Kickstarter

Need more information? Check out this update video with myself and other's apart of the project.

Also here is another update video; "the blooper reel"

https://vimeo.com/40906041

Interview with Tom Barefoot of Gross National Happiness: http://vimeo.com/41780820

I'm an independent filmmaker from VT and recent graduate with a degree in digital filmmaking. I’ve wanted to make films since I was young. I'm super excited about this project and your Kickstarter support will allow me to continue developing this trailer into a full length documentary: "The Pursuit: A Global Quest for Happiness".

My travels to developing countries such as Haiti have played a significant role in shaping who I am- how I look at life, what motivates and drives me forward, and why I have become so drawn to filmmaking. My own recent graduation and starting a film business, as well as others factors such as the Occupy movement and conversations with peers have led to many questions and discussions. I find myself frequently reflecting on the words of Thomas Jefferson- “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”… The American Dream was founded upon this phrase, but it seems that somewhere along the way things have shifted from focusing on ideals and principles to an emphasis on material wealth and gain.                                                                   

We all have dreams and desires; we are all in pursuit of something- something that fulfills our visions and our dreams of a good and happy life- not just here in the United States, but across the globe.

What I want to do is explore the fundamental nature- the essence- of what it is to be happy. What gives one a sense of joy and fulfillment?   What is it that makes our hearts sing?   Is material wealth our driving force, or is there something more?                                                                                  There is no doubt that our answers to these questions range from A to Z, and that real solutions to our challenges are going to require a global perspective.  We're all in this together.                        

So far I have interviewed friends, family, co-workers, professors etc. There will be more to follow, but the next phase includes traveling with a team from the United States to Haiti. We will have "round table" discussions with Haitians of a similar age group. The goal is to expose differences and similarities of the dreams, desires, obstacles and aspirations existing in both societies and cultures. We also hope to capture the perspective of the elder generation in rural area's of Haiti where people have lived and been essentially self sufficient for generations. 

The main topics and focal points will be formulated to provoke reflective thought, ideas and emphasize solutions for our future. 

My goal is $11,500 which is the bare minimum to make this all work. Bottom line is that this is a social-profit project. Keep in mind though, if enough money is raised more trips can be organized to different settings-it needs to be a global perspective- so think big! 

Here is a brief overview:

Travel expenses to Haiti, and in country expenses which include driver, vehicle, fuel and translators. We will be coordinating all of this with partners and affiliates of Vermont Haiti Project. (www.vermonthaitiproject.org)

 Equipment expenses include batteries, rented generator and hard drives for media storage. 

Upon return to the States expenses will include transportation, editing, music rights and distribution.

 I need your support kickstarters to make this project happen. Thanks so much in advance!

Cal