The newest work by Marie Jamora, A SONG FOR MYSELF is a bittersweet short film about a Filipina cover band singer struggling to create her own music while battling the heartache of immigration in the early 1990s. Created as part of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women.
The newest work by Marie Jamora, A SONG FOR MYSELF is a bittersweet short film about a Filipina cover band singer struggling to create her own music while battling the heartache of immigration in the early 1990s. Created as part of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women.
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Story
Mission Statement
Our goal is to bring Filipino stories to mainstream media. We will showcase Filipino and Fil-Am talent, in front of and behind the camera. We are proud to be a part of AFI's DWW, which is committed to increasing the number of female directors working in Hollywood. Your support will greatly help!About The Project
Thank you so much to everyone who got us to 100%!! We're so grateful for your contributions to our film.
A SONG FOR MYSELF is a short film set in Las Vegas, 1995 and tells the story of a Filipina cover-band singer pursuing her dreams at the expense of family. Maya is an overseas worker singing in a Filipino cover band at a Las Vegas hotel lounge, wrestling between becoming a pop-culture photocopy for an unlistening audience and creating her own original music.
I was born in Manila and immigrated to Los Angeles five years ago to pursue my dreams, but I had to leave the life I built back home.
But my experience is not unique. In fact, the biggest export of the Philippines is its PEOPLE. The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) living abroad make up 11% of the total Philippine population worldwide. These laborers earn money working in foreign countries to send back to their families, and in many cases, cannot return home for years at a time.
Several films have been made about the OFW experience and most people know about the nurses and domestic workers, but a lesser-known labor force is our ENTERTAINERS--the musicians and singers you see in cruise ships, theme parks, and pretty much any hotel lounge around the world. Theirs is what inspired the story of A Song For Myself.
This film is a celebration of the OFWs and an acknowledgment of their sacrifice in the pursuit of dreams.
While the characters are immigrants, this is not just an immigrant story. It is that of a fledgling band and the search for one’s voice, as well as finding connection in a foreign land. It is about the pains of loneliness that serve as a crucible for creativity and self-expression.
As a musician and immigrant myself, I feel a strong connection to this material. This film is for the singers, songwriters, musicians, and artists living abroad in search of their voice and fighting to be heard.
The American Film Insititute's Directing Workshop for Women (DWW) is a prestigious 40-year old program committed to educating and mentoring female filmmakers to increase the number of women working professionally as directors and showrunners in film and television.
DWW has alumni such as Maya Angelou, Ellen Burstyn, Cicely Tyson, Tricia Brock (The Deuce, The Walking Dead, Mozart in the Jungle), Hanelle M. Culpepper (Star Trek: Discovery, The Flash, Empire), Jennifer Getzinger (How To Get Away With Murder, Outlander, Jessica Jones), and Lesli Linka Glatter (Mad Men, The West Wing, Homeland).
Many of the films made through this program go on to premiere at world-class film festivals, and several projects in recent years have been greenlit and financed by major studios as feature-length productions or television series, such as Pippa Bianco’s (Class of 2015) Cannes award-winning DWW short Share, which became a full-length feature film that premiered at Sundance 2019, winning the Special Jury Award for Acting and Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. Sarah Gertrude Shapiro (Class of 2013)’s SXSW-winning DWW short film Sequin Raze ended up becoming the Emmy award-nominated drama TV series, unREAL. Four participants from the Class of 2018 have already gone to direct episodes of television: Milena Govich (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire), Tiffany Johnson (Boomerang, Dear White People), Nancy Meija (Vida) and Gandja Montiero (Vida). DWW alumna Dime Davis was recently tapped to helm the pilot of Lena Waithe and Halle Berry’s BET series Boomerang.
Marie Jamora’s first feature, What Isn't There, premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival and her latest film, Flip the Record, won the Grand Jury Awards for Best Narrative Short at Urbanworld and the St. Louis International Film Festival. Currently an executive producer and director of Family Style, an Asian food series with Warner Bros./Stage 13, Jamora was named one of “Five Visionary Asian-American Female Filmmakers” in Kore Magazine's 'New Hollywood' issue.
She began her career directing music videos during the golden age of the Philippine rock scene. Jamora's stories often explore the rhythms of youth through music. She recently immigrated to the U.S. and is now based in Los Angeles.
