Even as women fight for their own spaces in Hollywood, it’s important to remember the kinds of stories about women that are typically told. Many of Hollywood’s female-centered stories focus on women who dominate their surroundings and stay in the spotlight. This round of crowdfunding picks examines stories about women that are less frequently explored.

In the documentary “Second Coming,” director Cara Jones traces the relationship between two siblings who are forced to reckon with the role religion plays in their lives. As they journey back to the religion of their youth, they explore their family’s history within the Unification Church, and the difficulty both of them have leaving it behind.

“The Red Lotus” also focuses on the bond between siblings, although its story is one of oppression. Following a pair of sisters who attempt a risky abortion procedure in a dystopian future, the film, sadly, reflects the misogyny of our current moment. Sisterhood is also the topic of “Three Roads,” a narrative feature about three childhood friends who reunite in the wake of tragedy and attempt to move on with each other’s support. It is co-written by Amanda Ives, Sarah Beth Goer, and Vanessa Donley.

Another documentary, “When They Were Here” from co-director Ivy MacDonald, shares a story few are familiar with. The film explores the pandemic of killings and kidnappings of indigenous women in Montana, in the hopes of shedding light on the problem through Native American women’s perspectives.

Writer-director Carman Spoto brings us “What Color Is Blue.” This narrative feature explores the struggles queer youth face as they fight against political and societal forces that are disgusted by their very existence. The project’s goal is to employ crew members from marginalized communities, and to deliver an optimistic message about what young queer people can do to combat their own depression.

Here are our latest women-created and women-centric crowdfunding picks.

“Second Coming” (Documentary) — Directed by Cara Jones

“Second Coming” is told from the perspective of two siblings who were raised inside of the Unification Church and forced into arranged marriages. Eighteen years after her own arranged marriage, director Cara Jones returns to the church with her brother, Bow, to figure out why its hold on her remains so strong. The documentary explores Jones’ history with the church and how it has created a divide in her own family. In “Second Coming” Jones uses an intensely personal story to shed light on a religion that few truly understand.

You can support “Second Coming” by donating to the project on Kickstarter.

“The Red Lotus” — Directed by Jessica Alexandra Green; Written by Shara Ashley Zeiger

Set in a future dystopia that may feel a little too familiar, “The Red Lotus” follows Michelle, a young woman who drags her sister Debbie on a retreat, only to reveal that they are actually headed to an underground abortion clinic. Since abortions are no longer legal, Michelle needs Debbie’s support to secure the procedure. Telling a gripping tale of women’s rights and sisterly love, writer Shara Ashley Zeiger felt the story was necessary in the wake of the election. Teaming up with director Jessica Alexandra Green, the pair have created a female character fighting for her right to protect her own body in a story that, like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” feels startlingly necessary in 2017.

You can support “The Red Lotus” by donating to the project on Kickstarter.

“Three Roads” — C0-Written by Amanda Ives, Sarah Beth Goer, and Vanessa Donley

“Three Roads” is a movie about three very different women. When the three childhood friends reunite in their 30s following the death of one of their fathers, it becomes clear they all are at a crossroads. “Three Roads” is a worthwhile project in part because of its quiet intimacy. The film has the patience to develop each of its central women into a fully formed human being, which probably has something to do with the talent behind the scenes. The film was co-written by its stars, Amanda Ives, Sarah Beth Goer, and Vanessa Donley, who give their characters a chance to speak without forcing them to shout.

You can support “Three Roads” by donating to the project on Kickstarter.

“When They Were Here” (Documentary) — Co-Directed by Ivy MacDonald

Set against the open spaces of Montana, “When They Were Here” examines the plight of indigenous women who are kidnapped and murdered in huge numbers every year. The constant fear these women live in is not widely known, which is why co-director Ivy MacDonald and her team have taken on the project. While some investigative work has already been done on the subject, the filmmakers recognize that much of it ignores the perspectives of the indigenous women most directly involved in these cases. “When They Were Here” acts as a living document, one that will pay tribute to the many women who have suffered as a result of this pandemic.

You can support “When They Were Here” by donating to the project’s Indiegogo campaign.

“What Color Is Blue” — Written and Directed by Carman Spoto

A narrative film from Carman Spoto, a trans woman, “What Color Is Blue” explores the continued struggle in the LGBTQ community against the societal forces that oppose their very existence. It’s a personal film for Spoto about the nihilism that can infect queer youth when they’re confronted with a world that is often quite cruel. The film follows a young black trans woman who spends the film traveling around her community attempting to figure out how to improve her own life and the lives of those around her. “What Color Is Blue” is a story that shows its audience how they can help a marginalized community.

You can support “What Color Is Blue” by donating to the project on Seed & Spark.

To be considered for Women and Hollywood’s biweekly crowdfunding feature, please write to womenandhollywoodinterns@gmail.com. All formats (features, shorts, web series, etc.) are welcome. Projects must be by and/or about women.