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Gaga

Gagá is an inspiring interactive documentary about a historically rich cultural tradition in the Dominican Republic.

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Gaga

Gaga

Gaga

Gaga

Gaga

Gagá is an inspiring interactive documentary about a historically rich cultural tradition in the Dominican Republic.

Gagá is an inspiring interactive documentary about a historically rich cultural tradition in the Dominican Republic.

Gagá is an inspiring interactive documentary about a historically rich cultural tradition in the Dominican Republic.

Gagá is an inspiring interactive documentary about a historically rich cultural tradition in the Dominican Republic.

Osaliki Sepulveda
Osaliki Sepulveda
Osaliki Sepulveda
Osaliki Sepulveda
1 Campaign |
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
$620 USD 16 backers
10% of $6,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Choose your Perk

Thank you!

$15 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
4 out of 20 of claimed

Thank you in Writing

$35 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
2 out of 20 of claimed

Welcome to the Premiere

$75 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
4 out of 12 of claimed

Digital value

$150 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
0 out of 6 of claimed

DVD Special

$250 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
0 out of 6 of claimed

Associate producer

$500 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
0 out of 4 of claimed

Executive Producer

$1,000 USD
Est. Shipping
May 2013
0 out of 2 of claimed

 

The project:

Thorough personal contacts, producer/directorOsaliki Sepúlveda has been honored with the responsibility of filming one the biggest and richest cultural traditions celebrated during Eastern (March 25, 2013 to March 31, 2013) in the Dominican Republic (San Luis, Sabana Grande de Boya, Boca Chica, La Romana). This documentary (working title Gagá) will combine personal stories, interactive data, maps, user-generated content developed and designed for traditional and cross platform delivery. It is designed to address several issues stemming from stereotyping and denial of Afro-Dominican/Dominican-Haitian ancestry.

The project will focus on a variety of sensitive issues such as how are its community members perceived at a national level, and how do they perceive themselves as well. How do kids growing up in these traditions coup with the society around them? Where do these traditions take place, when were they first brought to the country, who brought it up, how did it become the cultural phenomenal that it is today, and why is Gagá still being practiced ‘till theses days and how have these cultural traditions affected the people who keep them.

With a combination of interviews, recorded audio, rhythms, rituals, processions, ceremonies and festivities the filmmaker will bring to light, through the lenses, Gagá’s true origin and nature. It will serve as a catching point to bring clarity to its meaning and essence. It will provide these communities with a chance to voice their cultural and ritual practices by addressing an issue that’s universal across the country. This is not an interpretation of what Gagá is but instead is a project intended to bring forward a clear understanding to a broader community.

This contrast flow of different audios, images and footages depicting Gagá’s true nature, meaning and origin will be a voice to these communities and will empower them to continue passing on its traditions through generations.

 

What is Gagá?

Gagá is a cultural tradition where entire communities come together with intent to celebrate and pay respect to their ancestors in the form of ceremonies, processions and musical festivities.

People travel from around the world to be part of this experience. Making it the most important celebration during the Easter time, equally important to the holy week’s catholic procession called “El Santo Cristo,” held on Good Friday in Santo Domingo, RD.

Celebrations are held differently in each community, depending upon spiritual commitments and belief from each Gagá owner within the community. Celebrations are dedicated to our Dominican-Haitian ancestors.

Starting on Ash Wednesday, community groups, especially from sugar cane areas called bateyes --make preparations for celebration. Early morning Gagá members conduct a ceremony called the lifting of the chair, in reverence to the late Gagá members. It consists on a procession with prayers and singings at the sound of drums, catas and fututos and at the end a chair is lifted in show of respect to their ancestors.  This ceremony is repeated on the first ceremony during Easter time on late Thursday.

The term “Gagá” refers to a sub-genre of an original rhythm from the neighboring country of Haiti, where it’s called rara. Brought to the country by the Haitian migration in search for better job opportunities, establishing themselves in bateyes.  With time, these bateyes developed into small rural areas where its habitants brought their belief and respect for their ancestors.

Deeply rooted in the Afro-Dominican Diaspora, Gagá has always been woefully misunderstood and its values put down. And yet, against all odds, the culture has endured.

What We Need & What You Get

We need to raise $6000 to cover the project development, buy equipment and cover travel expenses:

  • Buy cameras, lighting instruments and audio devices
  • To cover travel expenses, ground transportation and meals for a crew of four
  • Pay ground guidance and to cover part of event expenses

 

We offer in return for your kind contribution

 

$15 A thank you on the supporter’s section of the DVD and on Social Media.

$35 A thank you (as above) on the supporter’s section of the DVD, on Social Media and a thank you letter directly to you from the creators.

$75 Welcome to the Premiere, a thank you on the supporter’s section of the DVD and on Social Media, a thank you letter directly to you from the creators, an 8x10 print of your choice and two tickets to the premiere.

$150 A digital download of the documentary, a thank you letter from the creator, a thank you on the supporter’s section of the DVD, on Social Media and two tickets to the Premiere

$250 A special thank you credit on the film PLUS a Thank you letter from the creator, an 8x10 print of your choice a DVD of the Documentary, a digital download and two tickets to the Premiere

$500 Associate producer’s title on the film a thank you letter, a DVD of the Documentary, a digital download, three 8x10 print of your choice, four tickets to the premiere.

$1000 Executive Producer’s title on the film and on IMDB credits, a thank you letter from the creator, a DVD of the documentary, a digital download, three 8x10 prints of choice, four tickets to the premiere.

 

Project Outcome Goals:

  • Gagá will communicate a long historical, cultural and economical significance of these communities through user-generated content, interactive data and interviews with community members of all ages.
  • Its purpose is to bring a more clear understanding of a historical culture and practice by bringing community members’ stories and life-styles to a more global community.
  • It will also build an online community opened to audiences of any ethnic background and language barriers for global understanding 

Other Ways You Can Help

The beautiful thing about crowd funding is that it doesn't fall on just one or two people. Everyone benefits in making it a success! Even if it's just 10 bucks, your donation adds up to reach and exceed our goal!

If you're not the Internet kind of person and still want to help, please, email me for other ways to donate at the following email info@osaliki.com

We understand some people love our project but just can’t contribute financially, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help:

We would LOVE for everyone to help us get the word out about our campaign.

And don't forget to use the Indiegogo share tools!

 

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