Jamora is the first Filipina director to be accepted to the prestigious AFI Directing Workshop for Women, a 40-year old program that catapults directors to the next level of their careers and only accepts 8 women per year.
To bring this story to life, I have to raise all the funding for this short film. Here is where your money will go...
ANY AMOUNT helps and please SHARE this campaign, especially with anyone you know who has an OFW in your family.
And don't forget, your donation may be
The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization which means your donation is tax-deductible under the fullest extent of the law. (Contact your tax accountant for more information on tax-deductibility.)
Maraming salamat!
Incentives
$10
FAN
- Social media shoutout
- Hug next time we see you
$25
GROUPIE
- Social media shoutout
- Signed digital A Song for Myself poster
- Private screener link of Marie's award-winning short, Flip the Record
$50
BOUNCER
- Social media shoutout
- Signed digital A Song for Myself poster
- Private screener link of Marie's award-winning short, Flip the Record
- Advanced Private Screener of A Song for Myself
$65
U.B.E. Buko Elixir
U.B.E. Buko Elixir is sponsored by Giselle Tongi Walters and her husband, and this barman's mix is a special mix of all our Filipino Favorites. Get this along with everything a ROADIE gets!
Claimed: 4 of 9
$75
ROADIE
- Social media shoutout
- Signed digital A Song for Myself poster
- Private screener link of Marie's award-winning short, Flip the Record
- Advanced Private Screener of A Song for Myself
- MINI-PLAYLIST from the team (you provide -- genre / keyword / favorite scene -- and we will base your song list on that)
$100
SOLD OUT!! GRANDSTAND SEATING (Sponsored by Créme Caramel LA)
- The 20 donors to claim this reward will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Creme Caramel Bakery who specialize in Filipino baked treats like "Ube (Purple Yam) Creme Caramel" and "Buko (Coconut) Pandan Upside Down Pie"*! YUM!!!
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
*Los Angeles local pick up only
Sold Out!
$100
Herbalaria Oil
Herbalaria is an ancestral roots movement in connecting community to indigenous traditions through the art of Filipino plant medicine. We proudly support and source from Philippine local farms and businesses, and work closely with Filipino non-profit organizations in Los Angeles. The founder of Herbalaria, Lyn Pacificar, descends from a lineage of traditional Filipino healers.
The first 5 donors will receive 1 x 2oz. bottle of ULO OIL, with a $50 value! And everything a ROADIE gets!
Claimed: 4 of 5
$150
GENERAL ADMISSION (Sponsored by Genever Bar LA)
- The first 10 donors to claim this reward will receive two (2) FREE DRINKS at Genever Bar in LA, a value up to $30! This women-owned & operated lounge located in Historic Filipinotown is home to a variety of fresh libations with emphasis on local produce made by some of LA's greatest mixologists!
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
*Los Angeles local pick up only
*Must be 21 years or older to redeem
Claimed: 3 of 10
$175
OPENING BAND (LEGO Rockstar!)
- The first 20 donors to claim this reward will have their very own LEGO rockstar avatar!! (Send us a photo of yourself to be transmogrified into a LEGO rockstar, and we'll send your bricky avatar by mail)
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
Claimed: 7 of 20
$200
SOLD OUT!! BOX SEATS (Sponsored by The Manila Collectible Co.)
- The first 9 donors to claim this reward will get one set of beautiful GINILING BRACELETS by the Basilio family, one of the last brass casters in Ifugao. These handmade tribal bangles are cast from recycled bullet casings.
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
Sold Out!
$200
Bayani Art
The goal of Bayani Art is to strengthen the unity within our community by telling the rich history of our Motherland. We are independently owned, born in Tondo Manila, Philippines and raised in Oakland, California. Humbled by the strong values that were taught by our elders, we remain conscious to our responsibility to carry on our culture.
The first 8 donors will get a $50 Gift Card, and everything a ROADIE gets!
Claimed: 2 of 8
$250
FRONT ROW (What Isn't There [Ang Nawawala] DVD)
The first 10 donors to claim this reward will receive one of the last remaining copies of Marie's feature film, What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala)!
