Not that long ago, I was in a really dark place. I struggled with something I couldn’t name or understand, but it ravaged my life. I struggled to get out of bed every morning. I didn’t have the energy to see or talk to people. There were many times over a period of two years that I had the thought that ‘I don’t want to live anymore.’ I couldn’t articulate what was happening to me and as much as I tried to reach out, I never could pierce that veil to actually reach my family and friends. The reality is, we never know what someone else is going through until it’s too late.
Depression and mental health issues are a big issue in a lot of communities, including mine: the South Asian community. It wasn’t until I started addressing the cause of my depression that I was able to break out of the fog and finally realize what had been happening to me. I was lucky -- I did something that inadvertently reversed my depression. Not everyone has that and it’s long past time that we begin to address mental health.
As I am a filmmaker, I believe in telling stories visually. Visual storytelling sparks emotion, connects us to our humanity and makes a profound impact on our world. I wanted to tell my story, but I didn’t want it to be just words on paper -- I wanted to viscerally communicate what it is like to struggle through depression.
Enter Chol, the story about a young woman who deals undiagnosed depression just before Christmas. It’s my hope that this story sheds light on mental health and how important it is that our communities recognize and support people that are suffering. Chol is needed in my community and in other communities around the globe, if only to illuminate an issue that rarely sees the light.
So I’m offering you a chance to help change the world, in one small way:
Producing a film costs some money, even one as short as Chol. The cast and the majority of the crew are contributing their time and skills over the winter holidays to produce the film, but we could really use your support to cross the finish line.
All contributions will go to:
Camera and Lighting Equipment Rental = $1000
Hiring a Sound Tech & Renting a Boom Mike = $750
Props/Costumes/Set Decoration = $200
Hair & Make-Up Supplies for the Whole Cast = $100
Incidental Costs = $300
Meal and Craft Services = $600
Production and Equipment Insurance = $500
Location Fees = $50
Music and Sound Editing in Post-Production = $300
Indiegogo Fees = $200
For a small contribution towards the $4,000.00 we need to make Chol a reality, you will not only further mental health awareness and education, but you will also be making a difference in the lives of people who are struggling to get through the day.
As a special thank you to our contributors, the Cast and Crew would also like to offer perks for contributions of the following amounts or more:
HOLLY JOLLY THANK YOU!
$10 - A lovely holiday-themed thank you from me (Nandini Bapat) to you via social media!
DIGITAL DELIGHTS
$25 - When the film is made, you will receive a password-protected link for your very own screening of Chol + Holly Jolly Thank You
GWART LUVS YOU
$50 - A personalized shoutout and thank you video from Nandini Bapat (Silicon Valley, Good Girls) to the person of your choosing! + Holly Jolly Thank You + Digital Screening of Chol
PAPER THE HALLS
$75 - A movie poster from the film, signed by the cast and crew! + Gwart Luvs You + Holly Jolly Thank You + Digital Screening of Chol
TIDINGS & SCREENINGS
$100 or more - Entry for two (2) into a private screening of Chol in Los Angeles + Holly Jolly Thank You! + Digital Delights + Gwart Luvs You + Paper the Halls
If you can’t donate any money, please share our campaign on your social media sites and help us create the buzz to make this film possible!
Thank you so much for supporting mental health awareness. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of everyone who watches this film.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and Happy Holidays,
Nandini Bapat
