all the words but the one
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
A dinner with her partner's new boss becomes precarious when Maya realizes she's also having dinner with someone from her past. ALL THE WORDS BUT THE ONE challenges assumptions about violence, accountability, & forgiveness. We need healing narratives now more than ever, and this one needs your help!
all the words but the one
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
Green Light
This campaign raised $23,000 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
133 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A dinner with her partner's new boss becomes precarious when Maya realizes she's also having dinner with someone from her past. ALL THE WORDS BUT THE ONE challenges assumptions about violence, accountability, & forgiveness. We need healing narratives now more than ever, and this one needs your help!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
SYNOPSIS
Maya and Santiago haven’t seen each other since their explosive relationship ended years ago, so neither is expecting to be sitting across from each other at a professional dinner with their new partners. Maya teeters through this minefield of delicate power dynamics as she relives some of her most painful and electric memories. Fighting dissociation and embodied trauma, she must stay focused on the dinner's high stakes for her partner, Jio, as both couples contend with their realities. The past and present collide, and Maya faces Santiago at last.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
As a trans Latina with years of experience in anti-violence work, as well as my personal experience as a survivor, I set the ambitious intention to craft a healing narrative in a time when it seems all we face is destruction. With the incredible people who've joined this project, I feel proud that we have done right by this intention. Now it's just a matter of sharing what we've created with all of you.
When I began writing this story more than a year ago, it was a tiny fire that I couldn’t put out. As the feelings turned into words, and the words turned into images, and the images turned into feelings again, I never could have imagined how much this story would mean to so many people besides me. It once felt so small, and now it feels bigger than anything I’ve ever known.
Too often, trans women of color’s relationships with men embody the quintessence of the transphobia, misogyny, and racism we face. And yet, we are brave enough to love, again and again. Sometimes we don’t realize when we still have healing left to do, until a new wound is made where an old one already existed. For Maya and Santiago, their unexpected encounter helps them take stock of how far they’ve come. They are also confronted with all the words left unsaid. It is my hope that in the unsaid, this film can speak to all of us who’ve been hurt by someone who was too close to escape. I hope it creates as much space for healing on screen as it has in my heart.
THE JOURNEY
We have already completed filming thanks to the support of several executive producers and organizations, including the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation, the TransLatin@ Coalition, and Elon University. Forty-five people came together for a production that prioritized learning and collaboration. Every single one of us poured our all into the production design, lighting, cinematography, hair and makeup, costumes, acting, and more. The experience is now a gift that will last forever.
Hiring and empowering queer and trans BIPOC was of paramount importance for this project. A key component of our production was a Trans Production Fellowship, which invited six trans and non-binary to set for five days of mentorship, training, and hands-on experience. An additional seventh fellow has joined us in post-production. Given our majority-trans cast of all Black and brown people, it was vital that the crew comprise primarily of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people as well.
THE FINISH LINE
After production comes post-production, which requires just as much intention and dedication. It also requires money. Some people who are key to post-production include the editor, sound designer, re-recording mixer, colorist, and visual effects artists. Other costs include music licensing, ADR & Foley, DCP formatting, and sound mixing. Beyond covering post-production costs, we're hoping to reach our stretch goal of $25,000 to cover festival submission fees and the long journey on the festival circuit, where you will get to finally see the film!
If you believe in trans storytelling, please join us by supporting this fundraiser. We are almost there!
This project is fiscally sponsored by Level Ground, a cooperative 501(c)3 nonprofit run by Queer, Black, and Brown artists. All donations are tax-deductible, and Level Ground will issue tax-deductible receipts to donors who give $50 or more.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Remaining Production Costs
Costs $7,500
Unexpected additional production costs, including: electrician, painting supplies & labor, location repairs, hard drives, grip truck costs
Sound Repair, Design, and Mix
Costs $6,500
The sound has to be repaired, then creative sound design and professional mixing allows the film to be heard in theaters and in headphones!
VFX Cleanup
Costs $1,000
Some shots require cleanup, for practical effects or continuity issues in shots that were selected primarily for great performance.
Color Correction
Costs $1,500
Every frame has to be adjusted so the shots within a scene all align, so the film is cohesive and unquestionably stunning.
Music Licensing
Costs $500
Every film needs a good soundtrack! We especially need one song that actually is part of the plot in a special scene.
