BAILANDO
Lynn, Massachusetts | Film Short
Musical, Romance
We need YOUR help to tell this story because we're on a mission to diversify Latino-led stories and create a demand for projects that amplify Dominican voices. BaiIando explores what happens when love becomes so powerful that it forces you to put your fears aside and take a leap of faith!
BAILANDO
Lynn, Massachusetts | Film Short
Musical, Romance
1 Campaigns | Massachusetts, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,424 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
103 supporters | followers
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We need YOUR help to tell this story because we're on a mission to diversify Latino-led stories and create a demand for projects that amplify Dominican voices. BaiIando explores what happens when love becomes so powerful that it forces you to put your fears aside and take a leap of faith!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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BAILANDO is a Dominican love story that follows Darlin, an artist who falls for his sister's bachata teacher Andrea and must develop confidence and humble his ego to win her heart. It's a story that honors the legacy of Bachata and the Dominican diaspora that raised us. The film seeks to show a side of romance that often goes unseen by exploring themes of vulnerability, fear, and insecurity, particularly among young people of color.
INSPIRATION
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ba·cha·ta
/bäˈCHätä/
Bachata is a genre that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century. Originally only heard in bars or at backyard parties, the music quickly rose to popularity with themes of love and bitterness (amargue) among musical pioneers like José Manuel Calderón, Luis Vargas, Raulin Rodriguez, and Antony Santos.
To break it down a little simpler: Bachata went from being classified as grassroots music for the lower class, to evolving into one of the most beloved genres in the world. Despite Bachata now being considered "mainstream", there aren't nearly enough stories that acknowledge it's existence, legacy and influence.
CAST
Jahmo Chavez/Darlin
Jahmo Chavez (playing Darlin) is a talented actor from Lawrence, Massachusetts. He is currently in his junior year at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he is honing his craft and refining his skills. Jahmo's most recent work can be seen in the short film "June 22nd," directed by Michael T. He is thrilled to be working with Michael and the talented team once again, taking on the role of "Darlin" in the upcoming film "Bailando." Jahmo is passionate about acting and is eager to continue exploring new roles and collaborating with other talented professionals in the industry.
Arline Lora/Andrea
Arline Lora is a freelance model and creative director from the Dominican Republic. In addition to her many talents, she is also exploring other creative pursuits such as acting, photography and styling. Andrea previously collaborated with director Michael .T on a documentary in 2022, and will play the lead role of "Andrea" in his upcoming film "Bailando". She is very thankful for the creative opportunities that she has been a part of and even more excited to create more!
Inés de la Cruz/Rosemairy
Inés (she/her) is a Dominican, Boston based actor. Her past acting credits include: Chicken & Biscuits (The Front Porch Theatre Collective) and Sonia Se Fue (Teatro Chelsea). She can also be seen as Catalina in the comedic web series "The Pineapple Diaries (La Gringa Loca Productions)". Inés will be playing the role of Darlin's mother "Rosemairy" in Bailando.
WHY THIS FILM?
Michael .T: Personally, I've never seen anything like this. This style of bachata being featured in a film, it's very rare. Dominican culture is only used in sprinkles with most films and with this one we want to showcase the culture and history as much as we can.
The story of dance and love go hand-in-hand. The only way dancing works well with a partner is through the idea of developing a relationship, a balance between the two. That's what we're trying to achieve with this. We get to explore Darlin's ego which is what ultimately holds him back because he needs to develop confidence!
HOW WILL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS HELP US?
100% of the contributions raised for this campaign will help us move forward on Bailando with equipment rentals (camera, lighting and sound), and help us pay for the materials required to build and design our largest set piece which opens and closes the film at a house party. It will also help us to pay our cast and crew, as well as helping us with catering breakfast and lunch throughout principal photography.
Our team is proud to say that we've developed a strong distibution plan that will not only include a run on the independent film festival circuit, but in addition to that, there will be an official premiere for Bailando in front of a live audience! Make sure to follow @michael.tfilms on Instagram to recieve updates on how YOU can help us meet our total goal!
HOW WILL WE KEEP OUR CAST/CREW SAFE?
Because our world is still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our cast/crew deserve to be and feel safe and protected during all of production. Some of our team's precautions against COVID-19 include: providing available PPE to all cast and crew (i.e. face masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) and asking all cast and crew to provide proof of vaccination before hire. Our team will also look into hiring a designated Health & Safety officer if necessary. Each of these measures will help prevent a possible spread of COVID-19, and ensure that everyone's health needs are taken seriously.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
CAST & CREW
Costs $4,275
Funds from this section will go towards paying our cast and crew for all of their hard work!
