Our Story
A couple months after her father's passing, loud and rambunctious fifteen-year old Kat Barco struggles adapting to her new way of life without him. She questions and blames everything. Her mother and her constantly clash, her faith is in shambles, she can't even get herself back into her art; something that she used to love to do when her father was alive. A coming of age story about loss and processing grief, Kat remembers the mantra her father instilled in her; to take life "un día a la vez" or "one day at a time".
Mi Gente
Matthew Montez - Director
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Matthew Montez is a BFA Film thesis student at the School of Visual Arts. He has been involved in the world of film and storytelling since 2016. Working on student and professional film-sets alike, Matthew has gained invaluable experience on the field. Matthew specializes in sound production and screenwriting. He uses these mediums as a way to articulate his visions to the outside world. A writer at heart, Matthew hopes to translate his words onto the silver screen one day. 'Vive un Día a la Vez' will be Matthew's thesis film, a project that embraces both his hispanic background and suburban upbringing.
Kirsty O'Donnell - Producer
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Born and raised is Glasgow, Scotland, Kirsty moved to New York City to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Film at the School of Visual Arts. While still living in Glasgow, Kirsty attained a BA joint honors degree in Marketing and Business Law from the University of Strathclyde. She has used both of her degrees while writing, directing and producing a variety of projects. Kirsty has interned at the International Emmys in New York City as well as the television show ‘Family Pictures USA’. Working alongside Matthew, Kirsty is excited to produce ‘Vive un Día a La Vez’ and be a part of this amazing project.
Giulia Aguiar - Assistant Director
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Giulia is a Brazilian filmmaker based in New York City. She has worked on several music videos for renowned Brazilian artists and a PBS docuseries called Family Pictures USA. She’s a producer, assistant director and director with experience in several areas in the film industry internationally. Matthew and her have worked together for several years and she can’t wait to add 'Vive un Día a la Vez' to her list of films.
The Rundown
In order to make this film come to life, we need your help! Below, I will share a breakdown of what we'll specifically need funding for to shoot this project safely and effectively:
- Art Direction - $1500
- Meals - $1000
- Location Permits/Insurance - $1000
- Transportation - $600
- Post-Production - $300
- Actor Expenses - $200
- Other Expenses (COVID Safety Essentials, Set Purchases, etc.) - $350
- Contingency - $250
¿Porque Kat?
Throughout my time at the School of Visual Arts, Kat is a character that has evolved and grown with me since freshman year. She was one of the first characters I created and with that, is someone that I love and cherish dearly, almost like a little sister. With your help, we can tell her story right and give it justice!
This story shines a real light on the different stages of grief and how it can impact a family dynamic. To dive into the nitty gritty of life after death, we showcase how raw and chaotic it can be navigating these emotions, especially as a teenager.
Other Ways You Can Support
Just because you can't donate doesn't mean there's not other ways you can support!
Feel free to:
- Share our campaign link to EVERYONE you know on social media!
- Follow our campaign journey and @mattymontez on instagram to keep up to date on our progress!
- Send me a suggestion for a prank I can play on my family! By the end of this campaign, I will post a celebratory video (in honor of Kat) doing one of these suggested pranks so get wacky with it. The crazier the better! :P