DCP, Website, and Release
Costs $1,000
Required DCP formatting for theater projection, as well as annual website and video hosting costs
ADR & Foley
Costs $2,000
ADR is dialogue that has to be re-recorded after filming, for technical or narrative reasons. Foley is all the sounds you'd never think of!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
NAVA MAU
Writer, Director, Cast Member
Nava Mau is a trans Latina filmmaker, actress, and cultural worker from Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas. Nava wrote, produced, directed, and starred in WAKING HOUR (2019), a short film that screened in festivals around the world and won the NewFest Audience Award. She was a Production Fellow for the Netflix documentary DISCLOSURE (2020), and worked as a producer on the short film WORK (2022). Both premiered at Sundance. She also appears as a series regular in the HBO Max series GENERATION (2021) and the upcoming Netflix limited series BABY REINDEER (2024). Nava has been awarded the YoSoy Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and the Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation Filmmaker Production Grant.
For eight years, Nava worked in the fields of healing justice and culture change with community-based service providers, student organizations, and survivors of violence. She first worked with immigrant survivors as a legal assistant, and then as a peer counselor and advocate for LGBTQ survivors of violence at Community United Against Violence in the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied Linguistics & Cognitive Science at Pomona College.
ELLE B
Producer
Elle B is a writer/director/producer based in LA. She has produced several short and feature films. Upon graduating from NYU Tisch, Elle's film, THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, was part of the Palm Springs International Short Film Market and screened at the 2018 Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner.
Her project PLATINUM DREAM was an official selection of the Austin Music Video Festival. In 2019, she co-wrote and produced her first feature film, ISHEMA, in Rwanda. The film reflects Elle’s commitment to expanding horizons and sharing diverse life experiences through her work. She’s been featured on many platforms from 72andSunny’s artist residency program 72U to being one of the finalists of Deutsche Bank Frieze’s Film Program where she premiered her film, DETHRONED AND DISPLACED, at Paramount Studios.
SOWJ KUDVA
Producer & Editor
Sowjanya Kudva has been working in film and video production for nearly two decades. They write, produce, direct, shoot, and edit for independent filmmakers, corporate clients, and nonprofits. Over the years, they have worked in Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Durham, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, cultivating a robust network of filmmakers, freelancers, artists, activists, production houses, and all around amazing people. In 2014, Sowjanya started mentoring San Francisco youth in filmmaking practice and theory. They decided to pursue teaching and become a professor—completing a 3-year MFA in Film & Media Arts at Temple University in 2019. They now work as Assistant Professor in Cinema & Television Arts within the School of Communication at Elon University.
Sowjanya is non-binary, queer, and first-generation South Asian.
ALEX SCHMIDER
Executive Producer
Alex Schmider is an Emmy®, Peabody, and Critics Choice Award nominated film producer and the Director of Transgender Representation at GLAAD, the nation’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization. In his work, he advises media and entertainment industry leaders on how best to approach LGBTQ and, specifically, transgender characters, storylines, marketing, social impact campaigns, and gender inclusion on digital platforms. His producing credits include CHANGING THE GAME (Hulu 2021), DISCLOSURE (Netflix 2020), FRAMING AGNES (Kino Lorber 2022), STAY ON BOARD: THE LEO BAKER STORY (Netflix 2022) and CHASING CHASING AMY (Tribeca 2023).
Named on them's 2021 Now List, honoring LGBTQ+ visionaries, and among The Hollywood Reporter's preeminent agents of change for entertainment industry DEI, he currently sits on the Advisory Committee for the Ad Council, serves on the Board for the 19th newsroom, and is an active member of the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy.
BAMBY SALCEDO
Executive Producer
Bamby Salcedo is an internationally-recognized transgender Latina woman. Bamby is the President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, a national organization that focuses on addressing the issues of transgender Latin@s in the US. Bamby developed the Center for Violence Prevention and Transgender Wellness, a multipurpose, multiservice space for trans people in Los Angeles. Bamby received her Master’s Degree in Latin@ Studies from California State University Los Angeles.
Bamby’s words and experience often summon both tears and laughter, and her life story has been the subject of two documentary films, TRANSVISIBLE: BAMBY SALCEDO'S STORY (2014) and LA QUEENCIAÑERA (2021). Bamby has been featured and recognized in multiple media outlets such as People en Español, Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, the OUT 100, and featured in the HBO documentary THE TRANS LIST (2016), among many others.
