Anokhi
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
Enough is enough! Even though our short film is about one woman’s journey, domestic abuse is a disheartening reality for many women. To be able to tell Anokhi’s story of reaching out for help, we are seeking your help in making this film a beacon for change.
Anokhi
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,794 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
92 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Enough is enough! Even though our short film is about one woman’s journey, domestic abuse is a disheartening reality for many women. To be able to tell Anokhi’s story of reaching out for help, we are seeking your help in making this film a beacon for change.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Anokhi is a narrative drama centered around a core social issue often brushed under the carpet in South Asian communities. Our short film speaks to many aspects of domestic abuse - the trauma it afflicts, the silence of the victims, the external pressures that hold them hostage and finally, the courage it takes for them to seek help.
Domestic abuse is not just hidden, it is normalized in patriarchal cultures and justified by communities who excuse the behavior and disapprove of women standing up for themselves. We believe it is time to speak up, end this cycle of silent suffering and empower the next generation of young women to believe that they deserve better.
Anokhi was inspired by the friends in our lives that are struggling to speak out and break free from a situation that binds them. This story brings to light the unspoken realities of domestic abuse, and invites us to take action, offer support, and seek help if we are the ones in need. Furthermore, it not only reveals the deep loneliness that may come with the life of immigrants, but also the way that children may absorb and reflect our behavior. Anokhi engages us to to take action, not only for ourselves, but also for the next generation.
---
Anokhi, a young Indian immigrant, works at a bookstore. On a seemingly normal day, a customer puts up a flier on the store bulletin board about domestic abuse which immediately catches her attention.
Later that day, Anokhi’s daughter, Anahita, goes to a friend’s place for a sleepover. When Anokhi is alone for the day, she removes her makeup, revealing the extent of her injuries from domestic abuse, and facing the daily realities of her life. When she gets a video call from her best friend, Anokhi refuses to show her face on the call and the two talk about Anokhi’s work limitations as an immigrant which results in her dependency on her husband.
The call ends abruptly with the arrival of her drunk husband who is immediately overcome by rage when he learns of Anahita’s sleepover and tries to grab at Anokhi as she recoils in fear. Before he can do further damage, he passes out on the floor. Anokhi recalls the flier about domestic abuse from the store but before she can reach out for help, she thinks of Anahita and holds back.
The next morning, Anahita returns unusually quiet. After some prodding from Anokhi, Anahita reveals that she was hit by an older girl. When Anokhi asks why Anahita didn’t say anything earlier, her daughter simply responds - “When Dadda hits you, you never tell!”. In that moment, Anokhi realizes the full impact of her silence, the example she is setting for her daughter and the life she is denying them both. Anokhi finally summons the courage to reach out for help.
---
The color palette reflects the duality in the film’s themes - the tension of trauma set against the reflections of hope! Using intentional and tight composition, we will be immersing the audience into Anokhi’s feelings of entrapment and suffocation. The production design in the house would also play into the theme of duality, and give a glimpse into the two sides of an immigrant’s life - one that aims to honor and take pride in one’s own culture and the other that tries to fit into their new world.
“I witnessed close friends of mine go through abuse in their marriage and I wish I had known at the time how to offer them support and help. Directing and making this short film is my small way of creating more awareness around this subject in the hope of inspiring a change so that less people endure abuse or suffer in silence, something I wish I could have told my friends at the time. If this film inspires one individual to reach out for help or enables someone to recognise their friend needs help, I will consider it a job well done. The short film is also reflective of the journeys of countless immigrants that make their home in the U.S. - complex, layered, filled with struggle, but ultimately rewarding. As an immigrant myself, I understand first-hand the limitations we face here and how that drives many of our decisions, both personal and professional.
Anokhi is a largely visual short where less is said, but more is felt. This film aims to visually represent the duality that is any immigrant’s life. The short film will provide a deeply personal glimpse into the private life and turmoils of one individual behind closed doors. Through the visuals and framing, I want to enable our audience to feel what Anokhi feels - the tension and trauma she goes through daily that eventually gives way to a sense of hope when she takes that first step towards making a change.”
- Rohini Jadhav
In fall 2022, Rohini (writer/director) was selected to the Rickshaw Film Foundation’s Writers Room, where she wrote her first short film - Anokhi. The 14 page drama short script has earned many accolades including placements as a quarterfinalist and semifinalist in major screenplay competitions such The Script Lab, Outstanding Screenplays, ScreenCraft Short Film and Scriptation Showcase. The script also featured on Coverfly’s The Red List.
