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Erzulie - Killer Mermaid Film set in Louisiana

During a weekend getaway, four women accidentally summon a water goddess.

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Erzulie - Killer Mermaid Film set in Louisiana

Erzulie - Killer Mermaid Film set in Louisiana

Erzulie - Killer Mermaid Film set in Louisiana

Erzulie - Killer Mermaid Film set in Louisiana

Erzulie - Killer Mermaid Film set in Louisiana

During a weekend getaway, four women accidentally summon a water goddess.

During a weekend getaway, four women accidentally summon a water goddess.

During a weekend getaway, four women accidentally summon a water goddess.

During a weekend getaway, four women accidentally summon a water goddess.

Christine Chen
Christine Chen
Christine Chen
Christine Chen
1 Campaign |
Holden, United States
$16,300 USD 133 backers
31% of $52,500 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

 

Erzulie is a cross genre between neo-noir, fantasy, and thriller. Visually, the film is an ode to the classics, taking elements from films, such as The Goonies, Jaws, and The Craft, mixed with a modern twist on folklore. The film touches upon many feministic themes, including the intricacies of female loyalty and friendship as well as the femme fatale, but in the guise of a murderous mermaid.

 

Did you know Erzulie is a real mythical figure? She is known as a fearsome voodoo goddess who  protects women and children and deals revenge against those who wrong them. She is said to be the embodiment of femininity and she manifests deep passion. Her moods can range from the height of joy to the depths of misery. Her colors are red, black and blue. There are numerous sister forms of Erzulie, and she is sometimes considered a triple Goddess.

Our film takes place in Louisiana, and will be shot there, too. So it's an obvious choice to incorporate Voodoo elements into this story. Especially since there’s such a deep history and legacy that is engrained in the culture of all Louisiana-ians. Not to mention- it gives us so much room to play with!

Erzulie is the ultimate manifestation of the Female Essence. She is nurturing, strong, fierce and kind all in one breath. So instead of this story being centered around “Voodoo” or witchy practices, it’s really more about female relationship dynamics - just throw in a murder mystery, an Avengers Endgame-level fight scene, and a serious family feud in on top of that.

 

Four friends reunite at the riverside Camp Laveau in South Louisiana, to relax and reconnect. When one of the friends, Wendy, convinces the others to join her in summoning the legendary water goddess, Erzulie, to ask for her blessings and protection. Together the women cast a spell, but the plan falls short of Wendy's promises and Erzulie fails to appear. The next day they encounter a mysterious stranger who secretly steps in to defend them when an unhinged ex-boyfriend follows the group to the camp. A series of harrowing clues leads the women to discover not only the body of the ex-boyfriend but straight to a face to face encounter with the goddess Erzulie in her true form, that of a fearsome bayou mermaid.


Shaken by the violent event, the women plead with Erzulie to depart, not realizing that the Goddess' departure will leave the women at the mercy of yet another unscrupulous man: Rhett, the camp manager who plans on making the catch of a lifetime by capturing Erzulie for himself. Rhett assembles his thugs for the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Who will win; those who would lay down their lives to protect Erzulie or the band of greedy mongers who have sold their souls for personal gain?

 

 

CULT CLASSIC

This is a cult-classic film geared towards all women and children ages 8-40. The story explores the makeup of the Female Psychology in a way that is original and refreshing. Each of the women in this film represent a distinct aspect of the Female Psychology: Wendy Woloft (Wisdom), Ari Paloverde (Avoidance), Violet Burns (Vengeance), Faye Smalling (Fear), and Erzulie (Equality). 

FEMALE DRIVEN

It’s exciting to create female-driven stories that center around friendship, loyalty, and overcoming a common obstacle…together. Without jealousy, pettiness or unhealthy competition. Our hope is that best friends, mothers & daughters, sisters, aunts & nieces can watch this film and recognize a part of themselves in it.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The film features a very diverse cast. During a time with Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, and social discord, there needs to be more content that represents minorities and showcases the world as how it is -- a place full of different people from all walks of life. This is why shows such as "Bridgerton" are doing so well. We are hungry to see content that represents our world. Representation and inclusion are so important and very much needed in Hollywood. 

 

The idea of 'Erzulie,' like many of my film ideas, came from one single visceral image -- a fearsome mermaid covered in blood. This image came to me during a string of women empowerment movements, "Pussy Fight Back!" and the downfall of Weinstein. I was feeling angry and frustrated about the injustices towards women and for some reason this image of a bloody mermaid, having just ripped out the heart of a male intruder, stuck in my mind. I have also always wanted to explore neo-noir imagery. I love the aesthetic of neon and the exaggerated shadows of noir. Combined with the themes of noir that often involve a woman scorned, this seemed like a perfect genre to mix my killer mermaid concept with. 


Being a female director, I am constantly working on male dominated sets that sadly often still laced with toxic masculinity. It has been a major mission of mine to bring more females to the industry and to be a supportive influence to women in the community.  What has kept me going is very much my group of supportive female friends, which is the inspiration for telling a very female centric film about the trials and tribulations of sisterhood. 


I grew up loving films like, "Sex and the City" and "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," which delve into the special bond of female friendships. Combined with my love for Steven Spielberg summer creature flicks such as "Jurassic Park" and "Jaws," I wanted a cult classic film that women could watch at their sleepovers, for generations to come. 


I had the opportunity to first assistant direct on John Schneider's property, which is set in the swampy part of South Louisiana. The Southern Gothic feel and perfect "camp" setting became the ultimate glue and final missing piece to jumpstarting the feature version of my proof of concept -- and Erzulie was thus born. 

 

Christine Chen has more than 10 years of experience as a 1st A.D., producer, filmmaker, and writer. She has garnered critical acclaim for her films, and is an Academy Nominated director. She is DGA Eligible.

