Sunflower (Post - Production)
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Thriller, Action
After a big win, Isaiah Black wakes in a surreal future, forced to confront family secrets, societal guilt, and a fight for redemption.
Sunflower (Post - Production)
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Thriller, Action
2 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
25 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$1,895
Goal: $4,000 for post-production
After a big win, Isaiah Black wakes in a surreal future, forced to confront family secrets, societal guilt, and a fight for redemption.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The inspiration behind Sunflower stems from the question: “What if the world came crumbling down, and society was forced to conform to the whims of the 1%? What if we found ourselves in a modern form of slavery—not rooted in race, but in class?” The initial spark for this concept struck me during the 2016 election, as I witnessed the social and political chaos unfold. It made me reflect on power, control, and the growing divide between those at the top and the marginalized.
To ground the film in today’s context, I incorporated the unsettling trend of violence against black artists—particularly rappers—bringing forward the film’s core message: the urgency of valuing black human life. This theme isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the emotional heart of the story.
My aim with this film is not only to tell a compelling story but to create space for reflection and meaningful dialogue. I hope that Sunflower sparks conversations—whether around dinner tables or in classrooms—that challenge assumptions and push us toward a more empathetic and just world.
I’m excited to bring this story to life and wanted to include you in this journey!
ISAIAH BLACK is quite the opposite from a Native Son, although he was born in the impoverished streets of Chicago. With an absent father, a mentally ill mother, and a brother lost to the streets, Isaiah vowed to become invisible—choosing a path that would allow him to rise above his circumstances. Quoting Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man: “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me,” Isaiah has managed to disappear into a life of success.
This project in particular is important because of the overarching theme of appreciating the Black human life. In a world filled with desensitization of Black death—whether that's with police killings, the murders of rappers, and Black citizens being dismissed as human— I felt compelled to create a story that shines a light on these injustices. Our goal is to craft something meaningful, a narrative that sparks deep, reflective conversations rather than the "microwavable" movies so prevalent today.
This project blends real-world themes—identity, mental health, and social justice—with sci-fi elements. Our top-tier cast includes:
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Sean Freeman as Isaiah Black
Nadia Adelay as Robyne Love
Brittany Chappell as Chrissy Thompson
Terrence Davis as Rahim Thompson
Carlos Watson as Arnold Wise
SUNFLOWER TIMELINE
📍Pre-production | May - July
📍Seed & Spark Campaign | June - July
📍Principal Photography | August
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📍Post-Production | December 2025 - May 2026
📍Post-Production Crowdfunding | April 20 - May 19
Beyond the Screen Rally in partnership with OTV
The Beyond the Screen Crowdfunding Rally (#BTSRally) is a large-scale global call for intersectional short films and episodic projects in production or post-production that embrace unfiltered storytelling and expansive imagination. This rally champions bold, community-rooted narratives and supports filmmakers who are reshaping the future of short-form, independent media.
Our short film, Sunflower, aligns perfectly with this initiative, and it could not have come at a better time in our progress!
Five finalists will have the chance to receive up to $5,000 in finishing funds on top of what is raised during their campaign along with access to OTV's industry circles for mentorship. Learn more about the rally here!
Help us reach 250 followers to become eligible to win!
📍Private Screening | August 2026
📍Festival Run | Starting Fall 2026
Fortunately, we were able to crowdfund on Seed & Spark raising $7,555 towards our production budget. Our post-production budget is $5,000 and we are fortunate to have a portion remaining from our first successful crowdfunding campaign. NOW, we are shifting our efforts to raise funds to go towards post-production!
Our crowdfunding goal of $4,000 will allow us to cover the immediate cost of post-production to deliver a final cut of Sunflower.
💰Our Goal is $4,000
This will cover the bare essentials including all elements of post-production + priority marketing materials + film festival submission fees to our top festival picks + private screening for our cast, crew, and supporters.
💰Our Stretch Goal is $5,500
Reaching this amount will grant us the opportunity to give reimbursements toward accrued production expenses and expand our festival submissions budget. PLUS, enhance our film score with popular music.
💰Our Even Further Stretch Goal is $8,000
This goal will put us ahead in investing in our next wave of amplifying this film –> in-depth PR strategy + film festival attendance + a deluxe private screening!
FOLLOW Us! Help us reach 250 followers to become eligible to win.
A follow on our Seed & Spark page is free and the easiest way to support! Have a newsletter you could include us in? We greatly appreciate YOU! Have a audience that would be interested in supporting our story? We would love to connect with YOU! Our goal is to reach a minimum of 250 followers before the end of our campaign to officially be eligible to become a finalist.