SHANE KING ZACKERY
Executive Producer
Shane King Zackery is a queer, black, non-binary writer, producer, and poet based in Oakland, California. They are also the owner of Yarner Studios, a creative lab dedicated to bringing QTPOC shorts, features, comics, graphic novels, and animated stories to life. Shane loves being on set in any capacity, and has served on numerous projects as a director and photographer. They are most proudly credited as a production assistant for Nava Mau’s WAKING HOUR and Eli Horowitz’ GONE IN THE NIGHT.
AVA BENJAMIN SHORR
Director of Photography
Ava Benjamin Shorr is a Director of Photography raised by a Mormon mother and a Jewish father in Portland, Oregon. Her early passion for cinematography was stoked by skateboarding videos and art-house cinema. Technical prowess, photographic experimentation, and identity are all a fixture of her work. DISCLOSURE premiered at Sundance 2020 and was released by Netflix. EQUAL, a mini-series for HBO Max, was released in 2020 as well. FRAMING AGNES, a film for which Ava was co-DP, premiered at Sundance 2022 where it won the Audience Award: Next and Next Innovator Award.
Ava was included on a list of “Mind Blowing Women Cinematographers” by Emmy Rossum, awarded an ASC Vision Mentorship with Rachel Morrison, ASC (Black Panther, Mudbound), and has a documentary about her transgender identity that premiered on Nowness and is currently making its way through the festival circuit.
LØ ZUBIA CALSADA
Co-Producer
I am an actor and filmmaker born and raised in LA. My story begins with my family. I come from love, from strong women, from multi-generational homes. I come from spicy food and communal kitchens. In 2018, I co-directed and produced a docu-series about a queer chosen family who dance vogue in Mexico City called HOUSE OF MAMIS. The series was later awarded a Special Recognition (Spanish Language) by GLAAD for its pioneering approach to storytelling. In addition to assisting cast and department heads for series like HBO’s INSECURE, KINDRED on FX, and the latest season of A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, for the past five years I have produced short docu-style branded content for companies like P&G, Machines For Freedom, Grindr and besito. I continue championing underrepresented stories in media through short documentaries and narrative short films just like ALL THE WORDS BUT THE ONE.
ANESIA POTTER
Co-Producer
Anesia Potter moved to Los Angeles in 2019 from her hometown Pensacola, FL to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Since her move, she has been committed to advancing her career and making lasting relationships on and off set. She loves film and making ideas come to life. It’s no wonder that she fell in love with production and has been working to help make concepts (no matter how grand) come true. Anesia is currently a freelance marketing and commercial production manager and producer. She’s worked with well known brands such as CBS, Netflix and Peacock on campaigns, red carpet premieres, and virtual events.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
SYNOPSIS
Maya and Santiago haven’t seen each other since their explosive relationship ended years ago, so neither is expecting to be sitting across from each other at a professional dinner with their new partners. Maya teeters through this minefield of delicate power dynamics as she relives some of her most painful and electric memories. Fighting dissociation and embodied trauma, she must stay focused on the dinner's high stakes for her partner, Jio, as both couples contend with their realities. The past and present collide, and Maya faces Santiago at last.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
As a trans Latina with years of experience in anti-violence work, as well as my personal experience as a survivor, I set the ambitious intention to craft a healing narrative in a time when it seems all we face is destruction. With the incredible people who've joined this project, I feel proud that we have done right by this intention. Now it's just a matter of sharing what we've created with all of you.
When I began writing this story more than a year ago, it was a tiny fire that I couldn’t put out. As the feelings turned into words, and the words turned into images, and the images turned into feelings again, I never could have imagined how much this story would mean to so many people besides me. It once felt so small, and now it feels bigger than anything I’ve ever known.
Too often, trans women of color’s relationships with men embody the quintessence of the transphobia, misogyny, and racism we face. And yet, we are brave enough to love, again and again. Sometimes we don’t realize when we still have healing left to do, until a new wound is made where an old one already existed. For Maya and Santiago, their unexpected encounter helps them take stock of how far they’ve come. They are also confronted with all the words left unsaid. It is my hope that in the unsaid, this film can speak to all of us who’ve been hurt by someone who was too close to escape. I hope it creates as much space for healing on screen as it has in my heart.
THE JOURNEY
We have already completed filming thanks to the support of several executive producers and organizations, including the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation, the TransLatin@ Coalition, and Elon University. Forty-five people came together for a production that prioritized learning and collaboration. Every single one of us poured our all into the production design, lighting, cinematography, hair and makeup, costumes, acting, and more. The experience is now a gift that will last forever.
