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Update #8: On the anniversary of David Kato's death, CALL ME KUCHU shares his story with the world
Dear backers,
Today, January 26th, marks one year since David Kato's murder. David was a good friend to both of us - a result in part of the time we spent throughout 2010 filming his work to combat both the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and the gay-bashing Ugandan newspaper The Rolling Stone. To commemorate his life and our memories of him, we made a short film for The New York Times, which you can watch here.
As we work to complete CALL ME KUCHU in time for its world premiere in Berlin, we've launched a second Kickstarter fundraising campaign to help us raise some last minute funds to finish the film AND to bring a member of the kuchu community to engage directly with the audience at the premiere (thereby kicking off our outreach campaign) and to finally see the film on the big screen.
Of course, we haven't forgotten about the DVDs, private screenings and the like that are still due - all of which will be honored later this year. In the meantime, anything you can do to help us spread the word about this new campaign -- including linking to it on your Facebook profile and Twitter feed -- would be a HUGE help! (And should you want to contribute again, we have an exclusive reward level just for repeat backers).
This will probably be the last time we get in touch through this Kickstarter campaign, but if you'd like to keep hearing about our progress, signup to our mailing list, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
And THANKS: we couldn't have done this without you!
Malika & Katy
Update #7: Call Me Kuchu World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival!
We are incredibly excited to inform you that Call Me Kuchu has been invited to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival on Saturday, February 11th!!! Check out the press release in all it's glory here.
None of this, of course, would have been possible without the generosity of all of you folks who believed enough in this film to contribute to our campaign nearly nine months ago, and in so doing helped us cover crucial expenses, from harddrives to translating our footage to filming Uganda's human rights review at the United Nations in Geneva.
We have a frenzied few weeks ahead of us, but there will be more news to share in the coming days, so we'll definitely keep you updated on our progress. And if any of you happen to be in Berlin, please do get in touch - we'd love to see you there!
As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or email: callmekuchu@gmail.com.
Oodles of gratitude,
Malika & Katy
Update #6: This Thursday: A Sneak Preview in New York!
Dearest backers,
For those of you in New York with some time to spare this Thursday evening, come join us at the 92Y Tribeca to see the product of your generous contribution and to share your thoughts on it with us. We’ll be doing a work in progress screening of some new scenes from Call Me Kuchu and brainstorming our outreach and advocacy strategy along with panelists from Human Rights Watch, All Out, WITNESS and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, as well as YOU, the audience. More info & tickets here.
As for those rewards… they’ve all been sent out to those of you who responded with your details, and many of your names are now listed on on our funders page. And of course, if you haven’t sent us your details or you haven’t received your reward, please do get in touch: callmekuchu@gmail.com
In the meantime, in honor of all your support and in the spirit of Uganda’s most flamboyant drag queens (the Miss Kuchus past, present and future) we thought we'd express our gratitude in festive costume, below.
And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the film and the situation in Uganda.
Happy Holidays!
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Elisabeth Holm on December 13
super bummed to have to miss this! trust it will be awesome!! at the very least, as awesome as those masks!
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Update #5: Keeping busy!
A production update
As always, things have been busy for team Call Me Kuchu. The edit's in full swing and we just finished a new trailer that depicts the film's full narrative arc, which you can watch below. We also recently received a grant from a private foundation that should take us a little further along the path of post-production in the coming months (hurrah!), and we were accepted into Independent Film Week's Spotlight on Documentaries market, taking place in New York next month -- another valuable opportunity for us to talk ourselves hoarse pitching the film to programmers, broadcasters and sales agents!
The situation in Uganda
In some ways, things are currently looking up in Uganda: one of the leading activist organizations, Freedom & Roam Uganda recently launched it's Hate No More Campaign, with the aim of educating Ugandan politicians, health service providers and the population as a whole on why LGBT people deserve to be treated like everyone else. And while it hasn't yet been confirmed, a Ugandan newspaper reported on Monday that the Cabinet may have finally dropped the Anti-Homosexuality Bill (although members of parliament, such as the bill's author, are currently debating that report.) Then there was the news that Sexual Minorities Uganda and the International Planned Parenthood Federation are launching the David Kato Vision and Voice Award, which will honor David's incredible work and that of another human rights activist on December 10th, International Human Rights Day. Watch this space for more on that...
