A Gift to Ghost
New York City, New York | Film Short
Documentary, Drama
A story about healing, closure, and gratitude, A Gift to Ghost celebrates the unique bond between humans and their animal companions. Through Sam and Ghost's journey, the narrative explores themes of friendship, loss, and the silent yet profound language of companionship that transcends words.
A Gift to Ghost
New York City, New York | Film Short
Documentary, Drama
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,083 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
28 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A story about healing, closure, and gratitude, A Gift to Ghost celebrates the unique bond between humans and their animal companions. Through Sam and Ghost's journey, the narrative explores themes of friendship, loss, and the silent yet profound language of companionship that transcends words.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
While attending the rigorous academic environment of Columbia University, Sam Nahins is a student veteran who lives in the shadow of the most popular student on campus—his dog, Ghost. More than just a companion, Ghost is a lifeline connecting Sam to his past and a vital support in his academic journey.
Ghost isn't just any service animal; she's a living link to Sam's friend Kevin, a fellow veteran with whom he served and from whom he adopted Ghost. However, their friendship takes a tragic turn when Kevin took his own life, leaving Ghost’s brother Apollo to his widow.
The loss of his friend only made the bond between Sam and Ghost stronger, reminding him of the greatest gift Kevin could ever give him. And while Sam may never get to see Kevin again, to honor Kevin's memory, Sam and Ghost will embark on a heartfelt journey from New York to Dallas, where Ghost will reunite with Apollo one last time.
WHO ARE WE?
Samuel Nahins and Brandon David Lambert are veteran graduates of Columbia University; they studied creative writing and business, respectively. Donté Larry is a veteran who graduated the filmmaking and cinematography programs at New York Film Academy. Their shared vision, military experiences, and enthusiasm for this story and its future impact on veteran and non-veteran students alike has fostered a strong sense of collaboration and dedication for the project.
A Gift to Ghost will be produced by Next Step Inbound, a nonprofit organization and team of student veterans dedicated to helping service members transition from the enlisted ranks into the nation's top colleges. Learn more about Next Step Inbound here.
WHY NOW?
With the growing popularity of students bringing service animals to class, A Gift to Ghost engages with students and professors about the crucial correlation between service animals and mental health. A story about healing, closure, and gratitude, A Gift to Ghost celebrates the unique bond between humans and their animal companions but also sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of student life. Through Sam and Ghost's journey, the narrative explores themes of friendship, loss, and the silent yet profound language of companionship that transcends words.
Sam is completing his time at Columbia University and preparing for the next chapter of his life, and his best friend, Ghost, will be there to support him on his journey. However, Ghost isn't getting any younger, and there may never be another opportunity for Sam and Ghost to be able to reunite with Apollo and find some much-needed closure. It's paramount that this journey is shared with veterans and non-veterans alike as we work to build stronger bonds of community between those struggling with mental health challenges, whether they be veterans, civilians, or students. Together, we can overcome our challenges, and A Gift to Ghost wants to prove it.
A Gift to Ghost's style will be one of emotional realism and drama. Although the film will be brutally honest regarding mental health challenges, A Gift to Ghost will maintain an uplifting outlook and optimistic worldview.
WHAT DO WE NEED?
The requirements to create a film of this scope are vast. Beyond the bare bones of feeding and paying our crew, we’ll need a variety of resources to shoot the film and facilitate the road trip from New York, NY to Dallas, TX: film gear, rental car, fuel, lodging, and more.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CONTRIBUTE
A contribution of any amount will help! We've come up with fun incentives so you can feel as much a part of the film as you really are. Funding is the necessary evil that will make this project come to life.
2. SPREAD THE WORD
Hit the "follow" button on this page; Follow @nextstepinbound on Instagram!
Most importantly, SHARE our campaign via social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! We can only meet our goals by reaching beyond our own networks and finding support among people who may not even know us personally.
