Background
Set in London's Somali community, Black Money aims to break down cultural stereotypes and broaden audiences' attitudes towards the history and culture of this underrepresented group. Our story explores themes of grief, despair and the effects of PTSD, and how they influence the lives of a refugee family and the decisions they're forced to make.
Written as a stand-alone short film that introduces a diverse and complex cast of characters, the story also serves as a proof of concept for a feature-length narrative that explores the themes and plot in greater depth.
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This crowdfunding campaign is designed to help carry us through the post-production that we need to complete. We succeeded in completing the principle photography for Black Money back in April (some of the footage can be seen in our campaign video at the head of this page). But unfortunately, due to some unforeseen technical issues, we had to go back and re-shoot a small section of the film which ate away at our post-production budget. As a result, we are running this campaign to cover those costs.
Meet the Team
JAY JUNIOR - LEAD ACTOR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER![]()
"I came up with the idea for Black Money as a way to express my personal journey. In the process, I hope to create a film that will inspire others to overcome challenges in pursuit of their dreams, especially within the Somali & BAME Community, as well as those with disabilities."
With a degree in Business Studies, Jay went to the Court Theatre training company to train as an actor and has since appeared in films, commercials and TV. Training and further development as an artist is constantly maintained so that Jay can reach new levels and leave a legacy. Jay has had to overcome autism, PTSD and other personal demons in pursuit of being an artist.
ALEXANDER OSMAN - WRITER AND DIRECTOR
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"At first look, Black Money is a dramatic story about a man, Abdi, suffering from deep-rooted PTSD. Through the narrative, we witness the choices he faces as he attempts to satisfy his family and fulfil his neglected potential. But as we dive deeper, we realise Abdi’s troubles are shared by his family and offer a reflection of the unseen, untold and overlooked hardships that beset refugees all over the world."
Alexander Osman is a multi-award-winning writer and director on a mission to explore the darker side of the human psyche through moving, character-driven narratives that challenge societal and cultural stereotypes with the ultimate goal of revealing the innate light in us all.
GENE DOLDERS - PRODUCER
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"Conflict between family members due to mental health problems drew me towards this project. The opportunity to help raise awareness of PTSD and its effects on those experiencing it were key factors in my decision to be part of Black Money."
Gene Dolders runs a community interest media production company, working with social enterprises and charities in the North West of England, providing high-end production value for clients that would normally be unable to afford it.
GUY TAYLOR - PRODUCER
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"I believe that Black Money will be a fantastic film due to how it covers so much in such a subtle, yet effective, way. It's a script that isn't afraid to say something and it really explores the characters well."
Shortly after graduating from university in engineering, Guy decided to pursue his passion for film. He threw himself into the industry and worked across many roles until he founded Gatton Films, a production company through which he directs and produces content designed to push the envelope of storytelling.
PETER GARAJSZKI - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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"I was very excited when Gatton Films confirmed me to be part of this project. In times of growing numbers of refugees, showing the emotional aftermath of a human story is important. Through stories like the one depicted in Black Money it enables us to learn more about untold perspectives so we don't get lost in plain statistics."
Peter is a Director of Photography based in London and Berlin, originally from Budapest. He specialises in lighting with an understanding of emotional nuances. He is looking to help make production, and the film world in general, a modern place that respects the human dignity of others on set and in the final films as well.
Meet the Cast and Characters
We have been blessed to have such a talented cast for this project. Their performances at every turn of Abdi's journey are amazing to watch and we're delighted to introduce you to them here.
PATRICK MCKENZIE - YUUSUF
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Yuusuf is a brittle and cheerless father with a short temper and a troubled past.
OXA HAZEL - FADUMA
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Faduma is a broken-hearted mother who has lost one son and fears losing another. Although kind-hearted and often reticent, she's no pushover and will speak her mind with conviction when called to.
MARLON KAMEKA - TEMI
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Temi is a successful businessman with an infectious smile that hides a big secret.
LEDA DOUGLAS - SARA
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Sara lost her childhood sweetheart to gang violence and now seeks the quiet life on easy street.
JORDAN WALLACE - OMAR
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Friends with Abdi's late brother Ali, Omar is the leader of local drug gang and big shot on the estate.
Where Your Support Will Go.
As mentioned above, principle photography is completed and results so far are incredible. What we need is that extra bit of support to help us take this project over the finish line so we can finish telling Abdi's story and bring his journey to the screen.
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The budget, once achieved, will be distributed into key areas of the post-production in order to maximise its effectiveness. This includes editing, music, colour grading and sound design.
Money will also be set aside for distribution. We are very aware that the shoot itself is only a part of the picture and so making sure that the film is edited, graded and sound designed to a high standard is of upmost importance to us.
How to Support Us
We are so, so close to completing this film, and need your help to raise the last of the funds and get there! We really believe that this is a fantastic piece and that the sky is the limit for it and this has been matched by many organisations who helped with the initial shoot including the National Lottery, Dahabshiil and the Daily Mirror. We intend for it to head out to the international film festival circuit to help raise even more awareness for the topics that the film raises.
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We have a selection of rewards for people who contribute ranging from credits through to links to the completed film. But even sharing this project with others is a great way to help out.
Thank you.
Risks and challenges
Making a film is always a risk and you never know what challenges it may throw your way. We experienced that ourselves with this very project when a card became corrupted in-camera. Challenges are made to be overcome and that's why we haven't and won't give up on this project. As you can see the content we have so far is incredible and we're committed to seeing it through no matter what.