We aim to partner with organizations both on a national and local level to develop initiatives and reach real world communities in order to raise awareness, provide resources as well as support those struggling in similar situations. We plan to collaborate with these organizations to schedule Impact Screenings in cities with a significant South Asian population as well as prepare a Discussion & Action Guide in order to start a conversation on the subject of domestic abuse.
Our wellness partners include mental health organizations and yoga studios like Room, The Mindcare Space and The Tree Yoga Cooperative.
Room, The Mindcare Space is a mental health organisation working towards making mental health care accessible and affordable to the mass. A team of psychotherapists who individually and as a group aim to incorporate extensive training, supervision, and research to better benefit the clients in their mental health and educational journey. Room has two goals: 1) Giving mental health care where finances aren't a barrier to seeking help that they need and 2) To make a mental-health-friendly community.
Contribute a minimum of $350 to our campaign and #sponsoratherapy! The donated amount from our contributors goes toward providing therapy for individuals who are not able to afford it, but are in need of mental health care services.
The Tree Yoga Cooperative is a South Los-Angeles based studio whose core values are Sustainability, Social Justice, and Mindfulness. The Tree is "a hub of holistic wellness and community support. [They] believe that true education is the exploration and expression of the intelligence that resides inside everyone. [Their] focus is to educate and empower through the transformative practice of Yoga as an accessible, effective tool that allows for living in Liberation."
We've partnered with The Tree Yoga Cooperative to offer a free class in Los Angeles for anyone that pledges a minimum of $225. This free class can be claimed by the contributor, or gifted to another in need of support.
In addition to partnership with these two organizations, we are hoping to expand and collaborate with many more diverse organizations that believe in our cause and would like to reach the communities that inspired this film. Our Impact Campaign is being developed as we speak, and we are keen to make a tangible real-world impact, beyond the silver screen! If you are one such organization, or if you are in contact with organizations that may be interested in our film, please reach out and connect with us!
Currently our goal for this campaign stands at $12,500 which would allow us to pay our cast and crew, secure locations, rent equipment and provide meals to everyone on set. This is the base minimum; however, this does NOT include key facets of our budget that would give us the chance to bring our full creative vision to life. If we succeed in securing 100% of this amount, we would like to stretch our goal by $2,500 to a total of $15,000.
The truth of filmmaking is that it takes a whole village, and any additional funds we receive will really elevate the quality of experience working on set as well as the final product! The additional funds will be used to pay for production design, wardrobe, hair, makeup, and fulfill all contingent overhead costs, which will increase the overall production value of our film.
HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE AN IMPACT:
FOLLOW THIS PAGE
Even just by following this page, your help our campaign receive more traction on Seed & Spark!
PLEDGE FINANCIALLY TO THE CAMPAIGN
If it is in your means, financial support will go a long way in bringing this story to life.
SPREAD THE WORD
Share this campaign page with your friends, family, and loved ones!
*All images used in the video and the campaign page are reference images taken from films that inspired us or created using midjourney. These images are not representative of the short film, Anokhi*
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $1,200
This will go towards paying our three lead cast members.
Crew
Costs $5,450
This will go towards paying our fourteen crew members.
Locations
Costs $2,000
This will go into securing the two filming locations: 1) Anokhi’s House and 2) The Bookstore where she works.
Equipment Rental
Costs $3,250
This will go towards renting camera, lighting, grip and sound equipment.
Cast and Crew Meals
Costs $600
This will go towards providing hot meals at lunchtime to our cast and crew as they work 12 hour days on set
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer-Director Rohini Jadhav
Rohini is a filmmaker with a professional background in architecture. After 2 years as an architect with a renowned Indian design firm, she transitioned into production design for film and TV and has over 5 years of art department experience, both in India and the US. She holds an architecture degree from India, and an M.A. in Fiction and Entertainment (a worldbuilding program) from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles. In the US, Rohini has collaborated with notable production designers and art directors like Oscar-nominated Guy Hendrix Dyas, David Lazan and Inbal Weinberg. In India, she worked on major feature films such as Bheed and Dear Father, now on Netflix and Amazon Prime respectively. Her art department work has been covered in the media and most recently, she was invited to speak about her production design career on The New Wave x South Asian Edition’s inaugural panel. In early 2022, Rohini decided to add screenwriting and directing to her filmmaking repertoire and began pursuing a screenwriting certificate with UCLA. Currently, Rohini is writing a full length feature script adapted from a classic novel with a twist as well as an original TV pilot centered around four women turned unlikely powerhouses set in small-town India. She intends to make her directorial debut with her short film, Anokhi, in 2024.
