Logline

Raphael, an Israeli immigrant boy in the US, quite ignorant of the animosity between the two opposing cultures, comes across his Palestinian neighbor in the US and befriends the woman, bringing the first step of reconciliation to the two households, who have both experienced great loss due to the Israeli-Palestinian war.

Why We Need Your Support

To best bring this story and its message to life, we need to be able to financially support the cast and crew in the creation of this film. When you support us, your money will go towards the following:

• Providing food and water for our cast and crew to support them through long days on set
• Securing locations, costumes, camera equipment, and set decor to bring accurately depict the story on screen
• Reimbursing our cast for their time and talents 

Meet Our Team

Markus Kashouh - Writer & Director

Hi, my name is Markus, and I am a Lebanese filmmaker here in LA. I will be directing halfway, a timely story that introduces reconciliation through a new lens. Growing up in the Middle East and witnessing the terrible consequences of polarization and animosity, it is devastating to see this also happen in Israel and Palestine. Although this story does not intend to contribute to resolving the issue nor express a political stance, it does, however, invite communication between the cultural “enemies” in our lives. What would it look like for us to meet those who think differently than us halfway? And that’s the premise of the story. Only when we are willing to meet halfway can we find the truth, as we engage in civil conversations and bring about the first step of reconciliation in our lives and the lives of others, who may happen to be our neighbors.

Ariana Molina - Producer

Hello! My name is Ariana Molina, I am a Hispanic film student in LA. I have the privilege of being the producer on Halfway. I am honored to diligently work alongside the cast and crew on this special story written by our director Markus. It is beautifully written, and I am encouraged to see how this story will impact and challenge others. I have worked on numerous short films and thesis projects at film school in Southern California and am excited to collaboratively work with the rest of my talented team.

Joseph Cunningham - Director of Photography

Hi, my name is Joseph Cunningham and I am the Director of Photography on Halfway. I enjoy spending my time outside mountain biking, skiing, or running. I also find a lot of passion and purpose in telling compelling stories that are centered on the truths of Jesus. My hopes for Halfway are to visually communicate the difficult relationship between the two families in a conflicting, beautiful and interesting manor. I've held head roles on 27 productions in the last year and have ran my own freelance company for the past 7 years. I am honored to work with this team to tell this story.

Eliana Henry - Locations Manager

My name is Eliana Henry, a sophomore film student. I am interested in becoming a producer post-graduation. I am Halfway's Location Manager, with a goal of providing the most authentic locations to best service the story. I am super excited to help Writer and Director Markus Kashouh's vision come to life in this role. Previously, I have produced such films as Golden Hour, Red Canvas, Dear Allie, and Tea & Honey, and am currently in pre-production for four other short films that are filming this semester. 

Thank you for your support!