Here is a post you can copy to share or send:
Copy & Paste:
Hello! My friends are making a heartwarming documentary short film. But they need our help. Please check it out and help however you can. See what they're up to here: seedandspark.com/fund/a-gift-to-ghost
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $1,500
Need the crew to make the movie.
Film Equipment
Costs $1,000
We'd really prefer not shooting on our cell phones...
Rental Car
Costs $750
Can't have a road trip without a car!
Gas
Costs $400
You already know how bad gas prices are...
Lodging
Costs $600
Let's try to get the crew a nice, peaceful night of rest.
Meals
Costs $350
People gotta eat!
Flights Back for the Crew
Costs $400
The film crew must fly back to NYC due to other work demands.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We are a strong team of military veterans with collective backgrounds in filmmaking, project management, creative writing, and business. If there was ever a team most uniquely qualified to tell this personal, moving, and uplifting story, it is this team.
Samuel Nahins: Producer | Writer
Sam Nahins is more than a veteran and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at Columbia University; he is a storyteller whose life chapters are as compelling as the narratives he weaves. His journey from serving in the United States Air Force as an Unmanned Sensor Operator from 2011 to 2017, to embracing the world of academia, infuses his writing with authenticity and depth.
But it's not just his military background that sets Sam apart. His profound bond with his dog, Ghost, a loyal companion and an echo of his past, brings a unique perspective to his work. Ghost is not just a pet; she is a living bridge to Sam's experiences, a source of inspiration, and a constant reminder of the themes of friendship, loss, and resilience that he explores in his writing.
Sam's transition from the structured life of the military to the creative realms of Columbia University has equipped him with a distinctive voice. His writing, enriched by his personal journey, resonates with a raw and genuine tone, particularly when delving into the complexities of mental health, the therapeutic role of service animals, and the silent battles fought by veterans in civilian life.
Beyond the classroom, Sam actively publishes his pieces, offering glimpses into his world where words heal and stories empower. His writings are not just narratives; they are windows into the soul of a veteran, a student, and a compassionate human being.
Engage with Sam's world and witness how he turns personal history into compelling stories. Check out one of Sam’s writings, A Choir of Crickets, where the lines between life and art blur in the most captivating way.
Donté Larry: Producer | Director | Cinematographer
Donté Larry is a filmmaker passionate about helping to tell the stories and experiences of those living in the margins of society, whose voices have been silenced, suppressed, underrepresented, or misrepresented. This passion is informed by a variety of life experiences, education, and training.
Following college graduation, where Donté studied Sociology, he commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and served eight years on active duty as a Logistics Officer. His training and experiences were crucial to the development of his leadership, organization, and team management skills. It also helped develop his professionalism, adaptability, and strong work ethic. During this time, he earned the Project Management Professional certification, demonstrating a mastery of project management concepts, tasks, and techniques that are applicable across virtually any industry. However, Donté began to realize that he had unique qualities and creative abilities that he could best use to contribute to the world from outside of military service. So, he decided to leave active duty.
After his transition from the military, Donté went back to school, completing certificate programs in Filmmaking and Cinematography. He continues to explore theories of race and society as he progresses in his career. Not only does he enjoy using film as a medium to share his creative and personal analysis with the world, but his mixed-race heritage and formal education have given him a unique lens through which to perceive our shared human experiences. This has inspired him to create films that speak to people who may not see themselves in their surroundings, those whose voices need most to be heard. Check out Donté's website here.
Brandon David Lambert: Producer
Brandon is a Co-Founder and the current President of Next Step Inbound.
Currently, Brandon is a student veteran at Columbia University in the city of New York, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts. In addition, professionally, Brandon is pursuing a career in Private Equity and currently works part-time for KSL Capital Partners.
Prior to his academic pursuits, Brandon served in the United States Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman from 2016 to 2020, fulfilling roles within a Maritime Raid Force and a Regimental Sniper Company. Concurrent to his military career, Brandon attended three different community colleges prior to gaining admittance and matriculating to Columbia University.