CATERING, CRAFT SERVICES, & TRANSPORTATION
Costs $1,911
Funds from this section will provide our cast and crew with meals, craft services, & transportation.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Costs $1,650
Funds from this section will go towards each stage of production design for Bailando.
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Costs $2,605
Funds from this section will go towards all of our production equipment rentals.
POST-PRODUCTION SOUND
Costs $650
Funds in this section will go towards licensing music and recording ADR sessions for our film.
FILM FESTIVAL ENTRY FEES
Costs $300
Funds from this section will help us pay for all entry fees for our film's festival run!
CONTINGENCY FUNDS
Costs $887
Funds in this section will be for coping with unforeseen scenarios and covering emergencies.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Estarlyn Hiraldo (Producer) is Los Angeles-based Dominican filmmaker and multimedia artist from Lawrence, MA. His work educates communities about injustices of the world by telling breathtaking stories in a relatable but compelling way. Estarlyn explores the immigrant experience and quest for identity, striving to reconstruct the Hollywood narrative around the Latinx immigrant experience while uplifting underrepresented voices. He has directed and produced over 5 short films, as well as worked on studio-level films ("Hocus Pocus 2", "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "Johnny & Clyde"). His film “Into the Frame” won third place in the 2019 Providence College Student Film Festival. “Heritage” (2018), “Into the Frame” (2020), and now “JUNE 22ND” (2022) have been selected and screened by various festivals worldwide and local TV channels. He earned his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology & Film/Video from Providence College and is also a Television Academy Foundation alum.
Feliciano Segundo Jr. (Producer) is a Dominican filmmaker from Lynn, MA. Since he was 14, his dream was to simply get his foot in the door of the entertainment industry to tell engaging stories about the human condition. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Feliciano earned his master's degree in film production and earned his first paid break into the industry as a PA for "The Requin" for Hulu.
Michael .T (Director) began making films around 2016, beginning to document friends creating art around his hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts, which led him to his love of filmmaking. Michael made his first narrative short film in 2019, titled “BOYS WILL BE BOYS” which became nominated for multiple film festivals across the world. In 2020, he made his second short film titled “ERIKA”, which was also nominated and selected to be featured on the popular filmmaking hub No Budge. He recently finished his third short film titled “JUNE 22ND”, which is currently being reviewed by other film festivals.
Sarah Angeloni (1st Assistant Director) is a filmmaker who has always had a passion for the entertainment industry. She fell in love with filmmaking in high school and proceeded to study film in college. College gave her the experience to try out multiple different aspects of the filmmaking process. Since graduating from college she has taken the most liking to directing and assistant directing. Recently, most of the work she has done has been PA work. Some of her credits include. “Dexter: New Blood,” “Kevin Can F*** Himself,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
BAILANDO is a Dominican love story that follows Darlin, an artist who falls for his sister's bachata teacher Andrea and must develop confidence and humble his ego to win her heart. It's a story that honors the legacy of Bachata and the Dominican diaspora that raised us. The film seeks to show a side of romance that often goes unseen by exploring themes of vulnerability, fear, and insecurity, particularly among young people of color.
INSPIRATION
ba·cha·ta
/bäˈCHätä/
Bachata is a genre that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century. Originally only heard in bars or at backyard parties, the music quickly rose to popularity with themes of love and bitterness (amargue) among musical pioneers like José Manuel Calderón, Luis Vargas, Raulin Rodriguez, and Antony Santos.
To break it down a little simpler: Bachata went from being classified as grassroots music for the lower class, to evolving into one of the most beloved genres in the world. Despite Bachata now being considered "mainstream", there aren't nearly enough stories that acknowledge it's existence, legacy and influence.
CAST
Jahmo Chavez/Darlin
Jahmo Chavez (playing Darlin) is a talented actor from Lawrence, Massachusetts. He is currently in his junior year at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he is honing his craft and refining his skills. Jahmo's most recent work can be seen in the short film "June 22nd," directed by Michael T. He is thrilled to be working with Michael and the talented team once again, taking on the role of "Darlin" in the upcoming film "Bailando." Jahmo is passionate about acting and is eager to continue exploring new roles and collaborating with other talented professionals in the industry.
Arline Lora/Andrea
Arline Lora is a freelance model and creative director from the Dominican Republic. In addition to her many talents, she is also exploring other creative pursuits such as acting, photography and styling. Andrea previously collaborated with director Michael .T on a documentary in 2022, and will play the lead role of "Andrea" in his upcoming film "Bailando". She is very thankful for the creative opportunities that she has been a part of and even more excited to create more!