 

 

Guaranteed Distribution

The amazing thing about our project is that we have guaranteed distribution from Kamikaze Dogfight + Gravitas Ventures! Which means that we are already 1000 steps ahead of most all other filmmakers in the industry - we went a head and did the hardest thing, first! We are thrilled to be partnering up with such reputable companies. And you can rest easy knowing that this film will get made.

 

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Digital postcard + signed pic

Digital postcard + signed pic

$35 USD
Let us tell you how much you mean to our entire team! We want to send you a personalized virtual postcard with exclusive art from the film + a special message to you from the director of Erzulie, Christine Chen! We will included a signed digital copy of an on-set (high quality) photo of the stars and director - special thanks messages included.
Included Items
  • Virtual gift card + signed pic
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
16 claimed
Digital copy of Erzulie

Digital copy of Erzulie

$50 USD
Download an exclusive pre-order of Erzulie! This package includes: - virtual postcard + digital copy of on-set photograph
Included Items
  • Digital Copy of Erzulie
Estimated Shipping
August 2021
34 claimed
Get Reelisms EBook

Get Reelisms EBook

$75 USD
GET REELISMS contains 100+ film set terms, unofficial set etiquette rules, and a bunch of other film set insider secrets that will help you navigate and succeed on a film set. This package includes: - virtual post card + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie
Included Items
  • Get Reelisms Digital Copy
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
4 claimed
Digital download of soundtrack

Digital download of soundtrack

$100 USD
Digital download of the soundtrack + director's commentary! Get the original soundtrack of Erzulie composed by Nick Longoria + exclusive insight into the making of the film narrated by Christine Chen! This package includes: - virtual post card + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook
Included Items
  • Digital download of soundtrack
  • Director's Commentary
Estimated Shipping
August 2021
16 claimed
Zoom with Stars of Erzulie

Zoom with Stars of Erzulie

$150 USD
Ever wanted to ask a cast how they make a script's world come to life? How they adjust to last minute on-set changes? How they build a cohesive ensemble? Now you can! Get a 30 minute zoom call with the full cast of Erzulie.  All previous perks included!
Included Items
  • Zoom with Stars of Erzulie
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
0 claimed
Zoom with Director of Erzulie

Zoom with Director of Erzulie

$175 USD
Here's your chance to talk with esteemed writer-director Christine Chen in this 30 minute zoom meeting! This package includes: - virtual postcard + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook - digital soundtrack + director's commentary - zoom meeting with stars
Included Items
  • Zoom with Director of Erzulie
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
2 claimed
Full sized signed poster

Full sized signed poster

$200 USD
This package includes: - virtual postcard + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital download of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook - digital soundtrack + director's commentary - zoom meeting with stars - zoom meeting with director
Included Items
  • 27×40 signed poster of Erzulie
Estimated Shipping
August 2021
1 claimed
Special Thanks Credit

Special Thanks Credit

$250 USD
Have your name featured in a film!! This package includes: - virtual post card + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook - digital soundtrack + director's commentary - zoom meeting with stars - zoom meeting with director - signed copy of poster
Included Items
  • Special Thanks Credit
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
17 claimed
Signed story board poster

Signed story board poster

$500 USD
1000+ frames of storyboards shrunk into a poster! This package includes: - virtual post card + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook - digital soundtrack + director's commentary - zoom meeting with stars - zoom meeting with director - signed copy of poster - special thanks credit
Included Items
  • Signed story board poster
  • Get Reelisms Merchandise
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Virtual screening event & Q+A

Virtual screening event & Q+A

$1,000 USD
This package includes: - virtual post card + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook - digital soundtrack + director's commentary - zoom meeting with stars - zoom meeting with director - signed copy of poster - special thanks credit - signed storyboard poster + Get Reelisms Merchandise
Included Items
  • Virtual screening event & Q+A
Estimated Shipping
August 2021
3 claimed
Collector's Item from set

Collector's Item from set

$2,500 USD
This package includes: - virtual post card + digital copy of on-set photograph - digital copy of Erzulie - Get Reelisms EBook - digital soundtrack + director's commentary - zoom meeting with stars - zoom meeting with director - signed copy of poster - special thanks credit - signed storyboard poster - virtual screening + q&a
Included Items
  • Signed collector's items
Estimated Shipping
August 2021
0 claimed
4-Part Masterclass

4-Part Masterclass

$5,000 USD
This Zoom course will cover all things filmmaking! Here are just some of the subjects you can expect to cover in class: - how to network - how to get your film funded - how to write a compelling story  - how to get your film finished - how to distribute your film once it's finished + SO MUCH MORE!  Includes ALL previous perks!
Included Items
  • Zoom Course by Christine Chen!
Estimated Shipping
July 2021
0 claimed
Cast in the movie

Cast in the movie

$10,000 USD
Want the ultimate bragging rights by being able to say you were featured in a film?! This is the perk for you! All previous perks included!
Included Items
  • Be cast in Erzulie!
Estimated Shipping
May 2021
0 claimed
Associate Producer Credit

Associate Producer Credit

$25,000 USD
Become an associated producer for the film. Come visit set and get the ultimate star treatment plus keep an eye out for your name in the beginning & end credits! All previous perks included!
Included Items
  • Associate Producer Credit
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
0 claimed
Executive Producer Credit

Executive Producer Credit

$35,000 USD
Ever wanted to executive produce a film? Now you can with this all star package. Visit set, have top billing in the credits, your own director's chair, and MORE! All previous perks included!
Included Items
  • Executive Producer Credit
Estimated Shipping
April 2021
0 claimed

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