Share this link with your friends & fam, audience, and greater network! - https://bit.ly/fund_sunflower_film
Also, we want to connect with you, so follow us on Instagram and spread the word tagging us - @asunflowerfilm
Here's a graphic + caption(s) you can use when sharing...
.png)
CAPTIONS (feel free to copy & paste!)
"Support @asunflowerfilm reach their goal by making a contribution today! Check out their link in bio to learn more 🎬✨ #BTSrally #seedandspark #OTV #supportindiefilm"
"I'm showing up in community and rooting for @asunflowerfilm to reach their goal of reaching 250 followers on @seedandspark! #BTSrally #seedandspark #OTV #supportindiefilm"
"Join the campaign, spread the word, and help @sunflowerfilm BLOOM 🌻 Every share, repost, and follow counts! #BTSrally #seedandspark #OTV #supportindiefilm"
CONTRIBUTE to this campaign!
Becoming a follower of our campaign means a great deal, but to support us even further, you can make a pledge! Every contribution is valuable (no matter how small) and we greatly appreciate any contribution to get us to our goal. Plus, we have some dope incentives you can claim! Check out the INCENTIVES tab towards the top of this page to learn more.
Help us EXPAND our team!
We are still seeking EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS for this film project that can support our production financially and/or significantly grow our network. If you think you can support Sunflower with raising finishing funds, PR + marketing strategy and/or film festival + distribution strategy, we want to connect with YOU during this rally! We'd love to include additional team members as we build momentum for this campaign.
Email us at [email protected] to extend your support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Mix & Design
Costs $1,500
This will help shape the full auditory experience for our audience.
Editing
Costs $600
This will help us cover our remaining balance for a fine cut and trailer edit!
Media Relations & Press Kit
Costs $600
Covers a publicist for EPK (electronic press kit), press releases, secure reviews + interviews for our festival run & more!
Film Festival Submission Fees
Costs $500
Help us enter festivals (fees average $30-$60 for short films per festival)!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Bree Kelly is a writer, director, and producer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from California, her love for storytelling began as a child when her mother gifted her a pink diary. She filled its pages with short stories, film adaptations, and scripts for family plays. In high school, Bree channeled her emotions into poetry, often inspired by experiences of her friends. Her talent flourished in college, where she found mentorship and had the opportunity to work alongside Monty Ross, co-producer of Spike Lee classics She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, and Malcolm X. After college, Bree wrote, directed, and produced The Cycle, a poetry short film. Two years later, she completed her first feature film, Out With the Old, an exploration of modern dating complexities. She has since contributed to several indie projects, including writing poetry for Fate, directed by Tiara West, and producing the unreleased web series After College, directed by Gippetto.
Currently, Bree is co-authoring the coming-of-age book Through the Waters, continuing her mission to tell evocative, culturally rich stories that resonate with audiences. www.breekellyproductions.com
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Armani Harvey is a video editor and filmmaker based in Atlanta, Georgia, with over 15 years of editing experience. He holds an MFA in Film and Television from SCAD and specializes in narrative storytelling, podcast editing, and videography. Instagram
Angie Castillo is an Emmy nominated media professional with over 15 years of experience in TV, news production and cross-platform storytelling. Angie spent 12 years at CNN working as writer, producer and everything in between. She’s most recently stepped into the film industry as an actor and producer based in Atlanta. Angie is passionate about her efforts to help create and bring forth stories that inspire and uplift communities that are often underrepresented.
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Ceci Leon, an Atlanta native, has always been passionate about merging her love for people and the creative arts in her hometown. After earning her degree, she dedicated her talents to supporting Atlanta’s film industry through her work with several nonprofit organizations. As a producer, Ceci is driven by a commitment to producing creative content and events that spotlight unique narratives. She currently serves as the Membership Coordinator for the Film Festival Alliance (advocating for a sustainable + inclusive cinema exhibition ecosystem) and serves as the Film Festival Producer for the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival. Ceci takes pride in her role as a connector in the film and exhibition spaces.
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enisha Johnson, originally from Chicago, is a SAG-E Actor, voiceover artist, host and producer based in Atlanta, GA. She has a B.A. in Broadcasting from Wright State University, where she played Division I tennis, and a MBA/Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University. Although she started acting and public speaking at a young age at church and within her community, Kenisha began her professional career in the TV & Film industry in 2017. Since then, She has TV credits that include For my Man (TV One) and The Christians (Pureflix); Film credits Inheritance (DirectTV Cinema) & award-winning short film, Summer; a host of regional & national commercial credits (including Gain, Four Roses Bourbon, Carpet One); producer credits for five short films & a webseries and several voiceover credits (including Robitussin, Sprite, Chick-fil-a, Publix).