Hiring and empowering queer and trans BIPOC was of paramount importance for this project. A key component of our production was a Trans Production Fellowship, which invited six trans and non-binary to set for five days of mentorship, training, and hands-on experience. An additional seventh fellow has joined us in post-production. Given our majority-trans cast of all Black and brown people, it was vital that the crew comprise primarily of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people as well.
THE FINISH LINE
After production comes post-production, which requires just as much intention and dedication. It also requires money. Some people who are key to post-production include the editor, sound designer, re-recording mixer, colorist, and visual effects artists. Other costs include music licensing, ADR & Foley, DCP formatting, and sound mixing. Beyond covering post-production costs, we're hoping to reach our stretch goal of $25,000 to cover festival submission fees and the long journey on the festival circuit, where you will get to finally see the film!
If you believe in trans storytelling, please join us by supporting this fundraiser. We are almost there!
This project is fiscally sponsored by Level Ground, a cooperative 501(c)3 nonprofit run by Queer, Black, and Brown artists. All donations are tax-deductible, and Level Ground will issue tax-deductible receipts to donors who give $50 or more.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Remaining Production Costs
Costs $7,500
Unexpected additional production costs, including: electrician, painting supplies & labor, location repairs, hard drives, grip truck costs
Sound Repair, Design, and Mix
Costs $6,500
The sound has to be repaired, then creative sound design and professional mixing allows the film to be heard in theaters and in headphones!
VFX Cleanup
Costs $1,000
Some shots require cleanup, for practical effects or continuity issues in shots that were selected primarily for great performance.
Color Correction
Costs $1,500
Every frame has to be adjusted so the shots within a scene all align, so the film is cohesive and unquestionably stunning.
Music Licensing
Costs $500
Every film needs a good soundtrack! We especially need one song that actually is part of the plot in a special scene.
DCP, Website, and Release
Costs $1,000
Required DCP formatting for theater projection, as well as annual website and video hosting costs
ADR & Foley
Costs $2,000
ADR is dialogue that has to be re-recorded after filming, for technical or narrative reasons. Foley is all the sounds you'd never think of!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
NAVA MAU
Writer, Director, Cast Member
Nava Mau is a trans Latina filmmaker, actress, and cultural worker from Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas. Nava wrote, produced, directed, and starred in WAKING HOUR (2019), a short film that screened in festivals around the world and won the NewFest Audience Award. She was a Production Fellow for the Netflix documentary DISCLOSURE (2020), and worked as a producer on the short film WORK (2022). Both premiered at Sundance. She also appears as a series regular in the HBO Max series GENERATION (2021) and the upcoming Netflix limited series BABY REINDEER (2024). Nava has been awarded the YoSoy Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and the Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation Filmmaker Production Grant.
For eight years, Nava worked in the fields of healing justice and culture change with community-based service providers, student organizations, and survivors of violence. She first worked with immigrant survivors as a legal assistant, and then as a peer counselor and advocate for LGBTQ survivors of violence at Community United Against Violence in the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied Linguistics & Cognitive Science at Pomona College.
ELLE B
Producer
Elle B is a writer/director/producer based in LA. She has produced several short and feature films. Upon graduating from NYU Tisch, Elle's film, THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, was part of the Palm Springs International Short Film Market and screened at the 2018 Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner.
Her project PLATINUM DREAM was an official selection of the Austin Music Video Festival. In 2019, she co-wrote and produced her first feature film, ISHEMA, in Rwanda. The film reflects Elle’s commitment to expanding horizons and sharing diverse life experiences through her work. She’s been featured on many platforms from 72andSunny’s artist residency program 72U to being one of the finalists of Deutsche Bank Frieze’s Film Program where she premiered her film, DETHRONED AND DISPLACED, at Paramount Studios.
SOWJ KUDVA
Producer & Editor
Sowjanya Kudva has been working in film and video production for nearly two decades. They write, produce, direct, shoot, and edit for independent filmmakers, corporate clients, and nonprofits. Over the years, they have worked in Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Durham, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, cultivating a robust network of filmmakers, freelancers, artists, activists, production houses, and all around amazing people. In 2014, Sowjanya started mentoring San Francisco youth in filmmaking practice and theory. They decided to pursue teaching and become a professor—completing a 3-year MFA in Film & Media Arts at Temple University in 2019. They now work as Assistant Professor in Cinema & Television Arts within the School of Communication at Elon University.
Sowjanya is non-binary, queer, and first-generation South Asian.
