Bring awareness of two-spirit individuals who feel lost and disconnected from their familial prejudice against same sex relationship.
Synopsis of film project:
David is Navajo gay man (nádleeh) who receives a phone call about his mother being sick
in the hospital. David, a female impersonator, is reluctant to see his mother
after she criticizes him because he is gay. Yet, because his sister insists, he
decides to visit his mother despite her rejection of his sexual preferences.
About this film project and mission:
First and foremost, “Thank you” for just being here and taking a look at my
film project. It means a lot not only to me, but to all of us as independent
American Indian filmmakers.
The purpose of this film project is
to bring awareness of two-spirit individuals (and in particular the nádleeh -a Navajo gay man) who feel lost and disconnected
from their families because of familial prejudice against same sex
relationships. In my films, I want to bring to light the strong bond that American
Indian families have and the connection many tribal people have to our cultural
teachings and way of life. American Indian stories can have an impact on the
community and can foster a better understanding of the differences we as
American Indian people have towards each other. From this, I hope that
more culturally relevant studies will emerge to help people understand
each others' differences and become more tolerant of each other. This is
vital in order for the advancement of the American Indian community and society
as a whole.
For me, this is a personal mission. I am an activist for equality and respect
for all. And when I see and hear that people are denied basic respect and
tolerance, I get both angry and sad. It’s hard for me to understand
how family members are suddenly turned away just because they do not
conform to some preconceived ideal. This story I wrote addresses such prejudices head-on.
We are seeking $25,000 to help support the entire production of the film. As you know, film making is a very expensive endeavor. The money we gain through KickStarter will help us with the camera equipment rental, props, set design, permits, acquiring set locations as well as paying (and feeding) our cast and crew. Every donation is greatly appreciated.
“Thank you” (Ahéhee’ in my Navajo language) in advance for your generosity and support.
Pre-production:
The short story I wrote is loosely based on a few true events. This is a contemporary story about a young American Indian man who encounters conflict with his mother who has been highly influenced by Christianity. The native traditional teachings from his tribe have been lost, yet the bond of family connects them at the end. With the high rate of suicides among young teens and the abandonment among young two-spirit children, I feel that this story does need to be told. It is a message not only for American Indians or homosexuals, but for our entire society.
As for the production, I have already sought out locations, generated a budget and asked some tribal members to assist on this project as either actors or crew.
Production:
I wish to complete the film project by the end of 2012. I have worked with quite a few American Indian filmmakers in my previous projects and have established an excellent crew that I can depend on to create a fantastic production.
As this will be my directorial debut, I do have an American Indian filmmaker who has agreed to become my directing mentor (James Lujan, Taos Pueblo), as well as a strong Director of Photographer to ensure that this project is visually compelling and professional looking. I have also received support from Elton Naswood and Michelle Enfield from the Red Circle Project and numerous members from the LGBT community. In addition, I am also receiving support from individual friends in the American Indian Community such as First Nation’s Award-Winning Filmmaker Georgina Lightning, and Vincent Blackhawk Aamodt. In addition, I also have amazing support from the following: Academy Award Winner Victoria Mudd, Filmmaker Angela Webb and Legendary Navajo Actress Geraldine Keams.
Below are two short film projects I worked on as a Producer:
The Migration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9FyXUI-mq4
Search for the World's Best Indian Taco;
FAQ
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Kckstarter is an all or nothing process. If we do not reach our goal of $15,000 before the deadline expires, no pledges are processed, and no money changes hands.
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Absolutely! Every dollar spent will be into this film project. If we exceed our goal, any additional funds will go towards post production and film festival submission.
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Just click the GREEN Button labeled "BACK THIS PROJECT" below the goal and date of last day of funding. Once clicked you will be asked to enter your pledge (donation) amount and select award. From there, you'll go through the Amazon checkout process. (Note that you must finish the Amazon checkout process for your pledge to be recorded)
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Kickstarter doesn't pledge anonymous, HOWEVER, you are free to choose any username you wish, and your amount will not be shown publicly. :)
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NO. Only you and the project creator will be able to see your pledge amount.