Before working in TV & Film, Kenisha worked in the sports industry with a focus on marketing, events and sponsorship which allowed her the experience to work for and partner with companies and brands such as NASCAR, Subway, Verizon, Fox Sports, IndyCar, Invictus Games, and the NFL. With her experiences, she has acquired a vast array of skills that have prepared her to take the entertainment industry by storm.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The inspiration behind Sunflower stems from the question: “What if the world came crumbling down, and society was forced to conform to the whims of the 1%? What if we found ourselves in a modern form of slavery—not rooted in race, but in class?” The initial spark for this concept struck me during the 2016 election, as I witnessed the social and political chaos unfold. It made me reflect on power, control, and the growing divide between those at the top and the marginalized.
To ground the film in today’s context, I incorporated the unsettling trend of violence against black artists—particularly rappers—bringing forward the film’s core message: the urgency of valuing black human life. This theme isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the emotional heart of the story.
My aim with this film is not only to tell a compelling story but to create space for reflection and meaningful dialogue. I hope that Sunflower sparks conversations—whether around dinner tables or in classrooms—that challenge assumptions and push us toward a more empathetic and just world.
I’m excited to bring this story to life and wanted to include you in this journey!
ISAIAH BLACK is quite the opposite from a Native Son, although he was born in the impoverished streets of Chicago. With an absent father, a mentally ill mother, and a brother lost to the streets, Isaiah vowed to become invisible—choosing a path that would allow him to rise above his circumstances. Quoting Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man: “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me,” Isaiah has managed to disappear into a life of success.
This project in particular is important because of the overarching theme of appreciating the Black human life. In a world filled with desensitization of Black death—whether that's with police killings, the murders of rappers, and Black citizens being dismissed as human— I felt compelled to create a story that shines a light on these injustices. Our goal is to craft something meaningful, a narrative that sparks deep, reflective conversations rather than the "microwavable" movies so prevalent today.
This project blends real-world themes—identity, mental health, and social justice—with sci-fi elements. Our top-tier cast includes:
Sean Freeman as Isaiah Black
Nadia Adelay as Robyne Love
Brittany Chappell as Chrissy Thompson
Terrence Davis as Rahim Thompson
Carlos Watson as Arnold Wise
SUNFLOWER TIMELINE
📍Pre-production | May - July
📍Seed & Spark Campaign | June - July
📍Principal Photography | August
📍Post-Production | December 2025 - May 2026
📍Post-Production Crowdfunding | April 20 - May 19
Beyond the Screen Rally in partnership with OTV
The Beyond the Screen Crowdfunding Rally (#BTSRally) is a large-scale global call for intersectional short films and episodic projects in production or post-production that embrace unfiltered storytelling and expansive imagination. This rally champions bold, community-rooted narratives and supports filmmakers who are reshaping the future of short-form, independent media.
Our short film, Sunflower, aligns perfectly with this initiative, and it could not have come at a better time in our progress!
Five finalists will have the chance to receive up to $5,000 in finishing funds on top of what is raised during their campaign along with access to OTV's industry circles for mentorship. Learn more about the rally here!
Help us reach 250 followers to become eligible to win!
📍Private Screening | August 2026
📍Festival Run | Starting Fall 2026
Fortunately, we were able to crowdfund on Seed & Spark raising $7,555 towards our production budget. Our post-production budget is $5,000 and we are fortunate to have a portion remaining from our first successful crowdfunding campaign. NOW, we are shifting our efforts to raise funds to go towards post-production!
Our crowdfunding goal of $4,000 will allow us to cover the immediate cost of post-production to deliver a final cut of Sunflower.
💰Our Goal is $4,000
This will cover the bare essentials including all elements of post-production + priority marketing materials + film festival submission fees to our top festival picks + private screening for our cast, crew, and supporters.
💰Our Stretch Goal is $5,500
Reaching this amount will grant us the opportunity to give reimbursements toward accrued production expenses and expand our festival submissions budget. PLUS, enhance our film score with popular music.
💰Our Even Further Stretch Goal is $8,000
This goal will put us ahead in investing in our next wave of amplifying this film –> in-depth PR strategy + film festival attendance + a deluxe private screening!
FOLLOW Us! Help us reach 250 followers to become eligible to win.
A follow on our Seed & Spark page is free and the easiest way to support! Have a newsletter you could include us in? We greatly appreciate YOU! Have a audience that would be interested in supporting our story? We would love to connect with YOU! Our goal is to reach a minimum of 250 followers before the end of our campaign to officially be eligible to become a finalist.
Share this link with your friends & fam, audience, and greater network! - https://bit.ly/fund_sunflower_film
Also, we want to connect with you, so follow us on Instagram and spread the word tagging us - @asunflowerfilm
Here's a graphic + caption(s) you can use when sharing...
CAPTIONS (feel free to copy & paste!)
