Kickstarter

To my supporters:

WHO. WHAT. WHY. WHEN. WHERE. 

I’m Ayana Enomoto-Hurst and am creating a short film for my senior thesis at Bard College and am looking for YOUR SUPPORT. As someone who finds language to be both beautiful but also insufficient, I have directed my efforts of expression through film. While my inspiration mainly derives from news media, this film in particular, removes itself from the events of magnitude that fill the headlines and focuses instead on the simple conflicts that we face day to day. With so many conflicts yet to be resolved, help me solve this one, by supporting this project. 

I wrote the screenplay this past spring and will begin production late-July. I plan to film in Minnesota, and with most of my pre-production work completed, the only thing holding me back is the financing. With a deadline fast approaching, I turn to you for help. 

THE STORY. 

Inspired by this quote: 

“When we look at the ‘infinitesimal’ histories of individual lives, each person appears as a free human being, determining the course of his or her actions. But when we look at the ‘ocean of history,’ with its vast movements of peoples, revolutions and wars, each person seems caught up in a tide of events beyond individual control.” -Tessa Morris-Suzuki 

The story is simple. In the transition of moving from one home to another, a family’s last most valuable piece of furniture gets jammed in the door. The tension builds as the piece of furniture physically and mentally isolates the family. With the constant struggle to dislodge this divide, each character struggles to maintain dignity without freedom. 

In sum, it’s about isolation, mobility, and most of all—conflict. 

THE TALENT.

I have a wonderful cast and crew ready to shoot. Here is just a sample of the talent that will make this production a success.

Clarence Wethern - as the father

Dubbed an "Artist We Love" by Minnesota Monthly, Clarence Wethern has been a fixture in Twin Cities film and theatre since relocating from his hometown of New Orleans in 2005. Independent film credits include leading roles in the shorts “Empty Bottle,” "How to Jail," and "Dinner Date" as well as the features “Connected” and "Still Life.” Clarence recently received rave reviews for his performance as Oliver in "The Pride" at Pillsbury House Theatre and, shortly before that, his turn as Hamlet at Theatre in the Round, both in Minneapolis.

Ava Justin - as the daughter

Benjamin Marx - score composer

Benji is a Brooklyn-based musician. He received his B.A. in music from Bard College where he studied under John Esposito, Erica Lindsay, and George Tsontakis. He is the recipient of the Nesuhi Ertegun Scholarship for Jazz Studies, as well as the Larry Mcleod Award for Music in 2012. An accomplished composer and performer, Benji has written for string quartets, wind quintets, and jazz ensembles. He has studied guitar for 9 years, and while at Bard, began focusing on upright and electric bass. He has since performed in many concert halls and clubs in NYC including Steinway Hall, Piano’s NYC, Sullivan Hall, Parks Slope Tea lounge, and Shea Stadium (Williamsburg). In addition, Benji has recorded for movie soundtracks and EP’s.

The background music in the video above is the sound Benji has suggested for the score. It is a recording of a solo performance of Rwavasekuru by Zimbabwe's Queen of Mbira Music, Ambuya Stella Rambisai Chiweshe.

This is just a few highlights of the cast and crew, yet there are many more whose talents will make this a success (provided we have the funding). 

THE MONEY. 

With the wealth of resources I have pulled for the creation of this film, I have fallen short. What I still need help with is: 

-Equipment: crane, boom, dolly, the works! Even though I'd like to say money isn't everything, in the film world it matters greatly. I'm already borrowing a handful of equipment from friends and family, yet the more equipment I can rent, the better it'll look. *This is REALLY where I need the money. 

-Transportation: My cast and crew are all wonderful, but if they can't get to the shooting locations there will be no production. They are already working for little to nothing, so dents in their pockets are dents in mine.

-Other smaller things: Food and coffee for those extra long production days. The obscure little props that I don't have already. 

I assure you that every penny spent will make this film not only great but fantastic.

I hope this gives you enough encouragement to support the story, the film, the talent, and the work.

Sincerely,

Ayana Enomoto-Hurst