EMERGENCY PRODUCTION FUNDS
by What's in a Name
PLEASE HELP US MAKE THIS IMPORTANT FILM COME TO LIFE!
Trans people are disproportionally in the system–particularly trans women of color–who are pushed into crimes of survival, over policed, and designated as criminals. This film pushes back against the notion of the "trans criminal" through sharing an intimate view into the lives if three women who are advocates for eliminating the felony name change restrictions in Illinois.
We are in critical need of funds to finish production.
HB2542, which removes name change restrictions for people with felonies, passed in January!! We were able to document this important process, but things happened fast and we weren't able to pause to wait for funding. Now after two years of filming, we're close to completing production....and totally out of funds.
This is where you come in, we could really use your help!
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We need to finish production, which means paying our crew through the end of March.
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These funds allow us to jump straight into post.
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Help us level-up! Our priority will be assembling a demo reel that will enable us to demonstrate the viability of the project to grantors and unlock post-production funds.
ABOUT THE FILM
Three trans women from the West Side of Chicago fight to overturn a harsh law that binds them to their past, a law that prohibits people with felony convictions, like themselves, from legally changing their names. Tania Cordova, Eisha Love, and Reyna Ortiz are key advocates supporting HB2542. As trans women they have a lot at stake: a male name on their government ID exposes the women as trans and opens them up to harassment and danger. After showing their ID cards they have been denied services, housing, and employment. We get to know Tania, Eisha, and Reyna as they share their stories from a particular vantage point that is at the intersection of the most critical issues of our time–racial justice, poverty, immigration, and trans rights. What's in a Name illuminates the failings of a broken criminal justice system, and more importantly, shows impacted people leading the way forward.
Why $50,000? That’s not enough money to make a film...?
You're right. This film will cost more than $50,000 to finish, but we plan to cover future costs with grants. We are bridging the gap and keeping the project rolling until that funding comes in.
All contributions are tax-deductible thanks to our fiscal sponsor, From The Heart Productions.
- Any level of contribution is sincerely appreciated.
- As an extra thanks donors who give $50 or more get a special, limited edition What's in a Name totebag.
- We are trying to raise a lot of money here and big donations will really move us along towards reaching our goal. Donate big and get a special mention in the credits alongside our grantors.
Thanks!
We appreciate you and look forward to delivering an amazing film.
$9,330 RAISED
$50,000 GOAL
| 43 | 25 | 19% |
| Days Left | Believers | Funded |