Producer Raghav Ravi
With a diverse professional background in Marketing, Cinematography, Direction, and Production, Raghav loves exploring the joy in creation, and brings in empathy and a balanced worldview that carries over into everything he does. Throughout his professional journey, he has doubled as a Cinematographer and Producer, leading the development of various projects from high-impact crowdfunding initiatives through dynamic production and post-production timelines. Rooted in the Indian-American diaspora, he brings a diverse perspective as a Producer on Anokhi, Raghav is confident in the team’s collaborative abilities to tell a compelling and visceral story that will leave a lasting impact in real world communities of domestic abuse.
Producer Radhika Bansal
Radhika is an Indian producer based in Los Angeles. While her main focus lies in line producing, she is equally passionate about and involved in creative producing. She aims to continue building on her experience in both aspects of filmmaking through her future projects as they go from script to screen. As a Producer on Anokhi, Radhika hopes to raise awareness about domestic violence and thinks that the film’s message of setting the right example for your children and breaking this cycle of silence is extremely important in a day and age where many women continue to suffer in similar situations.
Talent (Anokhi) Vyjayanthi Vaderu
Vyjayanthi Neha Vadrevu is an actress, applied anthropologist, dancer, and screenwriter. She studied acting and screenwriting at School of Visual Arts, UCB, and People’s Improv Theater in New York, and Writing Pad, The Berg Studios, and Westside Comedy Theater Improv in Los Angeles. Vyjayanthi's acting repertoire includes feature films, such as Bollywood film Shiv Shastri Balboa, numerous short films, and commercials, including two Superbowl commercials. Her foundation for all arts and social sciences began with her training in Indian classical dance since her childhood. Vyjayanthi utilizes movement and prose to reconcile her experiences as a "third culture kid" as a Telugu-American, and connect with the deepest parts of humanity.
Talent (Karan) Jacob Athyal
Jacob Athyal is an Indian American, award winning actor living in Los Angeles. He is so excited to be on the Anokhi team. He cannot wait for this powerful story of survival and strength to be on the big screen. Jacob has led multiple Features and was the winner of the 2018 Elliot Norton award for Best Lead Actor for his work on Guards at the Taj. He can currently be seen in Tales of Shakespeare on Amazon and next in the feature films Lotus, Spread and Boyfriends.
Cinematographer Dawit Adera
Dawit Adera is an accomplished cinematographer hailing from Ethiopia, where his passion for storytelling took root in his formative years. Embarking on his creative journey in early adulthood, Dawit delved into the realms of documentary and narrative filmmaking, crafting works that have garnered acclaim at prestigious film festivals, with a notable achievement as a finalist at the revered cinematographer festival, Cameraimage. Currently based in the vibrant cinematic hub of Los Angeles, Dawit is a graduate of the American Film Institute, holding a Master of Fine Arts degree in cinematography. Renowned for his commitment to producing impactful films that culminate in thought-provoking conclusions, Dawit Adera exemplifies a profound dedication to his craft and a keen eye for visual storytelling.
Production Designer Minolae Jain
Minolae Jain is a production designer based out of Los Angeles, she is originally from India, a science student with a flair for arts and management. She moved to America in 2018 to pursue her MFA in Production Design from American Film Institute. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Interior Design from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore. She is an innately curious being with a keen eye for detail and design. Minolae started her career as an Art Department Assistant on McMillions and Home Economics and now is a union member of the Art Directors Guild, as an Assistant Art Director. She has been a part of multiple award-winning short films and features and recently worked as a set designer at Mattel.
Social Impact Advisor Kayla Kaipolani
Kayla Kaipolani Carroll is a creative professional who believes in storytelling and progressive change. Her experience ranges from strategizing new ways to create progressive impact through media, fostering partnerships within the entertainment and social impact space, to business operations, marketing, brand curation, graphic design, event production, and set/interior styling. In her work around social issues, she most often focuses on racial and environmental justice, indigenous rights and sovereignty, LGBTQIA visibility, accessible healthcare, and advocacy for birthing bodies. In her work as an impact storytelling professional, Kayla previously spent 6 years at award-winning impact agency Picture Motion working with clients such as National Geographic, Disney, Patagonia, as well as independent filmmakers. She is a member of NY Women in Television and received her BA in Film & TV from NYU’s Tisch where she focused in Documentary and minored in Social Work. She has directed and produced my own short documentaries including, YISSY: A Woman’s Beat in Cuban Music, and has also acted as an art director and production designer on a variety of short film sets and music videos.
