An intimate portrait of two lovers, glimpsing into the world in which they met, moments before their execution for being gay.
WE DID IT!
We have passed our goal of $25,000 !!!
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT!
THE SHORT FILM:
Imagine two young men, nooses wrapped around both their necks. Blindfolded, their bodies hang listlessly before a cheering crowd in a packed public square. Condemned for the simple act of loving each other, these two men were executed for being gay. Their love, and the price they paid for that love, is the inspiration for this story.
In Iran in 2005, a photo was taken of two men, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhonihad, on the day they were executed for being gay. While seeming completely unthinkable, executions based on sexuality still happen, even within the last ten years. The photo of this atrocious act serves as the inspiration of our new film, Aban & Khorshid.
Aban & Khorshid explores the relationship of two men just hours before they are to be killed for loving each other. If you only had a few hours left to live, what would you share with the love of your life? What would you say? What would you do? It’s an almost impossible question to ask, yet it will be one many people around the world must someday face. In fact…
In 76 countries around the world, homosexuality is a punishable offense. In 5 of those countries, it is punishable by death.
In these final moments, Aban and Khorshid share with each other their dreams, their fears, their understanding of what life means to them. The film is an intimate and vulnerable portrait of two forbidden lovers, glimpsing into the world in which they met and fell in love.
Storyboard Excerpt
Why We Want To Tell This Story:
From Writer/Director, Darwin Serink: A single flame can wipe away the blackness of night.
Aban & Khorshid can be the catalyst for an important conversation needed for human rights and gay rights around the world.
I grew up in a small town in northern Canada where most boys play hockey. All I wanted to do was dance. It was terribly challenging as a child to constantly stand out, as I faced a society predicated on fitting in. Looking back at the choices I made, I would never have become a filmmaker had I not been forced to find freedom and follow my heart.
Aban & Khorshid is a film to see that we are all equal. We all deserve the basic human right to love and be loved.
A Symbol For Freedom:
Designed by Sheila Milani, this symbol of freedom features a heart resting quietly within an enclosed circle made up of barbed wire. The two iconic, yet contrasting elements are a complete juxtaposition, encouraging us all to speak loudly to the freedom of love!
Share this icon with your friends, family, neighbors, enemies, whoever.
About The Writer/Director:
Darwin Serink: In 2007, Serink received a BFA in Film from Art Center College of Design and has been creating images, still and moving, ever since. With years of experience as a visual effects artist on commercials and music videos, Serink’s career has been vast and varied. Recently, he placed as a quarter finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship for Screenwriting with the feature film Paper Cranes, as well as being an alumni of the OUTFEST Screenwriters Lab in 2011. Serink is currently enrolled in UCLA's Professional Screenwriting Program.
What We Already Have:
- A story: Having completed detailed research on this subject, and a script, we have great momentum to move forward with production on this important short film.
- A team: Our passionate team includes determined producers, an ingenious director, an awe-inspiring cinematographer, and a remarkable graphic designer.
- A community: YOU! Which leads us to…
How You Can Help:
Our goal is to raise funds to cover the hard costs of…
- Production
- Casting
- Scouting locations
- Travel
- Equipment
- Hard drives
- Pizza
- Mini vans
- Film festival fees
- You get the idea
Now it’s about getting this story out to the world. Aban & Khorshid is desperately needed to give a voice for people like Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhonihad.
If Aban & Khorshid resonates with you, make a pledge. Any contribution (large or small) will make a difference. Please share our Kickstarter link on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. We need the help of a community, spreading the word to friends and family.
All people deserve the right to love. This film is about what connects us to each other, regardless of orientation, race, gender, political association or religion. Please support this project and help bring more stories of love into our world.
Links for more information:
Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees
The IRQR’s mission is advancing human rights for Iranian queers asylum seekers/refugees to increase public awareness of their plight and to provide continued support to them where and when it is required.
UN Issues First Report on Human Rights of Gay and Lesbian People
Islamic Punishment Code on Homosexuality
Three Men Hanged For Having Gay Sex In Iran
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: Two More Executions for Homosexuals
Questions?
If you’re not sure how Kickstarter works, check out their FAQ page. If you have any questions at all about the project, about where your money will go, or if you have ideas or suggestions of ways to collaborate, please get in touch.
