About this project
Breaking the Silence is a feature-length documentary created by youth to explore the issue of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) discrimination in schools. The story delves into why discrimination happens, the lack of support and outreach in some environments and the significant impact one voice can have.
The director, Shea Dietz, leads us through a film chronicling his journey from coming out in high school to becoming an award winning activist. He experiences resistance from his parents, peers and most of all his Jesuit high school, but manages, at the same time, to find individuals who support his vision. With their help, Shea develops the "Gays Upon the Future" campaign which encourages students to take control of their own rights movement.
We have spent the last year filming and have finally moved into post! This documentary has been produced for under $5,000, a slew of I-owe-yous and truck loads of passion. We finally have something to show for our work and are looking to you to help us to finalize our vision! We need to edit, score and repay everyone who has worked with us thus far. Our lack of funding is threatening to bring us to a standstill. Pledge so these stories don't continue to collect dust.
We believe this film will not open eyes to the issue of bullying but also begin a serious discussion of what steps can be taken to reduce discrimination in schools. This film is not about a problem. It is about solutions and the strength that can be gained by standing up and breaking the silence.
In addition to your generous donations we would deeply appreciate a Like, Tweet, Follow or hit on our website!
Breaking the Silence - Website : Facebook
Gays Upon the Future - Website : Facebook : Twitter
Thank you!
Directed by: Shea Alexander Dietz
Produced by: Shea Dietz, Kevin Halladay-Glynn and James Egan
This project is supported by: The Matthew Shepard Foundation, GLAD, The Center, Out Front Colorado, One Colorado, GSA Network and HRC. Join them!
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
50
Backers
$2,606
pledged of $35,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on December 12.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
Every contribution helps! You are added to our email list providing updates on our film's progress, press, and festival circuit!
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Everything above + you are listed on our website as a supporter!
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Everything above + a Gays Upon The Future T-Shirt (as seen on our website)!
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Everything above + a DVD of final film and we'll tweet your name!
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Everything above + you are listed in the "Special Thanks" section at the end of the film!
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Everything above + you are one of the first people to see the film via an exclusive online screening!
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
Everything above + a signed poster and signed DVD by members of film!
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
Everything above + you are flown out to view early cut, give notes and have dinner with the filmmakers!
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
Everything above + a speaking engagement where director Shea Alexander Dietz will talk about his experiences with discrimination and activism and screen sections of the film at a location of choice!
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
Everything above + you are listed as an Associate Producer in the opening credits and flown out to premiere of film!
Project By
Connected as Shea Alexander Dietz (646 friends)
It was in Savage, MN that I picked up my first camera with my three best friends. Together, we fell in love with every part of filmmaking. We started our own production company: JEMS (an acronym of our names) with a purple gem as our logo. I partook in the summer program at USC School of Cinematic Arts while still in high school and worked to hone my craft.
After coming out during my senior year, I began to experience discrimination. The filmmaker inside me knew that a camera was the perfect tool to explore why this was happening. Breaking the Silence has grown into my debut feature film. I'm very excited to finish it with your help and continue my filmmaking as a social activist.