When she's not working, she's parenting a three-year-old, baking, or reading novels next to my crooked adopted cat and surrounded by legos and playdoh.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Anokhi is a narrative drama centered around a core social issue often brushed under the carpet in South Asian communities. Our short film speaks to many aspects of domestic abuse - the trauma it afflicts, the silence of the victims, the external pressures that hold them hostage and finally, the courage it takes for them to seek help.
Domestic abuse is not just hidden, it is normalized in patriarchal cultures and justified by communities who excuse the behavior and disapprove of women standing up for themselves. We believe it is time to speak up, end this cycle of silent suffering and empower the next generation of young women to believe that they deserve better.
Anokhi was inspired by the friends in our lives that are struggling to speak out and break free from a situation that binds them. This story brings to light the unspoken realities of domestic abuse, and invites us to take action, offer support, and seek help if we are the ones in need. Furthermore, it not only reveals the deep loneliness that may come with the life of immigrants, but also the way that children may absorb and reflect our behavior. Anokhi engages us to to take action, not only for ourselves, but also for the next generation.
---
Anokhi, a young Indian immigrant, works at a bookstore. On a seemingly normal day, a customer puts up a flier on the store bulletin board about domestic abuse which immediately catches her attention.
Later that day, Anokhi’s daughter, Anahita, goes to a friend’s place for a sleepover. When Anokhi is alone for the day, she removes her makeup, revealing the extent of her injuries from domestic abuse, and facing the daily realities of her life. When she gets a video call from her best friend, Anokhi refuses to show her face on the call and the two talk about Anokhi’s work limitations as an immigrant which results in her dependency on her husband.
The call ends abruptly with the arrival of her drunk husband who is immediately overcome by rage when he learns of Anahita’s sleepover and tries to grab at Anokhi as she recoils in fear. Before he can do further damage, he passes out on the floor. Anokhi recalls the flier about domestic abuse from the store but before she can reach out for help, she thinks of Anahita and holds back.
The next morning, Anahita returns unusually quiet. After some prodding from Anokhi, Anahita reveals that she was hit by an older girl. When Anokhi asks why Anahita didn’t say anything earlier, her daughter simply responds - “When Dadda hits you, you never tell!”. In that moment, Anokhi realizes the full impact of her silence, the example she is setting for her daughter and the life she is denying them both. Anokhi finally summons the courage to reach out for help.
---
The color palette reflects the duality in the film’s themes - the tension of trauma set against the reflections of hope! Using intentional and tight composition, we will be immersing the audience into Anokhi’s feelings of entrapment and suffocation. The production design in the house would also play into the theme of duality, and give a glimpse into the two sides of an immigrant’s life - one that aims to honor and take pride in one’s own culture and the other that tries to fit into their new world.
“I witnessed close friends of mine go through abuse in their marriage and I wish I had known at the time how to offer them support and help. Directing and making this short film is my small way of creating more awareness around this subject in the hope of inspiring a change so that less people endure abuse or suffer in silence, something I wish I could have told my friends at the time. If this film inspires one individual to reach out for help or enables someone to recognise their friend needs help, I will consider it a job well done. The short film is also reflective of the journeys of countless immigrants that make their home in the U.S. - complex, layered, filled with struggle, but ultimately rewarding. As an immigrant myself, I understand first-hand the limitations we face here and how that drives many of our decisions, both personal and professional.
Anokhi is a largely visual short where less is said, but more is felt. This film aims to visually represent the duality that is any immigrant’s life. The short film will provide a deeply personal glimpse into the private life and turmoils of one individual behind closed doors. Through the visuals and framing, I want to enable our audience to feel what Anokhi feels - the tension and trauma she goes through daily that eventually gives way to a sense of hope when she takes that first step towards making a change.”
- Rohini Jadhav
In fall 2022, Rohini (writer/director) was selected to the Rickshaw Film Foundation’s Writers Room, where she wrote her first short film - Anokhi. The 14 page drama short script has earned many accolades including placements as a quarterfinalist and semifinalist in major screenplay competitions such The Script Lab, Outstanding Screenplays, ScreenCraft Short Film and Scriptation Showcase. The script also featured on Coverfly’s The Red List.
We aim to partner with organizations both on a national and local level to develop initiatives and reach real world communities in order to raise awareness, provide resources as well as support those struggling in similar situations. We plan to collaborate with these organizations to schedule Impact Screenings in cities with a significant South Asian population as well as prepare a Discussion & Action Guide in order to start a conversation on the subject of domestic abuse.
