STUART — A familiar feeling — leaving home and knowing life is about to change — became the heart of “Goodbye Stuart,” a 10-minute short film and visual love letter to the city.

The film marks Amelie Anstett’s first time writing, producing, directing and starring in a film — and since its Aug. 17 release, it has surpassed 1 million views on Instagram.

Anstett plays Elle, who on the night before moving away to college returns to the people and places that defined her childhood, capturing a universal moment: the realization that life is about to change forever.

With costars Ashton Arbab and Isha Punja, the film was shot over two days last summer and features several iconic sites, including the Stuart Causeway, downtown Stuart, Rockin H Ranch and Spiros Olympic Taverna.

“It was so fun,” Anstett said. “A crowd grew while we were filming, it felt special.”

“Goodbye Stuart” also has more than 47,000 views on YouTube.

“I didn’t expect it to go as viral as it has,” Anstett said.

In today’s digital marketplace, the 22-year-old actress, dancer, model, and content creator knows what she’s doing.

Rather than simply releasing her short film online, Anstett built an immersive world around the project through a custom website, interactive audience engagement and a social media campaign designed to make viewers feel the film before they watch it.

Anstett has about 800,000 followers across her social media pages and uses her platform to champion her motto: be original.

“An original is always worth more than a copy,” Anstett said.

Anstett grew up in Palm City and studied at the Stuart Dance Academy. At age 12, she landed her first professional job, dancing with Justin Bieber on his “Purpose” world tour.

In addition to her popular online profile, she is known for her role as Sadie in the BratTV series “Chicken Girls.”

The creative visionary has lived in Los Angeles full time for the past four years but returns to the Treasure Coast at least twice a year.

“Family is really important to me.”

Anstett manages her social media carefully, curating content for authenticity and making sure not to get lost in the online ruckus.

“It can be a negative and clouded space,” Anstett said. “I don’t read every comment. I don’t want to enter into that false reality.”

The emerging filmmaker recently wrapped her first full-length feature film, in which she stars as the lead. The title of the film and the names of her costars remain under wraps.

“It’s a surreal moment for me to be leading my very first feature film. It’s a story I’m honored to be able to tell,” said Anstett. “I grew up watching my costars. To work beside them was surreal.”

“Goodbye Stuart” is available to stream on YouTube. For information, visit goodbyestuart.com.