Maybe 17-year-old Stormi Myers will be the next director of a film like “Juno” or “Little Miss Sunshine,” two quirky movies that had big influences on teens across America.

But for right now, she’s pleased to be her own independent self.

She made a 13-minute film about suicide, “Farewell,” that is to be shown Saturday at the Phantoscope Indiana High School Film Festival at the Richmond Art Museum.

“I’m really excited. It’s like a dream come true. By no means is this as far as I want to go but it’s a step,” said Myers, who lives on the northside and attends Anderson High School.

The film, which she made off a handheld Samsung - not much more than a point-and-shoot camera - is a silent black-and-white effort showing the impact of a man’s suicide on those who loved him.

She edited the film using Moviemaker on her home computer.

The idea came as she and friend Clorissa Brown sat home watching films and TV in 2007. Among them was “Clerks” a offbeat film about a day in the life of two convenience store cashiers made by Myers’ favorite director, Kevin Smith.

“We had some time over the summer to kill. We wanted to do something for fun. That’s when I realized I wanted to do this for a living.”

The two decided to do something out of the ordinary.

Myers filmed Brown walking up to a funeral home (although it was really a church) and then, piece-by-piece, a story about suicide developed. Myers had her five-year-old sister, Ellie, portray a grieving youngster and her uncle, Jason, as the suicide victim though only his feet are showing.

And in 13 minutes, there’s a complete tale told of death, pregnancy, drug addiction and neglect.

“It’s actually kind of sad, honestly. Everybody who watches it has cried,” she said.

As they started filming, Myers’ mother Stachia, suggested they find a message in the medium. She thought it would suit her daughter’s tastes.

“She likes the oddball movies,” said her mother. “Kevin Smith is her favorite director and he makes some real vulgar oddball films.”

Both mom and daughter like horror movies and the comedy “Little Miss Sunshine,” the indpendent film that was nominated for Best Picture Academy Award in 2007. Stormi is the daughter of Todd and Stachia Myers.