This two-disc, limited run DVD, includes over 4 hours of special features and deleted scenes, plus multiple commentary tracks from the cast and crew.
- What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) DVD. First 10 only!
- PERSONALIZED Spotify MIXTAPE - Setlist for your life’s greatest hits
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
Claimed: 5 of 10
$500
BACKSTAGE PASS
- Spend a day onset, and, if you want, be an EXTRA! Dress up '90s-style and see some movie magic.
- Marie will read your script and give notes.
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
*Must provide own travel, lodging, and transportation to set in Los Angeles and be available for the duration of the shoot. Exact dates to be determined.
$1,000
ALL ACCESS PASS
- The first 2 donors to claim this reward will get a signed copy of Marie's last stash of the SOLD OUT What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) Vinyl.
- Demo of A Song For Myself original song with a special message from the director
- Exclusive BTS photos
- Plus, get everything from Backstage Pass!
Claimed: 1 of 2
$1,000
Pamana Kali
At Pamana, we practice a martial art that is as beautiful as it is lethal. It is fluid, elegant, strong as steel, and supple as silk. Our Kali and Silat lives in the present, woven with an ancient thread that connects us to our ancestors. We welcome all who would appreciate the customs and culture of the Philippines. Join our Kapwua (Community). Diversity, Honesty, and Respect makes us strong.
The first 4 donors will receive 3 MONTH CLASSES courtesy of Pamana Kali! Plus, get everything with a BACKSTAGE PASS!
Claimed: 0 of 4
$2,500
MUSIC EXEC
- Associate Producer credit on IMDB!
- Get 2 VIP tickets to the Los Angeles Premiere of A Song for Myself*
- Get a signed copy of What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) script
- Plus, get everything from Backstage Pass!
* Travel, lodging, and transportation not included.
$5,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Courtesy of Broadway producer, Jose Antonio Vargas, the first donor to claim this reward gets:
- 2 FREE TICKETS to the brand new Broadway show, What The Constitution Means To Me, Heidi Schreck's acclaimed play!*
- The second donor to claim this reward gets an AUTOGRAPHED COPY of Jose Antonio Vargas' new book, Dear America.
- Each donor will receive an Executive Producer credit on the film!
- 2 VIP tickets to the Los Angeles Premiere of A Song for Myself*
- A signed copy of What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) script
- Plus, get everything from Backstage Pass!
*Travel, lodging, and transportation not included. -
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
FAN
- Social media shoutout
- Hug next time we see you
$25
GROUPIE
- Social media shoutout
- Signed digital A Song for Myself poster
- Private screener link of Marie's award-winning short, Flip the Record
$50
BOUNCER
- Social media shoutout
- Signed digital A Song for Myself poster
- Private screener link of Marie's award-winning short, Flip the Record
- Advanced Private Screener of A Song for Myself
$65
U.B.E. Buko Elixir
U.B.E. Buko Elixir is sponsored by Giselle Tongi Walters and her husband, and this barman's mix is a special mix of all our Filipino Favorites. Get this along with everything a ROADIE gets!
Claimed: 4 of 9
$75
ROADIE
- Social media shoutout
- Signed digital A Song for Myself poster
- Private screener link of Marie's award-winning short, Flip the Record
- Advanced Private Screener of A Song for Myself
- MINI-PLAYLIST from the team (you provide -- genre / keyword / favorite scene -- and we will base your song list on that)
$100
SOLD OUT!! GRANDSTAND SEATING (Sponsored by Créme Caramel LA)
- The 20 donors to claim this reward will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Creme Caramel Bakery who specialize in Filipino baked treats like "Ube (Purple Yam) Creme Caramel" and "Buko (Coconut) Pandan Upside Down Pie"*! YUM!!!
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
*Los Angeles local pick up only
Sold Out!
$100
Herbalaria Oil
Herbalaria is an ancestral roots movement in connecting community to indigenous traditions through the art of Filipino plant medicine. We proudly support and source from Philippine local farms and businesses, and work closely with Filipino non-profit organizations in Los Angeles. The founder of Herbalaria, Lyn Pacificar, descends from a lineage of traditional Filipino healers.
The first 5 donors will receive 1 x 2oz. bottle of ULO OIL, with a $50 value! And everything a ROADIE gets!