As a Co-Founder of Next Step Inbound, and through enduring his own hardships while transitioning from military service to higher education, Brandon believes it is essential to provide an easily digestible, centralized source of information for service members interested in taking that next step after the armed forces and pursuing higher education.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
While attending the rigorous academic environment of Columbia University, Sam Nahins is a student veteran who lives in the shadow of the most popular student on campus—his dog, Ghost. More than just a companion, Ghost is a lifeline connecting Sam to his past and a vital support in his academic journey.
Ghost isn't just any service animal; she's a living link to Sam's friend Kevin, a fellow veteran with whom he served and from whom he adopted Ghost. However, their friendship takes a tragic turn when Kevin took his own life, leaving Ghost’s brother Apollo to his widow.
The loss of his friend only made the bond between Sam and Ghost stronger, reminding him of the greatest gift Kevin could ever give him. And while Sam may never get to see Kevin again, to honor Kevin's memory, Sam and Ghost will embark on a heartfelt journey from New York to Dallas, where Ghost will reunite with Apollo one last time.
WHO ARE WE?
Samuel Nahins and Brandon David Lambert are veteran graduates of Columbia University; they studied creative writing and business, respectively. Donté Larry is a veteran who graduated the filmmaking and cinematography programs at New York Film Academy. Their shared vision, military experiences, and enthusiasm for this story and its future impact on veteran and non-veteran students alike has fostered a strong sense of collaboration and dedication for the project.
A Gift to Ghost will be produced by Next Step Inbound, a nonprofit organization and team of student veterans dedicated to helping service members transition from the enlisted ranks into the nation's top colleges. Learn more about Next Step Inbound here.
WHY NOW?
With the growing popularity of students bringing service animals to class, A Gift to Ghost engages with students and professors about the crucial correlation between service animals and mental health. A story about healing, closure, and gratitude, A Gift to Ghost celebrates the unique bond between humans and their animal companions but also sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of student life. Through Sam and Ghost's journey, the narrative explores themes of friendship, loss, and the silent yet profound language of companionship that transcends words.
Sam is completing his time at Columbia University and preparing for the next chapter of his life, and his best friend, Ghost, will be there to support him on his journey. However, Ghost isn't getting any younger, and there may never be another opportunity for Sam and Ghost to be able to reunite with Apollo and find some much-needed closure. It's paramount that this journey is shared with veterans and non-veterans alike as we work to build stronger bonds of community between those struggling with mental health challenges, whether they be veterans, civilians, or students. Together, we can overcome our challenges, and A Gift to Ghost wants to prove it.
A Gift to Ghost's style will be one of emotional realism and drama. Although the film will be brutally honest regarding mental health challenges, A Gift to Ghost will maintain an uplifting outlook and optimistic worldview.
WHAT DO WE NEED?
The requirements to create a film of this scope are vast. Beyond the bare bones of feeding and paying our crew, we’ll need a variety of resources to shoot the film and facilitate the road trip from New York, NY to Dallas, TX: film gear, rental car, fuel, lodging, and more.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CONTRIBUTE
A contribution of any amount will help! We've come up with fun incentives so you can feel as much a part of the film as you really are. Funding is the necessary evil that will make this project come to life.
2. SPREAD THE WORD
Hit the "follow" button on this page; Follow @nextstepinbound on Instagram!
Most importantly, SHARE our campaign via social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! We can only meet our goals by reaching beyond our own networks and finding support among people who may not even know us personally.
Here is a post you can copy to share or send:
Copy & Paste:
Hello! My friends are making a heartwarming documentary short film. But they need our help. Please check it out and help however you can. See what they're up to here: seedandspark.com/fund/a-gift-to-ghost
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $1,500
Need the crew to make the movie.
Film Equipment
Costs $1,000
We'd really prefer not shooting on our cell phones...
