When I formed this idea, almost two years ago, I would not have believed then that I would still be working on this project now. Not only am I still working on it, but it has taken on a life of its own. In fact, we have a new tagline, which aptly describes what this project has become:
It’s not just a Move – It’s a Movement
With that said, we have decided to launch another funding cycle, through Indiegogo. This time, we have more than just an idea and a lot of uncut footage – we have a finished movie and a movie that’s getting rave reviews.
Today is the start of our 99-day cycle of fundraising. Why 99 days? Well, for starters, our journey around the world took 99 days to complete the circle. And, in 99 days, it’s Erin’s birthday – her 25th. I was 25 years old when I decided to pursue the path I’m on as a photojournalist, instead of following a more lucrative profession. I had gone to see Jay Maisel, a legendary New York photographer, known for his bluntness. After making a lot of excuses of why I wasn’t going to follow my heart and become a photojournalist he looked me straight in the eye and said “You’re 25 years old and you’re already making compromises?” It was a turning point in my life.
The post-production on the film was completed in July.
Opening Our Eyes Sneak Preview, Traverse City, MI
Since that time, I’ve spent countless hours submitting it to film festivals and trying to create awareness for the film. What’s the point of making something like this if it is not seen by as many people as possible? Our goal is simple and that is to get this movie “out there” by whatever means we can so that we can really make a difference with it.
A comment from an audience member at our sneak preview in Traverse City said:
“I just want to thank you for making this movie and let you know that you
have definitely succeeded in inspiring people. I’ve had a {sic} paradigm
shift after seeing this movie. I think you two should count yourself among
the inspirational heroes for bringing these stories to a larger audience.”
And at our sneak preview in Detroit, Oscar recipient, Pamela Conn who won for
“ best short documentary” stated:
“ I would just like to say that that’s the first thing I thought of was that
it’s obvious that this should be submitted for an Oscar. Absolutely this
is Oscar worthy.”
We have created something of value – a value that goes beyond dollars and cents. But to give this thing legs, we will need “dollars and cents” to take it the next steps. It takes money for festival submissions, PR and marketing and theatrical screenings. In fact Jon Reiss, the DIY of the indie film world says that a filmmaker should allocate half of their budget for PR and marketing – or your film will fall into oblivion.
This money won’t go into my pocket. In fact, even creating this movie on a shoe string budget made up of airline miles and trades for services has exhausted my savings, not to mention taken me away from my business. But, something is pushing me to do this. If we can get this movie “on the map” then everyone wins, especially all the change makers that this movie is about.
Please help us with this movement. Contribute if you can or simply pass along this link to others. We all can play a part in making our world a better place.
As Marian Kramer, a subject in our film says “We all have to shine each other up.”
