We all have that friend who constantly “knows how you feel.” You know what we’re talking about. Well, trust us, this group of crowdfunding picks really know how you feel. Each respective women-centric project is all about taking the personal and exuding it into the world for one very important purpose: to create a sense of community.
“The Feels,” Jenée LaMarque’s second feature, combines two subjects rarely portrayed and discussed onscreen: a lesbian bachelorette party and the female orgasm — or lack thereof. Featuring a unique mixture of comedic actresses, stand-up comedians, and real life friends, this improvised comedy allows a space for women to “to reflect on trust, love, and their journeys to experiencing their first orgasm.”
“Beba,” directed by Sofia Geld and Rebeca Huntt, is both a documentary and a memoir. It follows Rebeca Huntt as she navigates her racial identity as an Afro-Latina activist before, during, and after attending an elite, mostly-white college. Employing various forms of media, “Beba’s” multi-layered visual composition matches its thematic mission as a “love letter to black life, in all of its complexities.”
Though she loved reading “Peter Pan” growing up, writer-director Rebecca Woolf soon realized that she was “always looking for a Wendy she couldn’t find” in J.M. Barrie’s work. Inspired by this invisibility, Woolf’s film, “Pans,” puts a feminist and ‘90s twist on a universally known tale, poignantly tackling the “timeless and systematic complexities of growing up girl” head-on.
The idea for the comedy web series “Nonprofit” also stems from personal experience, as creator Luann Algoso’s pulls inspiration from her own career in nonprofit organizations. Its main protagonist, Gabby Antonio, is just beginning her career as a community organizer. She quickly learns that doing “good work,” particularly as a woman of color, may not be as effortless as it seems.
Finally, Ruth Leitman’s latest documentary crucially highlights those who continue to fight for reproductive rights. “Lady Parts Justice in The New World Order” follows Lizz Winstead and Lady Parts Justice, a team of comedians and cultural influencers who are — now, more than ever — “using humor and outrage to expose the bad and elect the good.”
Here are our women-created and women-centric crowdfunding picks for May 2017.
“The Feels” — Directed by Jenée LaMarque; Written by Jenée LaMarque and Lauren Parks
Right away, it’s clear that “The Feels” is a bachelorette party film like no other. As a group of friends celebrate not one, but two brides (played by Constance Wu and Angela Trimbur), they discover that Lu (Trimbur) has never had an orgasm. This immediately surprises her partner, and, as a result, this weekend of fun transforms into a humorous yet touching reflection on female relationships and sexuality.
Writer-director Jenée LaMarque wanted to make an improvised film not just for the “natural humor that arises between girlfriends,” but also as a way to ensure that its discussions of sexuality “feel real, true, and particular.” Moreover, LaMarque describes this film as specifically “engineered to create opportunities for women, POC and the LGBTQ community.” It features an 80 percent female cast and a 68 percent female crew. “The Feels” sounds like a refreshing approach both behind and in front of the camera, to say the least.
Help “The Feels” with its final stages of postproduction on Kickstarter.
“Beba” (Hybrid Documentary) —Directed by Sofia Geld and Rebeca Huntt
https://medium.com/media/b3977a92874f870d2ebf78de9f6cf673/href
Rebeca Huntt and Sofia Geld’s hybrid documentary, which explores the complexities of Huntt’s racial identity, is narratively structured by her time in college. As she grapples with a friendship with a wealthy white classmate, she also faces the loss of a fellow activist of color. In true documentary form, “Beba” introduces Huntt’s family, former teachers, and childhood friends as a means of exploring “memory and personal insight.” These verité segments are also intercut with other forms of media; for instance, animation sequences “depict the duel weights of institutional racism and systematic violence that shaped [Huntt’s] adolescence.”
As the subject and film progress, Huntt develops more self-awareness, and “Beba’s” narrative becomes much more psychological. This project therefore offers a unique and poetic insight into race relations that is both “intersectional and deeply personal.”
Help “Beba” deliver this coming of age story on Kickstarter.
“Pans” — Written and Directed by Rebecca Woolf
https://medium.com/media/5614d9435ddf8b5934109ab6029cbe67/href
Though “Pans” is inspired from J.M. Barrie’s work, the two are far from the same thing. In fact, amidst its teenagers, surfers, and skateboarders, Rebecca Woolf’s grunge-inspired film is arguably darker and much more complex. It explores sexual assault, as well as the isolation and shame that accompanies it. Wynne Darling (who is also struggling with the separation of her parents) must handle not only her assailant, but the female community who refused to believe her truth, which is a theme that Woolf recognizes as particularly appropriate in today’s America.
“Pans” was written for all teenage girls, urging them to “be unapologetic in their art, awareness, and necessary rebellion.” As a result, its ultimate product arises in unlikely sisterhood and solidarity. As it trailers stresses, “you will know these girls not by [their] silence, but by [their] noise.”
Help “Pans” rewrite fairytales on Kickstarter.
“Nonprofit” (Web Series) — Created by Luann Algoso; Written by Jessica Yen
“Nonprofit” follows Gaby Antonio as she begins her career at APIISA (Asian Pacific Islanders in Solidarity Alliance). Faced with planning her first major event, Gabby quickly learns just how great the divide is between nonprofit “ideals and reality.” Ultimately, she learns that community and social change go hand in hand.
“Nonprofit’s” premise offers something not yet touched in mainstream media, and does so in a quirky and sentimental way. However, what is perhaps most exciting is its setting: Portland, Oregan — also known as America’s whitest metropolitan area. By specifically exploring stories of women of color, Algoso’s series works to “push back on racially homogenized narratives,” and is an important testament to both activism and representation.
Embrace the “Nonprofit” sector by contributing to its Seed&Spark campaign.
“Lady Parts Justice in The New World Order” (Documentary) —Written and Directed by Ruth Leitman
Co-founded by Lizz Winstead (co-creator of “The Daily Show”), Lady Parts Justice (LPJ) is a group of feminist activists who seek to create media that not only entertains, but also educates the public on the history and legality surround abortion rights. Leitman’s documentary follows LPJ as they confront the 2016 election and their own shortcomings as an activist group.
This summer, Leitman and her crew will follow LPJ on their Vagical Mystery Tour, which will stop at various abortion clinics throughout the country. Alongside a kickass comedy show to raise funds, this tour will provide hands-on support to each respective local clinic. Before moving on to the next city, LPJ aims to “build an army of local volunteers” that will continue to fight for the clinic once they are gone. This documentary will highlight those who stand willing to fight in this uncertain time, and will therefore remind its viewers that they are not alone. As Leitman stresses, “Sometimes you need the funniest person in the room to hit home what’s most important.”
Help Leitman and LPJ laugh back at this administration by donating to their Seed&Spark campaign.
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.