You can email the director directly at darwin@abankhorshid.com
International backers (those who live outside the U.S. or Canada) are requested to add $20 to help with the cost of shipping.
Thank You!
The Aban & Khorshid Production Team
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
With every film there are huge risks and challenges one faces at every level of production. Aban & Khorshid is no different. Some of our challenges and risks are:
Casting: We are going to need two very talented and willing actors to play the roles of Aban and Khorshid. The roles are spoken in Persian and will require extensive dialogue coaching. We will need to have the script translated and this will be a huge challenge – yet one that will be very rewarding.
Locations: We are in deep conversation about the location this film will be shot. Majority of the film is interiors – however – this being a verite film, we are looking into shooting over seas. This is a huge risk as we are more familiar with our crew base in Los Angeles but it is a challenge we look forward to facing.
Equipment and Crew: It is expensive to make a film. We are going to be shooting with the ARRI Alexa camera package or something comparable. A camera and lighting package can be costly. Our challenge is to acquire equipment and crew at a very reasonable rate so we can put more budget in to the production design and have money for postproduction as well.
With a team of professional filmmakers, producers and artists we are all passionate about taking on this important project and creating this film to the highest degree of quality.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
231
Backers
$28,595
pledged of $25,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Oct 1, 2012 -
Oct 31, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 11 backed
- Darwin Serink 467 friends
- Website: abankhorshid.com
Pledge $1 or more
2 backers
Your support is much appreciated and we will keep you updated on all progress of the film.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $5 or more
9 backers
THE ACTIVIST: A very special thank you. Updates on the progress of the short film. All help is wonderful!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $10 or more
25 backers
THE ADVOCATE: All of the above PLUS stickers of the BARBED HEART graphic designed by Sheila Milani and a private link to view the completed film. Thanks a bunch!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $25 or more
36 backers
THE MARCHER: You Rock! You receive all of the above PLUS a digital download of the completed film and even MORE complimentary stickers of the BARBED HEART logo designed by Sheila Milani. Stick them on a sign post! At a bus stop! On your car bumper!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $25 or more
32 backers Limited (18 of 50 left)
TOTES AWESOME SUPPORTER! Pledge $25 and receive all the stuff in the MARCHER package plus a RAD TOTE BAG with the barbed heart graphic designed by Sheila Milani!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $50 or more
16 backers
THE HERALD: All of the above AND a digital print of the film poster to show off to your friends how awesome you are to contribute to the film.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $75 or more
4 backers
THE HERALD ++: For adding a little more to your pledge we will give you a digital print and a 8 by 10 hard copy of the film poster! THANKS!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $100 or more
12 backers Limited (88 of 100 left)
100 FOR 100: Limited edition TOTE BAG, and all the other goodies in the Revolutionary package.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $100 or more
15 backers
THE REVOLUTIONARY: Okay! You're seriously awesome! This is where the stuff gets great. Promotional stickers, 8" by 10" digital print and a download of the film... AND special thanks in the credits of the film. NOT TO MENTION huge cyber hugs and back pats galore. Oh I almost forgot - An invite to a private screening in LA.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $150 or more
7 backers
THE VANGUARD: Everything mentioned above PLUS a Digital Download of the Look Book designed by Darwin. See you at the private screening where you get to view your name in the credits!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $250 or more
10 backers
THE LEADER: It takes folks like you to get stuff done! and we will send you all of the above PLUS a 14" by 20" digital print of the film poster. See you at the screening!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $500 or more
7 backers
THE HERO: You are our hero and we are ever grateful for your support. I am personally calling you to thank you so if you see a 213 area code pop up on your phone - PICK UP! You will also receive the above gifts but they are a small token for how generous you are!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
3 backers
THE BELIEVER: Thanks is not enough for your generosity SO we will be sending you a softcover copy of the look book designed by Darwin. See you at the screening!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $2,500 or more
2 backers
THE VISIONARY: All of the above + Associate Producer Credit. You are an amazing person and this film is going to affect thousands because of you!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers
THE LUMINARY: Executive Producer title in the credits. You receive all of the above and a special edition hardcover book of images infused with the script designed by Darwin. Thank you for your generous support!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
