The Story Behind "Rivka?"
The story of Gisele, Rivka, and Shoshana is a story that I have been carrying with me for many years.
I was never afraid of death, but I could always understand people who are.
There was one time in which I could not and that is when my best friend's grandmother was in the hospital, dying. She did not have a disease or anything like that. Just very old. And even though her life was very flat, and she could not walk at all and take care of herself, she was not ready to die.
I was very close to her, so I allowed myself to ask her one day how come she was not ready after all these years and she said she does not know. I was assuming that she was too confused and not very clear in her mind, so I was not pushy. A few days later, just a little bit before she passed away, she suddenly said that for some reason, she believes that there must be more for her.
That is how I came up with "Rivka?", a dark comedy which offers a refreshing take on life, death, friendship and old age.
The Director and Writer – Gal Yefet
I am 27 years old from Israel. Holding a B.A in Philosophy and Theatre Arts from Tel-Aviv University. Currently an MFA student in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy.
The passion for visual storytelling lies deep in my heart and is always trying to shine out.
My journey as an aspiring filmmaker began when I first watched Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times" (1936) at the age of 11. Chaplin's creation fostered my desire to become part of the magical world of creation, where new realities could be formed and expressed in novel ways.
"Rivka?" is my 10th short film and I put my heart and soul into it.
Why $5000?
We have budgeted our film to be $5000. This money goes to:
- Cast and Crew
- Original Music
- Costume Design
- Production Design
- Hair and Makeup
- Locations and Permits
- Catering
- Transportation
- Equipment Rentals
For our perks, we chose what we think are the best ways to thank you for your help to our production. From an honest thank and up to an Executive Producer credit.
These perks are the least we can do to appreciate our truthful and honest thank to any of you who will donate.
This campaign is not our only attempt to fund our film. We have been doing everything we can to reach our goal. We work at several jobs, as many as we can, almost every day if we are lucky and as full-time students. We are saving anything we can.
If we cannot reach the entire goal of this campaign, the funds will still go to the film and help as much as they can.
The Impact
This movie is special and unique in its nature. It deals with a variety of universal themes such as friendship (its importance and power), the fear of death and appreciation of life and coping with aging. Indeed, these are universal themes, but there's a unique approach to these themes - a COMEDY.
I chose comedy because I believe it is a useful tool to reach and touch people's heart, especially when it is a comedy about seemingly not so funny subjects.
Life can sometimes be complicated. So why shouldn't we laugh about it?
Previous Success
My 5th short film, "The French Touch" (2016), was exclusively premiered at the Caring Attitude Film Festival in Paris, sponsored by Air France KLM.
The film focuses on the provision of service by an Air France KLM check-in/boarding crew in Tel-Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport, displaying a casual day at the flight check-in counters. Presenting a picture that is disconnected from reality – and echoes the genuine feeling of Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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The film was well received at the festival and was awarded first place, "Le Ruban d'Or", selected from 15 films from 15 different countries screened at the festival, and 36 that had been submitted.
I genuinely believe that we will achieve an even higher recognition with "Rivka?" and we will be able to touch as many hearts as possible. We want "Rivka?" to be made to its ultimate potential with your help. Also, once the film is done, we hope to be able to inspire and entertain as many people as possible.
Other Ways You Can Help
Different ways you could help us is to send us good vibes and energy and get our project out to your friends and family. Share it with as many people as possible.
Thank you all!
