This month’s crowdfunding picks are all about breaking the mold. From a documentary set during the modern women’s movement to the second season of a popular web series about women, this month’s crowdfunding choices are all about women challenging perceptions and stereotypes both in front of the camera and behind it.
“Road to the American Woman” is perhaps the most timely documentary; songwriter and community arts advocate Nicolassa Galvez will be on a three week journey to the Million Woman March in Washington D.C. and capturing the stories of the women she meets along the way. This is a story that is important to the women of today, particularly the activists who are struggling to shape the future of the country.
“When We Grow Up” seeks to challenge the gender disparity in Hollywood by having an all female creative team behind the camera. “Up or Out” uses the traditional rom-com genre to explore societal perceptions without the audience even noticing.
Our final pick, “Lipstick The Series,” is seeking funding for a second season. The show follows a group of friends who start a business together and who grapple with love, life, and coming to term with themselves.
Here are our December 2016 picks for crowdfunding projects.
“Road to the American Woman” — Directed by Nicolassa Galvez
Never has there been a more timely documentary on the state of the modern American woman. Director Nicolassa Galvez is planning a three week long journey from Long Beach, CA, to the Million Women March in Washington D.C., where she will capture the stories of the average American woman in a similar fashion to the project Humans of New York. Asking questions about these women’s hopes, fears, and strengths, Galvez will capture the truth of womanhood in the modern era in a time when women are facing a President and cabinet who do not care about their rights. You can support the film on Indiegogo here.
“When We Grow Up” — Written by Grace Hannoy
An all-female creative team is behind this story of a dysfunctional family that comes together over the death of the beloved family dog. Forced together by this tragedy, they must confront each other’s flaws and secrets. Writer Grace Hannoy and producer Simone Stadler are determined to bridge the Hollywood gender gap by ensuring this production is entirely driven by women behind the camera; the story also centers on a diverse array of characters, including various complex women. You can support the film on Indiegogo here.
“Up or Out” — Written and Directed by Shani Hadjian
Imagine “You’ve Got Mail,” but instead of following the Hollywood formula, it strives to challenge audience perceptions through the genre. The summary from the Indiegogo page states that “Isabella and Lucy despise each other at their NYC office, but accidentally fall in love anonymously through online dating. Isabella and Lucy each have their own issues that they must overcome, all while trying to keep this new, mysterious relationship afloat in case something could come of it.” You can support the film on Indiegogo here.
“Lipstick the Series”
Set in Los Angeles, this dramedy about four best friends struggling to start their own business — narrated by impressionable law student Leigh, who is struggling with her sexuality and identity — earned a massive following over the course of the first season. This crowdfunding campaign is set to provide the funds for a second season that will provide fans with all new adventures, such as “making their Kaptured cosmetic line a success, mending broken friendships & relationships while beginning new relationships with new characters.” You can support the series on Indiegogo here.