Inés de la Cruz/Rosemairy
Inés (she/her) is a Dominican, Boston based actor. Her past acting credits include: Chicken & Biscuits (The Front Porch Theatre Collective) and Sonia Se Fue (Teatro Chelsea). She can also be seen as Catalina in the comedic web series "The Pineapple Diaries (La Gringa Loca Productions)". Inés will be playing the role of Darlin's mother "Rosemairy" in Bailando.
WHY THIS FILM?
Michael .T: Personally, I've never seen anything like this. This style of bachata being featured in a film, it's very rare. Dominican culture is only used in sprinkles with most films and with this one we want to showcase the culture and history as much as we can.
The story of dance and love go hand-in-hand. The only way dancing works well with a partner is through the idea of developing a relationship, a balance between the two. That's what we're trying to achieve with this. We get to explore Darlin's ego which is what ultimately holds him back because he needs to develop confidence!
HOW WILL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS HELP US?
100% of the contributions raised for this campaign will help us move forward on Bailando with equipment rentals (camera, lighting and sound), and help us pay for the materials required to build and design our largest set piece which opens and closes the film at a house party. It will also help us to pay our cast and crew, as well as helping us with catering breakfast and lunch throughout principal photography.
Our team is proud to say that we've developed a strong distibution plan that will not only include a run on the independent film festival circuit, but in addition to that, there will be an official premiere for Bailando in front of a live audience! Make sure to follow @michael.tfilms on Instagram to recieve updates on how YOU can help us meet our total goal!
HOW WILL WE KEEP OUR CAST/CREW SAFE?
Because our world is still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our cast/crew deserve to be and feel safe and protected during all of production. Some of our team's precautions against COVID-19 include: providing available PPE to all cast and crew (i.e. face masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) and asking all cast and crew to provide proof of vaccination before hire. Our team will also look into hiring a designated Health & Safety officer if necessary. Each of these measures will help prevent a possible spread of COVID-19, and ensure that everyone's health needs are taken seriously.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
CAST & CREW
Costs $4,275
Funds from this section will go towards paying our cast and crew for all of their hard work!
CATERING, CRAFT SERVICES, & TRANSPORTATION
Costs $1,911
Funds from this section will provide our cast and crew with meals, craft services, & transportation.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Costs $1,650
Funds from this section will go towards each stage of production design for Bailando.
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Costs $2,605
Funds from this section will go towards all of our production equipment rentals.
POST-PRODUCTION SOUND
Costs $650
Funds in this section will go towards licensing music and recording ADR sessions for our film.
FILM FESTIVAL ENTRY FEES
Costs $300
Funds from this section will help us pay for all entry fees for our film's festival run!
CONTINGENCY FUNDS
Costs $887
Funds in this section will be for coping with unforeseen scenarios and covering emergencies.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Estarlyn Hiraldo (Producer) is Los Angeles-based Dominican filmmaker and multimedia artist from Lawrence, MA. His work educates communities about injustices of the world by telling breathtaking stories in a relatable but compelling way. Estarlyn explores the immigrant experience and quest for identity, striving to reconstruct the Hollywood narrative around the Latinx immigrant experience while uplifting underrepresented voices. He has directed and produced over 5 short films, as well as worked on studio-level films ("Hocus Pocus 2", "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "Johnny & Clyde"). His film “Into the Frame” won third place in the 2019 Providence College Student Film Festival. “Heritage” (2018), “Into the Frame” (2020), and now “JUNE 22ND” (2022) have been selected and screened by various festivals worldwide and local TV channels. He earned his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology & Film/Video from Providence College and is also a Television Academy Foundation alum.
Feliciano Segundo Jr. (Producer) is a Dominican filmmaker from Lynn, MA. Since he was 14, his dream was to simply get his foot in the door of the entertainment industry to tell engaging stories about the human condition. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Feliciano earned his master's degree in film production and earned his first paid break into the industry as a PA for "The Requin" for Hulu.
Michael .T (Director) began making films around 2016, beginning to document friends creating art around his hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts, which led him to his love of filmmaking. Michael made his first narrative short film in 2019, titled “BOYS WILL BE BOYS” which became nominated for multiple film festivals across the world. In 2020, he made his second short film titled “ERIKA”, which was also nominated and selected to be featured on the popular filmmaking hub No Budge. He recently finished his third short film titled “JUNE 22ND”, which is currently being reviewed by other film festivals.
Sarah Angeloni (1st Assistant Director) is a filmmaker who has always had a passion for the entertainment industry. She fell in love with filmmaking in high school and proceeded to study film in college. College gave her the experience to try out multiple different aspects of the filmmaking process. Since graduating from college she has taken the most liking to directing and assistant directing. Recently, most of the work she has done has been PA work. Some of her credits include. “Dexter: New Blood,” “Kevin Can F*** Himself,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”