A person’s moral center starts developing at a young age, and continues to grow throughout their life — something we’re exploring in this month’s round of crowdfunding selections. All of these women-directed picks deal with themes of education, self-reflection, and progress.
Joanna Rudnick’s documentary, “Story & Pictures By,” seeks to examine how children’s books are critical to one’s future character, literacy, and artistic expression. Similarly, the short “Luna’s Ghosts” aims to help children express themselves and learn coping skills. Specifically, B. Welby Delimere’s project explores grief from a young girl’s perspective.
Then, “Still Working 9 to 5” takes on the workplace inequality women face today, juxtaposing it with the seminal 1980 comedy “9 to 5.” The doc seeks to educate the audience on what still needs to done in order to achieve gender equality in the workplace.
Here are Women and Hollywood’s latest women-centric and women-made crowdfunding picks.
“Story & Pictures By” (Documentary) – Directed by Joanna Rudnick
“Story & Pictures By”
“Story & Pictures By” is a feature-length documentary that explores how children’s picture books can foster literacy and spark creativity. Director Joanna Rudnick believes children’s picture books are foundational in a child’s development, and that kids’ books are experiencing a “Golden Age.”
Furthermore, the documentary will talk about how such books can be prime examples of inclusion, both in content and authorship. It will examine all this through three contemporary writer-illustrators: Yuyi Morales, Mac Barnett, and Christian Robinson.
The doc needs funds for transportation costs, cinematography and sound crew, and equipment rentals.
Support “Story & Pictures By” on Kickstarter.
“Luna’s Ghosts” (Short) – Directed by B. Welby Delimere
Concept art for “Luna’s Ghosts”
Directed by B. Welby Delimere, “Luna’s Ghosts” is a short told entirely in British Sign Language. Luna is a shy deaf girl who lives with her two loving moms, Mumma and Mum. Following the death of Mumma, Luna’s grief begins manifesting in ghosts, until she confronts her fears and loss.
While the short deals with a scary subject — death — it also suggests that once we accept a loss, we can find the warmth within. It is only after Luna is able to say goodbye to her deceased parent that she is able to begin healing and reconnect with her Mum.
The film is looking to raise money for its final costs.
Support “Luna’s Ghosts” on Kickstarter.
“Still Working 9 to 5” (Documentary) – Directed by Camille Hardman and Gary Lane
“Still Working 9 to 5”
Forty years after the comedy “9 to 5,” starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, was released, this feature documentary will investigate what has and hasn’t changed for women in the workplace.
“Still Working 9 to 5” will also examine the film and look at its place in the women’s movement, as well as the later #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, as women still fight for equality.
The doc’s team is crowdfunding to raise money to finish interviews with entertainment legends such as Parton and Rita Moreno, as well as for research, archival and “9 to 5” footage, and editing.
Support “Still Working 9 to 5” on Kickstarter.
To be considered for Women and Hollywood’s biweekly crowdfunding feature, please write to womenandhollywoodinterns@gmail.com. All formats (features, shorts, web series, etc.) welcome. Projects must be by and/or about women.