Our wellness partners include mental health organizations and yoga studios like Room, The Mindcare Space and The Tree Yoga Cooperative.
Room, The Mindcare Space is a mental health organisation working towards making mental health care accessible and affordable to the mass. A team of psychotherapists who individually and as a group aim to incorporate extensive training, supervision, and research to better benefit the clients in their mental health and educational journey. Room has two goals: 1) Giving mental health care where finances aren't a barrier to seeking help that they need and 2) To make a mental-health-friendly community.
Contribute a minimum of $350 to our campaign and #sponsoratherapy! The donated amount from our contributors goes toward providing therapy for individuals who are not able to afford it, but are in need of mental health care services.
The Tree Yoga Cooperative is a South Los-Angeles based studio whose core values are Sustainability, Social Justice, and Mindfulness. The Tree is "a hub of holistic wellness and community support. [They] believe that true education is the exploration and expression of the intelligence that resides inside everyone. [Their] focus is to educate and empower through the transformative practice of Yoga as an accessible, effective tool that allows for living in Liberation."
We've partnered with The Tree Yoga Cooperative to offer a free class in Los Angeles for anyone that pledges a minimum of $225. This free class can be claimed by the contributor, or gifted to another in need of support.
In addition to partnership with these two organizations, we are hoping to expand and collaborate with many more diverse organizations that believe in our cause and would like to reach the communities that inspired this film. Our Impact Campaign is being developed as we speak, and we are keen to make a tangible real-world impact, beyond the silver screen! If you are one such organization, or if you are in contact with organizations that may be interested in our film, please reach out and connect with us!
Currently our goal for this campaign stands at $12,500 which would allow us to pay our cast and crew, secure locations, rent equipment and provide meals to everyone on set. This is the base minimum; however, this does NOT include key facets of our budget that would give us the chance to bring our full creative vision to life. If we succeed in securing 100% of this amount, we would like to stretch our goal by $2,500 to a total of $15,000.
The truth of filmmaking is that it takes a whole village, and any additional funds we receive will really elevate the quality of experience working on set as well as the final product! The additional funds will be used to pay for production design, wardrobe, hair, makeup, and fulfill all contingent overhead costs, which will increase the overall production value of our film.
HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE AN IMPACT:
FOLLOW THIS PAGE
Even just by following this page, your help our campaign receive more traction on Seed & Spark!
PLEDGE FINANCIALLY TO THE CAMPAIGN
If it is in your means, financial support will go a long way in bringing this story to life.
SPREAD THE WORD
Share this campaign page with your friends, family, and loved ones!
*All images used in the video and the campaign page are reference images taken from films that inspired us or created using midjourney. These images are not representative of the short film, Anokhi*
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $1,200
This will go towards paying our three lead cast members.
Crew
Costs $5,450
This will go towards paying our fourteen crew members.
Locations
Costs $2,000
This will go into securing the two filming locations: 1) Anokhi’s House and 2) The Bookstore where she works.
Equipment Rental
Costs $3,250
This will go towards renting camera, lighting, grip and sound equipment.
Cast and Crew Meals
Costs $600
This will go towards providing hot meals at lunchtime to our cast and crew as they work 12 hour days on set
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer-Director Rohini Jadhav
Rohini is a filmmaker with a professional background in architecture. After 2 years as an architect with a renowned Indian design firm, she transitioned into production design for film and TV and has over 5 years of art department experience, both in India and the US. She holds an architecture degree from India, and an M.A. in Fiction and Entertainment (a worldbuilding program) from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles. In the US, Rohini has collaborated with notable production designers and art directors like Oscar-nominated Guy Hendrix Dyas, David Lazan and Inbal Weinberg. In India, she worked on major feature films such as Bheed and Dear Father, now on Netflix and Amazon Prime respectively. Her art department work has been covered in the media and most recently, she was invited to speak about her production design career on The New Wave x South Asian Edition’s inaugural panel. In early 2022, Rohini decided to add screenwriting and directing to her filmmaking repertoire and began pursuing a screenwriting certificate with UCLA. Currently, Rohini is writing a full length feature script adapted from a classic novel with a twist as well as an original TV pilot centered around four women turned unlikely powerhouses set in small-town India. She intends to make her directorial debut with her short film, Anokhi, in 2024.
