THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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THE PROJECT

Welcome to our project “Bulaklak”. Over the past two years, a collaboration within ACTRA’s Youth committee (YEAA) has resulted in 19 inspiring, multicultural films that have gone on to screen not only at ReelWorld in Toronto but festivals worldwide like tiff and Cannes. This year we hope to add our film to that list. The pitch has already been selected by ACTRA to be produced, we just need a little extra support from you to make it happen. 

The film is about a lonely man, Garett, who falls in love with a young Filipina he meets online, but it’s not until he picks her up at the airport that he discovers their relationship includes her 5 year old daughter. It explores themes of identity, acceptance, change, and love.

THE CAMPAIGN

As you can see we’ve decided to approach our campaign a little differently.

On November 8th, 2013, the biggest typhoon ever recorded tore through the Philippine Islands. It was our intention to dedicate this film to the victims of the storm to demonstrate our support, but we wanted to do something even more impactful. 

This is the reason we’ve decided to limit our perks. Instead of following the traditional Indiegogo structure, we wanted to pay your generosity forward by donating part of the proceeds to a relief organization with presence in the Philippines. Whether you choose one of the denominations laid out on the right, or an amount in-between, every dollar you contribute to this campaign will not only help us tell our story, but also help the culture that inspired it to recover as well.

As you might know, the process of making a film is quite costly. Our awesome crew and cast are all donating their talent and time in an effort to tell this story which we truly believe is meaningful. However, even with this significant reduction of costs, we still have many more that are unavoidable. With your help we would be able to secure some filmmaking essentials including:

• Camera equipment
• Lighting equipment
• Audio equipment
• Production design elements and props
• Post-Production (editing, colour, packaging)
• Craft Services
  
• Transportation
• Locations
• Permits and Insurance

THE TEAM

Donna Foronda, Writer

Donna graduated with a degree in Screenwriting from Chapman University. She's been active in the film scene through internships including development for NBC Universal, working at the Cinequest Film Festival, and current position at YouTube. Recently, her short "Where the Socks Go" premiered at the San Francisco Castro Theatre and received "Outstanding Writing" and "Audience Choice" awards. 

"Bulaklak" is her most personal script yet and is inspired off her relationship with her mother, a Filipina who immigrated in the late 80s. And though the story is intimate to her own life, she believes the emotional struggle of cultural identity each character goes through, is universal.

Chris Di Staulo, Assistant Director

Chris is an award-winning film director with films that have screened internationally, and have garnered worldwide attention. Most recently, he was interviewed on Rogers TV's "Toronto Film Challenge" for his thrilling short film "Dirty Talk". 

A graduate of York University’s Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours) degree in Directing (a program supervised by Professor Thomas V. Cohen, PhD [Harvard University]). Additional training includes studies at the Tarragon Theatre, Second City Training Center and Etobicoke School of the Arts.

Tamara Almeida, Assistant Producer

Tamara Almeida is a talented actress who has appeared in several TV shows and movies and enjoys working on set, in any capacity. Recently she completed production on her own web series, entitled "Some Kind of Life" which she both produced and starred. We're excited to have her bring her skills in producing, directing and business, as well as a passion for storytelling to this project.

Sean Kung, Director/Producer

Sean has studied filmmaking throughout high school and university, where he's produced dozens of short films. A few years ago, he worked his way into the development and production department at NBC Universal and Lionsgate in Los Angeles and eventually became the first assistant to Lawrence Grey (producer of films "Dude Where’s My Car", "The Grudge", "Hope Springs", and most recently, "Last Vegas"). Since then he's split his time between freelancing for media companies, directing commercials and corporate videos, and working on his own creative projects, with "Bulaklak" being his latest venture.

THANKS

We hope that you can see the potential in our campaign. Every participant will have our deepest gratitude (in addition to karma) no matter how big or small the donation. Even posting this link through on Facebook and Twitter helps, so please share and share often.