ALEX SCHMIDER
Executive Producer
Alex Schmider is an Emmy®, Peabody, and Critics Choice Award nominated film producer and the Director of Transgender Representation at GLAAD, the nation’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization. In his work, he advises media and entertainment industry leaders on how best to approach LGBTQ and, specifically, transgender characters, storylines, marketing, social impact campaigns, and gender inclusion on digital platforms. His producing credits include CHANGING THE GAME (Hulu 2021), DISCLOSURE (Netflix 2020), FRAMING AGNES (Kino Lorber 2022), STAY ON BOARD: THE LEO BAKER STORY (Netflix 2022) and CHASING CHASING AMY (Tribeca 2023).
Named on them's 2021 Now List, honoring LGBTQ+ visionaries, and among The Hollywood Reporter's preeminent agents of change for entertainment industry DEI, he currently sits on the Advisory Committee for the Ad Council, serves on the Board for the 19th newsroom, and is an active member of the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy.
BAMBY SALCEDO
Executive Producer
Bamby Salcedo is an internationally-recognized transgender Latina woman. Bamby is the President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, a national organization that focuses on addressing the issues of transgender Latin@s in the US. Bamby developed the Center for Violence Prevention and Transgender Wellness, a multipurpose, multiservice space for trans people in Los Angeles. Bamby received her Master’s Degree in Latin@ Studies from California State University Los Angeles.
Bamby’s words and experience often summon both tears and laughter, and her life story has been the subject of two documentary films, TRANSVISIBLE: BAMBY SALCEDO'S STORY (2014) and LA QUEENCIAÑERA (2021). Bamby has been featured and recognized in multiple media outlets such as People en Español, Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, the OUT 100, and featured in the HBO documentary THE TRANS LIST (2016), among many others.
SHANE KING ZACKERY
Executive Producer
Shane King Zackery is a queer, black, non-binary writer, producer, and poet based in Oakland, California. They are also the owner of Yarner Studios, a creative lab dedicated to bringing QTPOC shorts, features, comics, graphic novels, and animated stories to life. Shane loves being on set in any capacity, and has served on numerous projects as a director and photographer. They are most proudly credited as a production assistant for Nava Mau’s WAKING HOUR and Eli Horowitz’ GONE IN THE NIGHT.
AVA BENJAMIN SHORR
Director of Photography
Ava Benjamin Shorr is a Director of Photography raised by a Mormon mother and a Jewish father in Portland, Oregon. Her early passion for cinematography was stoked by skateboarding videos and art-house cinema. Technical prowess, photographic experimentation, and identity are all a fixture of her work. DISCLOSURE premiered at Sundance 2020 and was released by Netflix. EQUAL, a mini-series for HBO Max, was released in 2020 as well. FRAMING AGNES, a film for which Ava was co-DP, premiered at Sundance 2022 where it won the Audience Award: Next and Next Innovator Award.
Ava was included on a list of “Mind Blowing Women Cinematographers” by Emmy Rossum, awarded an ASC Vision Mentorship with Rachel Morrison, ASC (Black Panther, Mudbound), and has a documentary about her transgender identity that premiered on Nowness and is currently making its way through the festival circuit.
LØ ZUBIA CALSADA
Co-Producer
I am an actor and filmmaker born and raised in LA. My story begins with my family. I come from love, from strong women, from multi-generational homes. I come from spicy food and communal kitchens. In 2018, I co-directed and produced a docu-series about a queer chosen family who dance vogue in Mexico City called HOUSE OF MAMIS. The series was later awarded a Special Recognition (Spanish Language) by GLAAD for its pioneering approach to storytelling. In addition to assisting cast and department heads for series like HBO’s INSECURE, KINDRED on FX, and the latest season of A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, for the past five years I have produced short docu-style branded content for companies like P&G, Machines For Freedom, Grindr and besito. I continue championing underrepresented stories in media through short documentaries and narrative short films just like ALL THE WORDS BUT THE ONE.
ANESIA POTTER
Co-Producer
Anesia Potter moved to Los Angeles in 2019 from her hometown Pensacola, FL to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Since her move, she has been committed to advancing her career and making lasting relationships on and off set. She loves film and making ideas come to life. It’s no wonder that she fell in love with production and has been working to help make concepts (no matter how grand) come true. Anesia is currently a freelance marketing and commercial production manager and producer. She’s worked with well known brands such as CBS, Netflix and Peacock on campaigns, red carpet premieres, and virtual events.