About the film:

There is a deep and rich history in Chiapas, a state in the most southern tip of Mexico, that has been for the most part unexplored, undocumented, and untold. Most recently, in just under 25 years, Islam came to Chiapas. It originally arose during a time of civil unrest and is now one of the youngest, if not the youngest, Muslim community in the world. Due to its unique and unconventional nature, the community has garnered global attention. What is most striking about this entire situation is that faith was rediscovered in such striking conditions, as Chiapas is known for its extreme poverty: members of the community live each day on $1-$2. Many people in this area are laborers (agricultural, manuel, etc.) and therefore have no guarantee of security or stability due to the unpredictable nature of their work. In many ways, Islam provides structure and foundation for community members. We intend to live in Chiapas for 4 weeks documenting the lives of its residents, exploring faith, culture, family, and survival. We want to take the global community on a journey of understanding to rediscover what it means to be Human in the face of intense struggle and discord. This is at its core a story of faith--a faith that is tested time and time again but nonetheless survives. It is a story of life, love, and family.

How we plan to tell this story:

As we stated earlier, we will stay with the community in Chiapas for a month, waking up with them, eating with them, working with them, and sleeping with them. The documentary will specifically highlight several community members that have experienced the history from the beginning, understanding what their lives were before Islam came to them, what their lives are now, and what they hope their lives and the lives of their families will be in the future. To accomplish these goals, we will contextualize their past, present, and future within such themes as history, community, poverty, and the idea of happiness. We will explore how such circumstances have affected their ability to remain faithful to provide for their families. At the same time, we’d like our audience to appreciate the beauty of their culture, environment, and faith. We want people to invest in the hopes and dreams of this community.

Why this film matters:

The goal of this documentary is to bring awareness to this very special group of people, identify what their needs are, and then formulate a practical plan of action. By raising awareness we hope that people will take a vested interest in aiding to improve their lives. While the obvious detriments of poverty are evident in Chiapas, we want to explore other integral facets of society that are lacking. Funding this project goes beyond making this beautiful story into a film; it will help people of different backgrounds, faiths, races, and nationalities look at each other and see other human beings in need. Most importantly, your contribution and help are vital because after hearing of this story, we feel a moral responsibility to use our capabilities to help the people of Chiapas, and we hope you’ll find a similar call to action as well. Only together can we make this world a better, safer, and more caring place for our children and future generations. Lastly, your contribution serves something greater than all of us, something that our country, our children, and the world need most: the cause of understanding. We thank you for anything you can offer and hope to reach our monetary goal because this is a mission that we feel is truly tangible and real, lasting change can occur.

The Process:

Pre-Production:

1. Proposal

2. Research

3. Find Contacts

4. Detail Story Outline

5. Create Interview Questions

6. Gain Funding

7. Marketing

8. Purchase Equipment

9. Create efficient equipment configurations

Production:

1. Travel

2. Shoot footage

3. Log Footage

4. Annotate Footage

5. Backup footage

Post Production:

1. Organize all footage

2. Sync footage

3. Transcribe all footage

4. Translate all footage

5. Paper Edit

6. Note Card Edit

7. 1st digital edit

8. 2nd digital edit

9. Final edit

10. Color Correct

11. Sound Mix

12. Finish Film

How will the money be spent:

Production: $35k  

Food/Lodging/Transportation: $10k

Post Production: $5k

Launch Good Fees: $1300

Total: $51,300

What happens if we don’t raise all of the money:

If we do not reach our fundraising goal with this campaign, we’ll still collect all contributions received and will put them towards production. We’ll then begin the process of finding the remaining funds through private money and film grants (to make up for the difference we don’t raise). Not reaching our financial goal will obviously slow us down, but will not stop us from seeing this formidable undertaking to completion. We will of course, keep you, our supporters and friends, informed throughout the process on this very site and on the film's social media pages until it’s complete and ready for festivals. Thank you all so much for your support!

How you can help:

1. Fund us with all that you can :)

2. Write a nice article or a blog about the importance of helping this project (Spread the word)

3. Invite us to your organization, tv station, radio show to talk about the project

4. Connect us to investors if possible

5. Interested in pledging or sponsoring after this campaign ends? Contact us!

6. This platform (LaunchGood) has amazing sharing tools at the top of this page (below the Project's headline). Please use them to spread the word to friends, family, and acquaintances to grow the circle of support!

Final Thoughts:

We're making an independent film that highlights the humanity that's within us all, regardless of faith, race, or nationality. Its story transcends borders, beliefs, and traditions and culminates into simpler things that make life worth living: new chances, tolerance, and human kinship. It carries a much needed timely and timeless message of understanding among people whose cultures are different. We're taking on this challenge, will you?

Thank you all!

~ Welcome to the Family :)