Claimed: 4 of 5
$150
GENERAL ADMISSION (Sponsored by Genever Bar LA)
- The first 10 donors to claim this reward will receive two (2) FREE DRINKS at Genever Bar in LA, a value up to $30! This women-owned & operated lounge located in Historic Filipinotown is home to a variety of fresh libations with emphasis on local produce made by some of LA's greatest mixologists!
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
*Los Angeles local pick up only
*Must be 21 years or older to redeem
Claimed: 3 of 10
$175
OPENING BAND (LEGO Rockstar!)
- The first 20 donors to claim this reward will have their very own LEGO rockstar avatar!! (Send us a photo of yourself to be transmogrified into a LEGO rockstar, and we'll send your bricky avatar by mail)
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
Claimed: 7 of 20
$200
SOLD OUT!! BOX SEATS (Sponsored by The Manila Collectible Co.)
- The first 9 donors to claim this reward will get one set of beautiful GINILING BRACELETS by the Basilio family, one of the last brass casters in Ifugao. These handmade tribal bangles are cast from recycled bullet casings.
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
Sold Out!
$200
Bayani Art
The goal of Bayani Art is to strengthen the unity within our community by telling the rich history of our Motherland. We are independently owned, born in Tondo Manila, Philippines and raised in Oakland, California. Humbled by the strong values that were taught by our elders, we remain conscious to our responsibility to carry on our culture.
The first 8 donors will get a $50 Gift Card, and everything a ROADIE gets!
Claimed: 2 of 8
$250
FRONT ROW (What Isn't There [Ang Nawawala] DVD)
The first 10 donors to claim this reward will receive one of the last remaining copies of Marie's feature film, What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala)!
This two-disc, limited run DVD, includes over 4 hours of special features and deleted scenes, plus multiple commentary tracks from the cast and crew.
- What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) DVD. First 10 only!
- PERSONALIZED Spotify MIXTAPE - Setlist for your life’s greatest hits
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
Claimed: 5 of 10
$500
BACKSTAGE PASS
- Spend a day onset, and, if you want, be an EXTRA! Dress up '90s-style and see some movie magic.
- Marie will read your script and give notes.
- Plus, get everything a Roadie gets!
*Must provide own travel, lodging, and transportation to set in Los Angeles and be available for the duration of the shoot. Exact dates to be determined.
$1,000
ALL ACCESS PASS
- The first 2 donors to claim this reward will get a signed copy of Marie's last stash of the SOLD OUT What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) Vinyl.
- Demo of A Song For Myself original song with a special message from the director
- Exclusive BTS photos
- Plus, get everything from Backstage Pass!
Claimed: 1 of 2
$1,000
Pamana Kali
At Pamana, we practice a martial art that is as beautiful as it is lethal. It is fluid, elegant, strong as steel, and supple as silk. Our Kali and Silat lives in the present, woven with an ancient thread that connects us to our ancestors. We welcome all who would appreciate the customs and culture of the Philippines. Join our Kapwua (Community). Diversity, Honesty, and Respect makes us strong.
The first 4 donors will receive 3 MONTH CLASSES courtesy of Pamana Kali! Plus, get everything with a BACKSTAGE PASS!
Claimed: 0 of 4
$2,500
MUSIC EXEC
- Associate Producer credit on IMDB!
- Get 2 VIP tickets to the Los Angeles Premiere of A Song for Myself*
- Get a signed copy of What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) script
- Plus, get everything from Backstage Pass!
* Travel, lodging, and transportation not included.
$5,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Courtesy of Broadway producer, Jose Antonio Vargas, the first donor to claim this reward gets:
- 2 FREE TICKETS to the brand new Broadway show, What The Constitution Means To Me, Heidi Schreck's acclaimed play!*
- The second donor to claim this reward gets an AUTOGRAPHED COPY of Jose Antonio Vargas' new book, Dear America.
- Each donor will receive an Executive Producer credit on the film!
- 2 VIP tickets to the Los Angeles Premiere of A Song for Myself*
- A signed copy of What Isn't There (Ang Nawawala) script
- Plus, get everything from Backstage Pass!
*Travel, lodging, and transportation not included. - Updates
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