Rewards rewards rewards
And of course we haven't forgotten your rewards! As your survey responses have been trickling in, we've sent one backer on a romantic date to a STOMP show on Broadway, commissioned two pairs of custom-designed sneakers, arranged a pickling class, and accumulated a large pile of Ugandan recycled bead necklaces, Call Me Kuchu buttons, film stills, and canvases -- all of which will be sent out to you generous folk by mid-September.
In the meantime, feel free to share the trailer on Facebook and Twitter, and don't forget to let us know what you think: callmekuchu@gmail.com
And thanks!
Malika & Katy
Update #4: What follows a successful Kickstarter campaign? Rewards rewards rewards!
Dear backers,
Thanks to YOU, our Kickstarter campaign closed last month with nearly 120% of our goal. The response was amazing: we got some good press, including a Q&A on the Kickstarter blog, and we raised nearly $12,000, essential funds to allow us to edit the film. But most importantly, YOU have helped us prove that there's already a passionate and engaged audience for Call Me Kuchu. That came in particularly useful last week, when we took part in an intense few days of pitching our film to broadcasters and producers as one of nine projects (and only two docs) at the L.A. Film Festival's "Fast Track" financing market. Having the Kickstarter campaign to hold up as proof of general public interest in Call Me Kuchu was invaluable, and more than fifty meetings later (!) we're feeling excited about the film's future. (Although our throats are still a little sore!)
But now it's time to say a proper THANK YOU and dispatch our rewards. Those of you who opted to receive a little something as a token of our thanks will shortly be receiving a survey from Kickstarter so that you can give us the details we need to get the goods into your hands. Then just as soon as Malika untangles all those recycled paper bead necklaces from Uganda (see below) we'll be good to go!
As always, let us know if you have any thoughts or questions about the film, or just want to chat: callmekuchu@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow our progress and receive updates on the situation in Uganda via Facebook (http://facebook.com/callmekuchu) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/callmekuchu).
Thanks again!
M&K
247
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on May 20, 2011.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
THANKS, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS! -- Your name will be added to a special supporters page on the CALL ME KUCHU website.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
YOU'VE GOT MAIL -- You will receive a personal thank you email from directors Katy and Malika, and your name will be added to a special supporters page on the CALL ME KUCHU website.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
DISPLAY IT WITH PRIDE -- You will receive a limited edition signed and numbered CALL ME KUCHU 5x7 film still + a stylish necklace made from traditional Ugandan recycled paper beads (beautiful to wear, or makes for a unique gift) + a limited edition CALL ME KUCHU button (also known as a "badge" to British readers) + your name will appear on the supporters page on our website. (International shipping please add $2)
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
STICK IT ON YOUR WALL -- You will receive TWO 8x10 limited edition CALL ME KUCHU film stills, signed and numbered + a traditional Ugandan recycled paper bead necklace + a CALL ME KUCHU button + your name will also appear on the supporters page of our website. (International shipping please add $2)
Pledge $60 or more Pledge $60 or more
EVER WONDERED WHAT BABS' BEDROOMS LOOK LIKE? – You know you have! And you can find out if you opt to receive Barbra Streisand’s new book, MY PASSION FOR DESIGN (kindly donated by the book’s designer) + everything in the PUT IT ON YOUR WALL package above. (Canada shipping please add $3; international shipping please add $5)
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EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH SPAIN WITH GWYNETH AND MARIO – Receive a copy of Gwyneth Paltrow and Mario Batali’s SPAIN: A CULINARY ROAD TRIP (kindly donated by the book’s co-author, Julia Turshen) + everything in the PUT IT ON YOUR WALL package above. (Canada shipping please add $3; international shipping please add $5)
Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more
FOR YOUR COFFEE TABLE – Receive a unique collection of 40 film stills from CALL ME KUCHU in a signed limited edition 5"x7" book + a traditional Ugandan recycled paper bead necklace + a CALL ME KUCHU button + your name will also appear on the supporters page of our website. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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YOUR NAME ON THE SILVER SCREEN! -- Upon completion, you will receive a DVD of CALL ME KUCHU + your name will appear in the film's end credits (as well as on the supporters page of our website). You will also receive a limited edition CALL ME KUCHU 8x10 signed film still. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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A SHOPPING SPREE ON US! -- You will receive a $100 gift certificate for Chico's (kindly donated by the folks at Chico's) + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE SILVER SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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ADORN YOUR APARTMENT -- Receive a very limited edition FRAMED film still lovingly printed on canvas and mounted on a 8x10 wooden frame + a signed DVD of CALL ME KUCHU + your name in the film's end credits and on the online supporters page. (Canada shipping please add $3; international shipping please add $5)