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While the total amount pledged and number of backers are updated on the project page. Kickstarter only displays BACKERs in groups of ten. When names are posted, they're listed in a random order.
Kickstarter nver discloses the amount the backers pledge, just that they're pround backers.
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Yes, you will get automatic email when the date of funding ends, no matter the outcome.
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Sorry, kickstarter only supports credit/debit (with major symbols) card payments through Amazon Payments. However, you can send me a direct email with any questions about this at pj1217@att.net.
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YES! Anyone, anywhere (with a major credit card) can pledge to this project
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If I succeed with my funding goal I can do all fulfillment by the dates shown below each reward box. However, if I don't receive my funding goal...no awards we sent out or available.
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I will be sending you an email survey requesting information on where to deliver your reward - such as your address and other details.
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You are more than free to contact me by clicking the "MESSAGE" box above right next to my name and an email will be sent to me immediately if not, you are welcome to email me directly at pj1217@att.net. Thank you!
36
Backers
$3,040
pledged of $25,000 goal
Funding Canceled Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on July 21, 2012.
Funding period
Jun 5, 2012 -
Jul 21, 2012
Pledge $5 or more
2 backers
A virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt "Thank You" hug. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $10 or more
6 backers
A "Shí Má" postcard of the film including a synopsis of the film that you can share with others. You will also receive a personal "Thank You" card from the director, a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt "Thank You" hug. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $25 or more
7 backers
A "Shí Má" postcard of the film including a synopsis of the film that you can share with others, along with a personal thank you card from the director. A virtual hug, and if we met up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $50 or more
4 backers
One official black & white "Shí Má" (large) t-shirt! In addition you will receive a postcard, and a thank you card with your pledge. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $100 or more
7 backers
One “special edition” Shí Má (large) t-shirt exclusively designed by a Navajo artist and one Black and white (large) Shí Má t-shirt. In addition you will receive a postcard, thank you card, and a poster with your pledge. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $500 or more
2 backers
Your very own signed DVD copy of Shí Má (which you'll receive in Winter/Spring 2013) with a postcard, thank you card, poster, and one “special edition” Shí Má (large) t-shirt along with one b&w (large)t-shirt. You will also get a mad shout out on the credits. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
Your very own signed DVD copy of Shí Má (which you'll receive in Winter/Spring 2013) with a postcard, thank you card, poster and one “special edition” Shí Má (large) t-shirt and on Black and White Shí Má (large) t-shirt. . You will also get a mad shout out on the credits. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
Your very own signed DVD copy of Shí Má (which you will receive in Winter/Spring 2013) with a postcard, thank you card, poster and two “special edition” Shí Má t-shirt and two B&W Shí Má t-shirts. You will also get a mad shout out on the credits and an invite to the premier of "Shí Má" in Los Angeles in TBA. (all travel to the premier and lodging is at your own expense). You will also get a twin-size American Indian Pendleton blanket design at the premier. Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug. You have definitely helped this film project.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
You will receive credit as “Executive Producer” in helping in this project as well as your very own signed Blue-Ray copy of Shí Má (which you will receive in Winter/Spring 2013) with a postcard, thank you card, poster and two “special edition ”Shí Má t-shirt and two B&W Shí Má t-shirts. You will also get a mad shout out on the credits, an invite to the premier to Shí Má in Los Angeles (all travel to the premier and lodging at your own expense). At the premier you will receive a nice gift bag after the film as well as a twin size American Indian Pendleton blanket design along with a nice gift bag at the film premier TBA. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
You will receive credit as “Executive Producer” in helping in this project as well as your very own signed Blue-Ray copy of Shí Má (which you will receive in Winter/Spring 2013) with a postcard, thank you card, poster and two “special edition”Shí Má t-shirt and two B&W Shí Má t-shirts. You will also get a mad shout out on the credits, an invite to the premier to Shí Má in Los Angeles TBA. (all travel to the premier and lodging at your own expense). And at the premier you will receive a nice gift bag after the film, as well as a queen size American Indian Pendleton blanket design along with a nice gift bag at the film premier. You will also receive a virtual hug, and if we meet up I will give you a heartfelt thank you hug Thank you so much for supporting this American Indian independent film. You have definitely helped this film project.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
