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Mercy : Short Film

Mercy is a short film that explores rape culture and justice in today's society.

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Mercy : Short Film

Mercy : Short Film

Mercy : Short Film

Mercy : Short Film

Mercy : Short Film

Mercy is a short film that explores rape culture and justice in today's society.

Mercy is a short film that explores rape culture and justice in today's society.

Mercy is a short film that explores rape culture and justice in today's society.

Mercy is a short film that explores rape culture and justice in today's society.

Aeryn Michelle
Aeryn Michelle
Aeryn Michelle
Aeryn Michelle
1 Campaign |
Los Angeles, United States
$5,053 USD 107 backers
72% of $7,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
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.

    Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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    Choose your Perk

    Compassion Package

    $5 USD
    Donate $5 and receive a specialized shout out via Twitter
    Estimated Shipping
    November 2013
    7 claimed

    Charity Package

    $25 USD
    Donate $25 and receive an awesome Mercy bumper sticker. Plus a shout out via Twitter.
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2013
    11 out of 15 of claimed

    Empowerment Package

    $50 USD
    Donate $50 and receive a cool Mercy poster signed by cast and team. Plus a cool shout out via Twitter.
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2013
    Only 1 left

    Liberation Package

    $75 USD
    Donate $75 and receive a prop from the set signed by cast and team of Mercy. Also, receive a cool bumper sticker and shout out via Twitter.
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2013
    2 out of 5 of claimed

    Justice Package

    $100 USD
    Donate $100 and receive a link to the director's cut of Mercy. Also receive a special thanks in the film's credits, and a production still from the set signed by the cast and team.
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2013
    Only 1 left

    Mercy Package

    $200 USD
    Donate $200 dollars and receive an invite for a day on set, the premiere screening, the wrap party and an Associate Producer credit. Plus, a specialized Twitter shout out. *If not in Los Angeles recipient will receive everything from lower levels*
    Estimated Shipping
    January 2014
    5 out of 7 of claimed
    sold out

    Grace Package

    $10 USD
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2013
    20 out of 20 of claimed
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