Kickstarter

Update #1: Meet Our Cast
Update #2: A Little Sneak Peek of Sweet, Sweet Country
Update #3: Filming in Clarkston, Georgia - Part 1
Update #4: Sweet, Sweet Country Teaser #1
Update #5: Sweet, Sweet Country Teaser #2
Update #6: Sweet, Sweet Country Trailer

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Sweet, Sweet Country Blog

*****UPDATE*****
We have some new REWARDS around the corner.  So excited to add them in the next few days.

*****UPDATE*****
GREAT NEWS! We cast, Gbenga Akinnagbe, of The Wire, Nurse Jackie, Lottery Ticket in Sweet, Sweet Country!  So excited to have him aboard.

THE STORY
With her parents and younger siblings living in a refugee camp in Kenya, 20-year-old Ndizeye struggles to support not only herself, but provide for a family she’s not seen in five years. Living in a small southern town, her struggle becomes so much more when her family literally shows up at her doorstep.

There's a Sweet, Sweet Country Blog where you can stay informed on what's going on with the project and those working on the film.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
I grew up firmly rooted between the Southern black experience and the Immigrant experience. Growing up black in Georgia meant I was tied—bound really—to a troubled past that still plays out in the present.  The same can be said of the Immigrant experience. The vitriolic spirit behind the sentiment of the “hyphenated American” is alive and well, just repackaged. Sweet, Sweet Country is set in a small Southern town and while there is goodwill by some, the idea of these Others holding fast to their culture while in America seems to offend.

The Refugee Experience is varied. For many, being in America is indeed a fortunate turn, for others their lives are a shadow of what they once where; doctors working in chicken processing plants, teachers cleaning office buildings, business owners unable to find work and youth who are easy prey.

This short narrative is a slice of a larger project that explores the challenges of refugee youth in a new land. With limited education, skills and resources, what are their options? I choose a portion of the story that explores the end results and consequences of one specific challenge.

DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
Sweet, Sweet Country is a short film written and directed by Dehanza Rogers. It’s a refugee’s tale set in the South, an exploration of the America Dream. This is an old tale, inspired by Southern landscape, family history and the ever changing definition of what it means to be American.

The film was shot on location in Clarkston, Georgia at Southern Place Apartments and the Clarkston Community Center, as well as Pal's Lounge in Atlanta, GA. and wrapped August 11th.

The film is a second year narrative project at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television where Dehanza is pursuing an MFA in Film Directing and an MFA in Cinematography.

While our funding goal is $5,000 our budget is so much more. Below is a breakdown of where money goes to help make Sweet, Sweet Country happen.

FUNDING
Filmmaking is a highly collaborative process. It may start with one person sitting behind a computer writer, but it ends with a crew of people. Part of that collaborative process involves funding. When you pledge to this film you're backing not only a film, but the filmmaker. You're supporting the honing of a craft.

Kickstarter is an all or nothing community.  We do believe in the power of math. Fifty people pledging $1 is equal to the one person pledging $50. Pledge what you can and share our Kickstarter with friends and family. 

Funding goes to:
1. TRAVEL: While I've met some amazing and supportive people in Atlanta, a number of UCLA classmates are coming to my hometown to help us make Sweet, Sweet Country.

2. CAST & CREW: While the bulk of the core roles of the crew will be filled with talented and dedicated classmates, there are some positions that will be staffed by specialized and PAID individuals. Your contribution makes it possible to staff these positions.

3. FOOD: We must feed the cast and crew breakfast and lunch everyday, as well as having craft services available throughout the day. There will be at least 20 individuals on set each day, which means at least 325 meals during the entire shoot.

4. LOCATION: The perfect location isn't always your friend's house, unfortunately. The cost of the perfect location can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Your support will help ensure we can afford that perfect location, once we come across it.

5. EQUIPMENT: Because I'm shooting out of state taking equipment from UCLA will be pricey.  Rental from local vendors is more cost effective.  Equipment costs add up and quickly.

6. PRODUCTION DESIGN: Film is a visual medium. Creating a believable and cohesive world is imperative and makes all the difference in the production value of a film. For those items we can't rent from prop shops, we'll have to buy or create ourselves, either way money is involved.

7. POST PRODUCTION: Color Correction, Titles, Sound Design, Foley, Mixing and Mastering, DVD Artwork and Creation

8. MARKETING/FESTIVALS: After it's all said and done, we'd like to submit to festivals, which can be pricey. Those costs can be as high as $50 a pop per festival.

THE PEOPLE INVOLVED
You can learn more about the film, filmmaker, the artists and the crew working on Sweet, Sweet Country blog.