Short Summary
The story of Mercy focuses on Chris, a young woman who takes matters into her own hands when her girlfriend is kidnapped. The film will discuss themes of rape culture, justice, violence and the empowerment of victims. It will also deal with larger questions of humanity and challenge societal perceptions of strength.
In addition to telling a powerful story with a female protagonist, we want to add a voice to the existing, on going discussion of these issues. We want to engage our viewers and, in turn inspire them to engage and challenge others to effect change.
The Mercy team is a group of young filmmakers, headed by writer/director Aeryn Michelle. As communications school graduates, we understand how powerful films can serve as a method of expression.
What We Need & What You Get
We have estimated that we'll need about $7,000 to see this project through. Here's how the costs will break down:
- About $2000 of this money will go towards filming permits and general insurance alone.
- Another $700 will go towards feeding the cast and crew lunch and dinner during our 9-day shoot.
- $800 will go towards costumes, props, set design, and makeup.
- $3000 will go towards the rental of and insurance for sound, lighting, and other production equipment
- $500 will go towards promotion (which includes posters, buttons,
and potentially renting a space for the screening of our film for both
contributors and industry professionals)
No one in the cast or crew will pocket any of this money; we will all
be contributing our time and efforts for free, aside from filling the
basic need for food during the shoot.
The Impact
Our ultimate goal is to create a work that can act as a sincere
starting point for discussions about a number of current, interrelated
social issues: rape culture and victim-blaming in particular, but
violence, justice, and gender roles in U.S. society as well.
The idea for the project itself was born out of outrage and disgust
for incidents of rape that have been frequenting news headlines
recently. Steubenville. Amherst. Mumbai.
The incidents themselves are heinous, but the official response to
them by the media -- and the American public at large -- is almost as
disturbing. The extent to which victims of sexual assault are shamed
and ostracized for speaking up speaks volumes about the way our culture
perceives rape. And we are of the firm belief that this needs to
change.
Of course, there is only so much that we can do, as artists. This
project is reactive to the current state of our society -- but our hope
is that it helps stir people to become proactive about starting a
dialogue. This film may be our work, but its purpose is to empower
everyone who wants to start that discussion.
Other Ways You Can Help
Although monetary contributions are appreciated, raising
awareness about our project is just as valuable! Word of mouth via
Facebook (by liking and asking others to like our page) or Twitter
(either with a follow or even just a quick tweet) would be a tremendous
help.