Rental Car
Costs $750
Can't have a road trip without a car!
Gas
Costs $400
You already know how bad gas prices are...
Lodging
Costs $600
Let's try to get the crew a nice, peaceful night of rest.
Meals
Costs $350
People gotta eat!
Flights Back for the Crew
Costs $400
The film crew must fly back to NYC due to other work demands.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We are a strong team of military veterans with collective backgrounds in filmmaking, project management, creative writing, and business. If there was ever a team most uniquely qualified to tell this personal, moving, and uplifting story, it is this team.
Samuel Nahins: Producer | Writer
Sam Nahins is more than a veteran and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at Columbia University; he is a storyteller whose life chapters are as compelling as the narratives he weaves. His journey from serving in the United States Air Force as an Unmanned Sensor Operator from 2011 to 2017, to embracing the world of academia, infuses his writing with authenticity and depth.
But it's not just his military background that sets Sam apart. His profound bond with his dog, Ghost, a loyal companion and an echo of his past, brings a unique perspective to his work. Ghost is not just a pet; she is a living bridge to Sam's experiences, a source of inspiration, and a constant reminder of the themes of friendship, loss, and resilience that he explores in his writing.
Sam's transition from the structured life of the military to the creative realms of Columbia University has equipped him with a distinctive voice. His writing, enriched by his personal journey, resonates with a raw and genuine tone, particularly when delving into the complexities of mental health, the therapeutic role of service animals, and the silent battles fought by veterans in civilian life.
Beyond the classroom, Sam actively publishes his pieces, offering glimpses into his world where words heal and stories empower. His writings are not just narratives; they are windows into the soul of a veteran, a student, and a compassionate human being.
Engage with Sam's world and witness how he turns personal history into compelling stories. Check out one of Sam’s writings, A Choir of Crickets, where the lines between life and art blur in the most captivating way.
Donté Larry: Producer | Director | Cinematographer
Donté Larry is a filmmaker passionate about helping to tell the stories and experiences of those living in the margins of society, whose voices have been silenced, suppressed, underrepresented, or misrepresented. This passion is informed by a variety of life experiences, education, and training.
Following college graduation, where Donté studied Sociology, he commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and served eight years on active duty as a Logistics Officer. His training and experiences were crucial to the development of his leadership, organization, and team management skills. It also helped develop his professionalism, adaptability, and strong work ethic. During this time, he earned the Project Management Professional certification, demonstrating a mastery of project management concepts, tasks, and techniques that are applicable across virtually any industry. However, Donté began to realize that he had unique qualities and creative abilities that he could best use to contribute to the world from outside of military service. So, he decided to leave active duty.
After his transition from the military, Donté went back to school, completing certificate programs in Filmmaking and Cinematography. He continues to explore theories of race and society as he progresses in his career. Not only does he enjoy using film as a medium to share his creative and personal analysis with the world, but his mixed-race heritage and formal education have given him a unique lens through which to perceive our shared human experiences. This has inspired him to create films that speak to people who may not see themselves in their surroundings, those whose voices need most to be heard. Check out Donté's website here.
Brandon David Lambert: Producer
Brandon is a Co-Founder and the current President of Next Step Inbound.
Currently, Brandon is a student veteran at Columbia University in the city of New York, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts. In addition, professionally, Brandon is pursuing a career in Private Equity and currently works part-time for KSL Capital Partners.
Prior to his academic pursuits, Brandon served in the United States Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman from 2016 to 2020, fulfilling roles within a Maritime Raid Force and a Regimental Sniper Company. Concurrent to his military career, Brandon attended three different community colleges prior to gaining admittance and matriculating to Columbia University.
As a Co-Founder of Next Step Inbound, and through enduring his own hardships while transitioning from military service to higher education, Brandon believes it is essential to provide an easily digestible, centralized source of information for service members interested in taking that next step after the armed forces and pursuing higher education.