Kickstarter

"Gang Girl: A Mother’s Journey to Save Her Daughter" is a documentary created by Valerie Goodloe, a LA-based professional photographer for a national magazine. After discovering that her daughter Nafeesa had joined a notorious Los Angeles gang, Goodloe determined that not only did she need answers to help explain how she found herself on this path with Nafeesa, but also that she would take it upon herself to increase awareness about the huge numbers of girls and women involved in the gang lifestyle. Goodloe is on a mission to sound a very serious alarm: these girls are the next generation of mothers and grandmothers.

The film was accepted to the New Filmmakers Los Angeles Festival and 2011 San Diego Black Film Festival, where it won Best Documentary. "Gang Girl" will have its first major Los Angeles screening at the Pan African Film Festival in February. Visit here for more info: http://www.paff.org/panafricanfilmfestival/gang-girl-a-mothers-journey-to-save-her-daughter/

The self-funded documentary requires more significant funding to complete the storytelling and post-production work leading up to the film's debut at the Pan African Film Festival & an upcoming international festival premiere. We have submitted the film and are waiting to hear of acceptance to the Oakland, San Francisco, ReelWorld and Tribeca Film Festivals, which occur in April. Donating by the April 1st deadline will help us continue to submit the film to festivals, attend the festivals, elicit marketing and distribution assistance, and complete the post-production work for the film. Music plays an integral role in the film but clearing it is currently our greatest concern and expense.

We set a modest goal of $8,000 to try to ensure that we will be able to meet our goal. Donations are humbly accepted and if we exceed the goal, we are more than in need of the additional funds. Remember, donations on Kickstarter are all or nothing. If we don't reach our goal by April 1st, we don't receive any funding at all and you are not charged. We have great rewards for donations and appreciate anything that you can give!

Although "Gang Girl" is one woman’s journey, it illuminates the universal themes of belonging, hopelessness and how the negative societal impact of gang activity affects us all. Goodloe hopes that others, especially communities impacted by gangs, bullying, LGBT youth and issues of belonging recognize the vital importance of her message.

Please visit and "Like" the film on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ganggirlfilm and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ganggirlfilm for more info and updates.