickelodeon and Spinmaster.

PRODUCER

MADDIE THOMAS is a producer based in Los Angeles. Her work has received selections from the Sundance Film Festival, Vimeo Staff Pick, NoBudge Best of the Year, and Palm Springs Shortfest, among others. She was previously a Development Executive at Amazon Studios, working across the TV Comedy and the First Look & Overall Deals teams. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film.

CINEMATOGRAPHER

BETHANY MICHALSKI is a Los Angeles & Baltimore-based cinematographer and director. The instincts from her street photography days and MFA training from the AFI Conservatory have shaped her focus today. Michalski embraces her naturalistic sensitivities and interest in blending the narrative & documentary worlds. Most notably, Bethany’s directing and cinematography work have premiered at the DGA, Nobudge, Camerimage, Outfest, and Cinequest. Her clients include Disney, Showtime, MTV, Nike, Dior, Chanel, US Bank, Paper Magazine, and the Travel Channel.

DONATE

Our $25,000 budget was crowdfunded by over 100 donors, making The Hole a true indie film.

Want to join the team? We’re still accepting donations to put towards film festival and promotional costs.

We are beyond grateful for your support!

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

    • Digital download of the film

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

    • Limited edition postcard

    • Digital download of the film

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

    • Digital download of the film

    • Limited edition postcard

    • Signed poster

    • Special Thanks in end credits

    • Signed poster

    • Limited edition postcard

    • Digital download of the film

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

    • Invite to private screening in Los Angeles

    • Special Thanks in end credits

    • Signed poster

    • Limited edition postcard

    • Digital download of the film

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

    • Lunch with the creative team (IRL for locals / Zoom for our faraway friends!)

    • Invite to private screening in Los Angeles

    • Special Thanks in end credits

    • Signed poster

    • Limited edition postcard

    • Digital download of the film

    • Personal thank you from the creative team

  • Tight on cash but can think of other ways to help? We’re open to any kind of support!

Get some sweet perks!