"Support @asunflowerfilm reach their goal by making a contribution today! Check out their link in bio to learn more 🎬✨ #BTSrally #seedandspark #OTV #supportindiefilm"
"I'm showing up in community and rooting for @asunflowerfilm to reach their goal of reaching 250 followers on @seedandspark! #BTSrally #seedandspark #OTV #supportindiefilm"
"Join the campaign, spread the word, and help @sunflowerfilm BLOOM 🌻 Every share, repost, and follow counts! #BTSrally #seedandspark #OTV #supportindiefilm"
CONTRIBUTE to this campaign!
Becoming a follower of our campaign means a great deal, but to support us even further, you can make a pledge! Every contribution is valuable (no matter how small) and we greatly appreciate any contribution to get us to our goal. Plus, we have some dope incentives you can claim! Check out the INCENTIVES tab towards the top of this page to learn more.
Help us EXPAND our team!
We are still seeking EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS for this film project that can support our production financially and/or significantly grow our network. If you think you can support Sunflower with raising finishing funds, PR + marketing strategy and/or film festival + distribution strategy, we want to connect with YOU during this rally! We'd love to include additional team members as we build momentum for this campaign.
Email us at [email protected] to extend your support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Mix & Design
Costs $1,500
This will help shape the full auditory experience for our audience.
Editing
Costs $600
This will help us cover our remaining balance for a fine cut and trailer edit!
Media Relations & Press Kit
Costs $600
Covers a publicist for EPK (electronic press kit), press releases, secure reviews + interviews for our festival run & more!
Film Festival Submission Fees
Costs $500
Help us enter festivals (fees average $30-$60 for short films per festival)!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Bree Kelly is a writer, director, and producer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from California, her love for storytelling began as a child when her mother gifted her a pink diary. She filled its pages with short stories, film adaptations, and scripts for family plays. In high school, Bree channeled her emotions into poetry, often inspired by experiences of her friends. Her talent flourished in college, where she found mentorship and had the opportunity to work alongside Monty Ross, co-producer of Spike Lee classics She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, and Malcolm X. After college, Bree wrote, directed, and produced The Cycle, a poetry short film. Two years later, she completed her first feature film, Out With the Old, an exploration of modern dating complexities. She has since contributed to several indie projects, including writing poetry for Fate, directed by Tiara West, and producing the unreleased web series After College, directed by Gippetto.
Currently, Bree is co-authoring the coming-of-age book Through the Waters, continuing her mission to tell evocative, culturally rich stories that resonate with audiences. www.breekellyproductions.com
Armani Harvey is a video editor and filmmaker based in Atlanta, Georgia, with over 15 years of editing experience. He holds an MFA in Film and Television from SCAD and specializes in narrative storytelling, podcast editing, and videography. Instagram
Angie Castillo is an Emmy nominated media professional with over 15 years of experience in TV, news production and cross-platform storytelling. Angie spent 12 years at CNN working as writer, producer and everything in between. She’s most recently stepped into the film industry as an actor and producer based in Atlanta. Angie is passionate about her efforts to help create and bring forth stories that inspire and uplift communities that are often underrepresented.
Ceci Leon, an Atlanta native, has always been passionate about merging her love for people and the creative arts in her hometown. After earning her degree, she dedicated her talents to supporting Atlanta’s film industry through her work with several nonprofit organizations. As a producer, Ceci is driven by a commitment to producing creative content and events that spotlight unique narratives. She currently serves as the Membership Coordinator for the Film Festival Alliance (advocating for a sustainable + inclusive cinema exhibition ecosystem) and serves as the Film Festival Producer for the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival. Ceci takes pride in her role as a connector in the film and exhibition spaces.
Kenisha Johnson, originally from Chicago, is a SAG-E Actor, voiceover artist, host and producer based in Atlanta, GA. She has a B.A. in Broadcasting from Wright State University, where she played Division I tennis, and a MBA/Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University. Although she started acting and public speaking at a young age at church and within her community, Kenisha began her professional career in the TV & Film industry in 2017. Since then, She has TV credits that include For my Man (TV One) and The Christians (Pureflix); Film credits Inheritance (DirectTV Cinema) & award-winning short film, Summer; a host of regional & national commercial credits (including Gain, Four Roses Bourbon, Carpet One); producer credits for five short films & a webseries and several voiceover credits (including Robitussin, Sprite, Chick-fil-a, Publix).
Before working in TV & Film, Kenisha worked in the sports industry with a focus on marketing, events and sponsorship which allowed her the experience to work for and partner with companies and brands such as NASCAR, Subway, Verizon, Fox Sports, IndyCar, Invictus Games, and the NFL. With her experiences, she has acquired a vast array of skills that have prepared her to take the entertainment industry by storm.