Madison native Caleb Thomas wrote, filmed and directed “Such Creatures: A Modern Film Noir” with his Chicago production company. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Caleb Thomas, formerly of Madison, has completed a film project with his production company in Chicago.

“Such Creatures: A Modern Film Noir” is Thomas’ thriller that explores the triumphs and tragedies of human nature and the choices that define us. Thomas served as director, cinematographer and screenwriter for the film.

Thomas is a 2003 graduate of Bob Jones High School. He worked at a Madison video store and took advantage of the free rental policy of movies for employees.

While studying film directing at Columbia College in Chicago, he won numerous awards as a student filmmaker for his short films and documentaries. “Such Creatures” is his first independent film.

In “Such Creatures,” Lee Dekkar is a hired thug for a small-time crime syndicate in a metropolitan city. For years, Lee and his partner Victor have collected debts by any means necessary with little or no consequence.

However, Lee’s luck changes when he meets Claire, who he judges as virtuous yet secretive about her past. As their relationship develops, Lee soon realizes they are intertwined much deeper than only by romance. Angered by Lee’s apathy, Victor is determined to expose Claire’s skeletons and reveal the truth.

“Our goal is to create a quality film for a memorable viewing experience with a production value that will enable us to be competitive and successful in film festivals,” Thomas said.

“We preserve life in words. We record life in songs. We capture life with pictures,” Thomas said. “We create art for others, not for ourselves, because the satisfaction is in the sharing.”

Thomas garnered funding for his film project with the Kickstarter organization, which uses unique methods to fund creative works. Entrepreneurs in film, music and art take projects on all scales to Kickstarter to find support of arts-minded individuals.

“Such Creatures: A Film Noir” will premiere in Chicago in June.

For more information, visit kickstarter.com/projects/711542575/such-creatures-a-modern-film-noir.