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ADORN YOUR FEET -- Have a unique and fun pair of sneakers designed to your specifications by artist Julie Youngblood ($150 value, check them out here: http://bit.ly/juliey) + a signed DVD of CALL ME KUCHU + your name in the film's end credits and on the online supporters page. (Canada shipping please add $3; international shipping please add $5)
Pledge $400 or more Pledge $400 or more
BECOME A CUT WATCHER + A CLASSIC COCKTAIL LESSON WITH GRAMERCY TAVERN'S SENIOR BARTENDER -- Receive exclusive online access to a rough cut of the film and become an integral part of our filmmaking process by giving us your feedback via a questionnaire. Your creative contribution will be rewarded with a classic cocktail lesson for you and a friend from the senior bartender of NYC's Michelin-star rated Gramercy Tavern (in New York only. Sorry, travel not included) + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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A NIGHT AT THE THEATER! -- Two tickets to see STOMP on Broadway (NYC) or in the West End (London) (kindly donated by the directors and producers of STOMP; sorry, travel and lodging not included). We will also send you a private link to a rough cut of the film for your feedback, + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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COOKING LESSON FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS -- A private cooking lesson in your home for you and your friends from Julia Turshen, chef, food writer and co-author with Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow of SPAIN: A CULINARY ROAD TRIP. And the best part? The lesson will double as dinner. (New York City only; travel and lodging not included) + exclusive online access to a rough cut of the film for your feedback + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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PICKLING LESSON FROM A TOP NYC PICKLE CHEF -- A private canning class at your home with FOUR of your friends and the directors, taught by Michaela Hayes, former pickle chef at NYC's Michelin-star rated Gramercy Tavern (in New York only. Sorry, travel not included) + exclusive online access to a rough cut of the film for your feedback + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
BECOME A CUT WATCHER AND COMMISSION A PAIR OF CUSTOM SNEAKERS -- Receive exclusive online access to a rough cut of the film and become an integral part of our filmmaking process by giving us your feedback via a questionnaire. Your creative contribution will be rewarded with a unique and fun pair of sneakers designed to your specifications by artist Julie Youngblood ($150 value, check them out here: http://bit.ly/juliey) + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
YOUR OWN PRIVATE SCREENING AND AN INVITATION TO OUR OUTREACH SUMMIT -- We'll come to your home for a private screening of the film, followed by a Q&A with us, the directors (for those outside of NYC or LA, this will instead be done via Skype). You'll also become an integral part of our filmmaking process: Receive exclusive online access to a rough cut of the film so you can give us your feedback AND join an outreach summit in person or via Skype with ourselves, our funders and LGBT-focused NGOs to strategize on how to ensure CALL ME KUCHU has an impact. Plus everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3)
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JOIN US AS ASSOCIATE PRODUCER. -- You will receive an Associate Producer credit on CALL ME KUCHU and two tickets to the film's premier (sorry, travel and lodging not included). + exclusive online access to a rough cut of the film for your feedback + everything in the YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN! package above. (Canada shipping please add $2; international shipping please add $3). (Please note our legal fine print: this reward does not include any creative or business involvement with regards to CALL ME KUCHU beyond what is described here, nor does the credit entitle any claim of ownership over CALL ME KUCHU.)
Project By
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Katherine Fairfax Wright graduated from Columbia University with a double major in Film Studies and Anthopology. She produced GABI ON THE ROOF IN JULY, which premiered at Cinequest 2010, and won Best Narrative Feature and Best Actress at the Brooklyn Film Festival. Weaned on a school of vérité filmmakers, Wright has worked closely with Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt, Nelson Walker III, and Fellipe Barbosa. She associate-produced Perlmutt and Walker’s award-winning documentary LUMO, which aired on P.O.V. and won the 2007 Student Academy Award, as well as Perlmutt’s LES VULNERABLES, the closing short at the New York Film Festival 2007. Wright has worked in a producing role on several other films and she is an award-winning photographer. She is a fellow of the 2011 Film Independent Documentary Lab and the 2011 Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant at Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Malika Zouhali-Worrall’s work as a print and video journalist has been published in The Financial Times and at CNN.com. She has reported for CNN.com from India, Uganda, China and the U.S. on politics, technology and LGBT rights. Zouhali-Worrall is a graduate of Cambridge University and holds an MA in International Affairs from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po). She is also a fellow of both the 2011 Film Independent Documentary Lab and the 2011 Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant at Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