Producer Raghav Ravi
With a diverse professional background in Marketing, Cinematography, Direction, and Production, Raghav loves exploring the joy in creation, and brings in empathy and a balanced worldview that carries over into everything he does. Throughout his professional journey, he has doubled as a Cinematographer and Producer, leading the development of various projects from high-impact crowdfunding initiatives through dynamic production and post-production timelines. Rooted in the Indian-American diaspora, he brings a diverse perspective as a Producer on Anokhi, Raghav is confident in the team’s collaborative abilities to tell a compelling and visceral story that will leave a lasting impact in real world communities of domestic abuse.
Producer Radhika Bansal
Radhika is an Indian producer based in Los Angeles. While her main focus lies in line producing, she is equally passionate about and involved in creative producing. She aims to continue building on her experience in both aspects of filmmaking through her future projects as they go from script to screen. As a Producer on Anokhi, Radhika hopes to raise awareness about domestic violence and thinks that the film’s message of setting the right example for your children and breaking this cycle of silence is extremely important in a day and age where many women continue to suffer in similar situations.
Talent (Anokhi) Vyjayanthi Vaderu
Vyjayanthi Neha Vadrevu is an actress, applied anthropologist, dancer, and screenwriter. She studied acting and screenwriting at School of Visual Arts, UCB, and People’s Improv Theater in New York, and Writing Pad, The Berg Studios, and Westside Comedy Theater Improv in Los Angeles. Vyjayanthi's acting repertoire includes feature films, such as Bollywood film Shiv Shastri Balboa, numerous short films, and commercials, including two Superbowl commercials. Her foundation for all arts and social sciences began with her training in Indian classical dance since her childhood. Vyjayanthi utilizes movement and prose to reconcile her experiences as a "third culture kid" as a Telugu-American, and connect with the deepest parts of humanity.
Talent (Karan) Jacob Athyal
Jacob Athyal is an Indian American, award winning actor living in Los Angeles. He is so excited to be on the Anokhi team. He cannot wait for this powerful story of survival and strength to be on the big screen. Jacob has led multiple Features and was the winner of the 2018 Elliot Norton award for Best Lead Actor for his work on Guards at the Taj. He can currently be seen in Tales of Shakespeare on Amazon and next in the feature films Lotus, Spread and Boyfriends.
Cinematographer Dawit Adera
Dawit Adera is an accomplished cinematographer hailing from Ethiopia, where his passion for storytelling took root in his formative years. Embarking on his creative journey in early adulthood, Dawit delved into the realms of documentary and narrative filmmaking, crafting works that have garnered acclaim at prestigious film festivals, with a notable achievement as a finalist at the revered cinematographer festival, Cameraimage. Currently based in the vibrant cinematic hub of Los Angeles, Dawit is a graduate of the American Film Institute, holding a Master of Fine Arts degree in cinematography. Renowned for his commitment to producing impactful films that culminate in thought-provoking conclusions, Dawit Adera exemplifies a profound dedication to his craft and a keen eye for visual storytelling.
Production Designer Minolae Jain
Minolae Jain is a production designer based out of Los Angeles, she is originally from India, a science student with a flair for arts and management. She moved to America in 2018 to pursue her MFA in Production Design from American Film Institute. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Interior Design from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore. She is an innately curious being with a keen eye for detail and design. Minolae started her career as an Art Department Assistant on McMillions and Home Economics and now is a union member of the Art Directors Guild, as an Assistant Art Director. She has been a part of multiple award-winning short films and features and recently worked as a set designer at Mattel.
Social Impact Advisor Kayla Kaipolani
Kayla Kaipolani Carroll is a creative professional who believes in storytelling and progressive change. Her experience ranges from strategizing new ways to create progressive impact through media, fostering partnerships within the entertainment and social impact space, to business operations, marketing, brand curation, graphic design, event production, and set/interior styling. In her work around social issues, she most often focuses on racial and environmental justice, indigenous rights and sovereignty, LGBTQIA visibility, accessible healthcare, and advocacy for birthing bodies. In her work as an impact storytelling professional, Kayla previously spent 6 years at award-winning impact agency Picture Motion working with clients such as National Geographic, Disney, Patagonia, as well as independent filmmakers. She is a member of NY Women in Television and received her BA in Film & TV from NYU’s Tisch where she focused in Documentary and minored in Social Work. She has directed and produced my own short documentaries including, YISSY: A Woman’s Beat in Cuban Music, and has also acted as an art director and production designer on a variety of short film sets and music videos.
When she's not working, she's parenting a three-year-old, baking, or reading novels next to my crooked adopted cat and surrounded by legos and playdoh.