When it comes to love, things don’t always work out as smoothly as we’d like them to. Our latest round of crowdfunding picks examine the sometimes rocky road to romance in a number of different genres, ranging from animation to rom-com, and explore a number of important issues — like the negative effect the patriarchy can have on the way we approach budding romance, or the importance of acknowledging (and laughing at) the inevitable awkwardness of our romantic entanglements.
In “Swoontown,” written and directed by Shaina Rose Woolley, lovesick Andy goes on a treasure hunt to prove their character to Dot, the object of their affections — and perhaps discover a different and less damaging way of approaching “love chases” than what is promoted by a heteronormative society.
Writer-director Keema Mingo’s “First” explores the awkwardness of romantic encounters through Vaughn, whose over-the-top attempts to woo Callie, his crush, only serve to confuse her. When it comes to sex and romance, there’s a first time for everything.
“Slavic Love” uses animation to depict the mythological love story between warrior Nastasya Mikulishna and her future husband, Dobrynia Nikitich.
Here are Women and Hollywood’s latest women-created and women-centric crowdfunding picks.
“Swoontown” (Short) – Written and Directed by Shaina Rose Woolley
As Andy lounges at a motel pool, they meet Dot — and fall head over heels. But the wooing process proves difficult, and they embark on a treasure hunt to discover a method of earning Dot’s love without resorting to the toxic masculinity so common in the love chases perpetuated by a heteronormative society. “Swoontown” combines ’50s aesthetics, queer joy, and the silent film era to tell a light-hearted love story that breaks tropes and centers the voices of non-binary filmmakers.
Queer representation in media is steadily increasing and improving, but is often limited to narratives of heartbreak and tragedy. “Swoontown” takes a light and humorous approach, aiming to bring joy and comfort to its viewers, while also delivering an important message about the effect gender roles and the patriarchy have on our self-image and the relationships we have with each other.
“Swoontown hits these themes to encourage everyone (in and out of the queer community) to think deeply about how patriarchy has informed the ways we present ourselves and the roles we take on in relationships,” writer-director Shaina Rose Woolley explains on the project’s Seed&Spark campaign. “While one intention is to encourage the critique of patriarchy, it is just as important that we make you smile!”
“Swoontown” is currently in pre-production, and is crowdfunding primarily for production design, location and equipment costs, and cast and crew salaries. It is also supported by XX Artists, who will be matching all contributions to the project between through May 12. The film’s cast and crew are predominantly queer filmmakers and actors committed to all forms of representation, both in front of and behind the camera.
Find out how to help “Swoontown” by visiting its Seed&Spark campaign.
“First” (Short) – Written and Directed by Keema Mingo
Vaughn is desperate to impress his crush, Callie; despite his good looks and high hopes, he’s nervous and insecure. The date leading up to their first sexual encounter is supposed to be perfect — instead, it turns out over-the-top, overwhelming, and somewhat confusing.
“First” maps the awkwardness couples experience in their journey to love and sex, and the clumsy and often humorous gap between fantasy and reality. In the campaign video above, writer-director Keema Mingo highlights the inspiration behind the film: the desire to humorously sidestep Hollywood’s “perfect romance” cliches, as well as provide a non-traumatic and humorous portrayal of Black love. “Telling a story about sex with a woman’s touch is rare, which is why we are committed to having a majority female crew,” she adds on the film’s Seed&Spark page.
In addition to its commitment to a female crew, the project also seeks to promote body inclusivity and positivity with its casting of a plus-sized actress as its romantic lead, in a genre where women of different body types often serve solely as best friends and side characters. “First” is crowdfunding for complete pre-production, which will involve virtual casting calls and interviews, location searching, props, and more.
You can help fund “First” by donating to its Seed&Spark campaign.
“Slavic Love” (Animated Short) – Directed by Ekaterina Soyuznova
When Dobrynia Nikitich, a legendary warrior and knight from Russian folklore, returns home from dragon-slaying, he’s ever-more egotistical and overconfident in himself. When he spies a potential enemy in the distance, he decides that even a dragon’s head isn’t enough for him, and readies himself for more battle and more glory. Little does he know that he’s about to meet his future wife, Nastasya Mikulishna, and that he’ll be returning home more humbled than ever.
The film is a celebration of Slavic storytelling and mythology, as well as strong female characters. Its main character, Nastasya, is a bogatyr — a warrior character from Russian folklore, equivalent to knights in Western mythology, and known for their strength and bravery.
“Slavic Love” is produced by graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and is crowdfunding primarily for animation costs. Animation is a time-consuming and labor-intensive art form, and the team behind “Slavic Love” places emphasis on the importance of fluid and expressive character work through art.
Help make “Slavic Love” a reality by donating via Kickstarter.
To be considered for Women and Hollywood’s biweekly crowdfunding feature, please write to waheditorialfellows@gmail.com. All formats (features, shorts, web series, etc.) are welcome. Projects must be by and/or about women.
