Sometimes, to learn who you are, you have to lose something. This can be a painful process or a joyful one, depending on what you have lost. The important thing is that, through this process, you come out on the other side understanding yourself and the way you occupy the world just a little bit better.
This week’s crowdfunding picks represent both loss and discovery. In “Black Mom, White Mom,” filmmaker Brittni Daniels explores her childhood, having been raised between two cultures, and tries to find herself among these worlds. “Bad Brittney” is an animated film about a Barbie-like doll who, under pressure to be perfect, loses herself in unhealthy coping mechanisms. The series “Crossing Borders” explores travel through a female lens, showing the audience what it means to find yourself through the unknowns of adventure.
Here are Women and Hollywood’s latest crowdfunding picks.
“Black Mom, White Mom” (Documentary) – Written by Brittni Daniels
Brittni Daniels was raised between two worlds. As one of nine children being raised by a single mother in a disadvantaged community, instability was her stability. However, her life took a turn when a wealthy white woman joined her family.
“Black Mom, White Mom” is a documentary about Daniels’ childhood being raised by two women from different racial backgrounds. The film looks 24 years into the past to show this blended family came together and the challenges they faced.
“The film chronicles the turbulent journey of a girl trying to find herself in ever shifting worlds of white and black, rich and poor, jealousy, love, and imposter syndrome,” states the Kickstarter campaign.
Daniels writes: “The goal of this film is to tell a strong story that inspires hope and change in the way we view ourselves and others, and to open more dialogue around embracing each other.”
Learn more about “Black Mom, White Mom” and donate on Kickstarter.
“Bad Brittney” (Short) – Directed by Katie Underwood
In “Bad Brittney,” Brittney, a doll reminiscent of the iconic Barbie, is tired of the pressure and expectations that come with being in the spotlight. The film follows her as she copes with this pressure in unhealthy ways.
Katie Underwood created the animated short. She states in her Kickstarter video that “Bad Barbie” draws inspiration from both the animated Barbie films and Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream.”
“I’ve loved Barbie films as long as I can remember, and I’m beyond excited to pay homage to my childhood. Although, with all the horrible things the Brittney doll goes through in the film, it may be a little hard to see that love,” Underwood writes on the Kickstarter campaign page.
Learn more about “Bad Brittney” and donate on Kickstarter.
“Crossing Borders” (Travel Series) – Created by Rebecca Share
What is it like to travel the world alone as a woman? Are there different barriers, or is this merely a misconception many hold as truth?
“Crossing Borders,” a travel show created and hosted by Rebecca Share, explores the world of travel through a female lens. The show will feature travelers from different demographics and backgrounds to get multiple perspectives on traveling solo. Additionally, interviews with destinations’ local women will be conducted in the aim of pushing back against and deconstructing stereotypes.
“This show would challenge the travel show industry to see women as serious, capable, and valuable hosts, producers, developers, cinematographers, etc.,” states the Kickstarter campaign. “We will also be confronting stereotypes and misconceptions of other countries, cultures, and women’s lives in both so that we can better understand the world.”
Learn more about “Crossing Borders” and donate on Kickstarter.
To be considered for Women and Hollywood’s biweekly crowdfunding feature, please write to wandhcrowdfunding@gmail.com. All formats (features, shorts, web series, etc.) welcome. Projects must be by and/or about women.
