Short Summary of Film
A Transgender woman embarks on a day long journey to earn enough money to purchase a sewing machine for her lover, so they can break away from the societal suppression surrounding them.
However, the crowded cities in Karnataka, India are not ready to treat her as an equal. Despite experiencing nonstop emotional turmoil and physical abuse, Aleeya's resilience shines into the unforeseen depth of a new path --highlighting the power of believing.
FUNDING
Current Funding:
We were the winners of the 2019 Leone Family Production Grant, which will cover the base funding of our 5 production days with 10% contingency. This money will be used towards the following:
- Mumbai and Bangalore based Cast/Crew compensation and Travel
- Equipment Rentals
- Hair, Props, Make-Up & Costume, Production Design
- Location Fees
- Craft Service
- Basic Expendables
- Accommodations and Local Travel
Campaign (Indiegogo) Funding:
- Travel for Director and Producer to India 2,500 est.
- Post-Production Costs (Editing, Sound, Color, Composition) 3,500 est.
- Distribution (Festivals, PR) 1,500 est.
Plan B (If funding Goals not met through Indiegogo):
We will proceed as planned with the production and throw fundraising events and market for donations towards post-production. The director and producer has the option of a loan for travel fees.
The Impact
Aleeya is not just about making a film, but it is about spreading awareness on the discriminatory society that Transgendered individuals face in India. These individuals are considered to be a “third class” and are not integrated into society due to widespread beliefs towards them as a whole. Moreover, there is a fear amongst their community to stand up for their rights and report illegal injustices, discrimination and physical abuse to authorities because even some officials within the criminal justice system corrupt their social rights.
“When Reporting on Gay Rights in India Gets Personal” outlines the fear of the entire LGBTQ community lives with when facing the criminal justice system due to section 377, which bans gay sex. Even a NY Times reporter had trouble getting individuals to speak up.
Just recently, a law was passed to allow transgendered individuals to work in government positions, but there is still a long way to go. However, very few have been employed.
With the release of Sacred Games on Netflix, the topic of transgender Indians is finally beginning to break to surface of discussion. However, very few films on the topic have been released. Hence the goal of Aleeya: the resemble the difficulties and injustices faced by a transgendered female when trying to live a normal life in hopes of gaining awareness.
Our distribution goals are to reach each continent and follow up with a conversation and bridge Organizations together based on transgender and human rights. We want to turn Aleeya into a branch of a global movement.
Risks & Challenges
- Getting the word out and connecting with organizations
- Finding Actors that Genuinely fit the role
- Limited time for Post-Production, so lining up the editing and post sound team to begin immediately after production
- Working Internationally
Other Ways You Can Help
DONATIONS
Within the next few weeks, we will be adding a donation page to our website, where you can donate items and services that will be needed to make Aleeya as successful as possible all the way through post-production.
CAST/CREW Donate services or connect us
We are crewing up for Production in Mysore! If you are able to donate travel and time or know of cast or crew members in the Mysore of Mumbai area that would be great for this project, please help us connect! We would like to be as authentic to this piece as possible and are looking for transgender actors to fill 7 roles (including a few extras) of all ages above 20. There is an audition, but experience does not matter if there is a genuine sense of relation to this piece and ability to work with the director to capture the true vision and VOICE OF ALEEYA.
HELP US GET THE WORD OUT...
- Share our website and movement
- Co-Partnering and/or connecting us with Organizations with similar goals
- Add to the conversation on our site's open Blog
