Becoming (El Devenir)
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
A day in the life of two Mexican immigrants: Diego, the youngest son of an abusive upper-class political family & Mireya, an indigenous young woman who works for Diego’s family as a housekeeper. Through what seems to be an innocent game, Diego ends up killing Mireya, defining the man he will become.
Becoming (El Devenir)
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $17,785 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
167 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A day in the life of two Mexican immigrants: Diego, the youngest son of an abusive upper-class political family & Mireya, an indigenous young woman who works for Diego’s family as a housekeeper. Through what seems to be an innocent game, Diego ends up killing Mireya, defining the man he will become.
In Partnership With
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE
Unfortunately, the life of our campaign coincided with the COVID-19 outbreak. When we realized this, we checked in with ourselves and with our close friends and family members, trying to decide what the best route for us to take would be. We wanted to pause the campaign but unfortunately, that was out of our hands. In lieu of that option, we decided to extend the campaign to it now ending on May 1st.
Reaching out to people has been conflicting, to say the least, and it has been very hard asking people to support this dream while the world is so incredibly uncertain. On the other hand, I've also been met with an incredible amount of support as well. We are working hard to create content and incentives that y'all can cherish for a long time to come. I'm fighting to tell a story that would've had trouble manifesting even before this crisis and I'm determined to fight even harder in spite of what we're going through. This story is important. Especially going into election season. We have to remember who it is we are voting for. When this is all over - your contributions will go directly towards a social justice project and to artists (mainly women and POC) who are all currently out of a job.
Thank you! We are so grateful for you. Stay safe <3
xx
Alexandra
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A message to you from writer/director Alexandra Velasco:
Why I decided to tell this story:
Two main reasons:
1. SOCIAL JUSTICE:
- Mexico has a very high rate of femicide. In 2019, it was estimated that over 1.5 per 100,000 Mexican women were murdered on account of their gender, the highest rate at least since 2017.
- This story isn’t only about a crime based on gender, it’s a story of how a systemic cycle of abuse linked to toxic masculinity trickles down to destroy the lives of the most vulnerable.
- Inter-Mexican colorism is a huge issue in Mexico to this day, it dictates the lives of every person. It keeps the white European Mexicans in power and the brown indigenous Mexicans in servitude. I want to keep that conversation at the forefront and check my own privilege.
2. HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY: I am interested in what drives people to make decisions, what fuels people's actions? This story is told from the perspective of someone who is driven to make a choice that ends someone's life and defines a new path for his own life.
Why sharing this story in film is important
A recent study published in the New York Times states that of the 100 top-grossing films each year from 2007 to 2018, only three percent featured Latino actors in lead or co-lead roles. Producers and casting executives fared badly, too, with Latinos making up only three percent. And they were equally rare in the director’s chair, helming four percent of movies studied during the 12-year period. And then a female Latina director? Those statistics are even worse. In all, only 4.5 percent of the 47,268 speaking roles studied by researchers went to Latino actors. On the other hand, a 2018 study conducted by the Motion Picture Association of America showed Hispanic and Latino audiences had their highest annual attendance that year, going to the movies an average of 4.7 times a year.
'How can I help?'
The audience is there, we just need to show the "powers that be" that Mexican female filmmakers are out here, hustling and making art, and we can make awesome films that tell important stories and connect humans on incredible new levels.
This intense and ambitious film is going to take support, time and a group of dedicated humans to create. And that means yes, we need money, but that's not the only way you can be a part of this adventure! We all of you to come with us!
You can help us in three ways:
DONATE: This is the most direct way that you can become one of our favorite people and form part of our filmmaking family. We really tried to get in your head and come up with incentives that we think you will love! Also, you'll be supporting innovative Mexican filmmakers and artists!
FOLLOW: At Seed&Spark, more followers equals MORE support from the platform in many awesome ways, for example, if we hit 500 followers, we unlock an amazing filmmaker package!
SHARE: It's 2020 and we all know how crucial social media presence is in getting a new project greenlit. By sharing with your friends and family, you help this important story reach networks that we wouldn't be able to tap otherwise. You also are also playing a crucial part in SHARING THE STORY, even before the film is made.
¡Gracias!
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. We are a dedicated crew of fearless women filmmakers, but no matter how hard we work we would not be able to get this film made without YOU and your unwavering support. I have felt the support of my community before, and filmmaking is a collaborative art, built on human stories and connection, which means not only do we want you to join us, but we need you in order to make this come to life. Thank you for showing the world how important independent filmmaking is in sharing stories that have the power to move us. If we can reach one person with our art, everything was worth it.
We are so excited to make, and share this film with you! Let's do this!!
Con mucho amor,
Alexandra, Maya, Jessica, Laura & the Becoming Crew
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME
Costs $3,000
The story is set in the home of the wealthy Molina family, renting this location will be EXPENSIVE.
SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP
Costs $2,000
We want the horror of what happens to Mireya to be visual, and we need an SFX pro to make it happen!
PAY OUR CREW
Costs $8,000
Part of supporting indie filmmakers is supporting our HARD-WORKING crew by getting them paid!
WARDROBE+ART DIRECTION+PROPS
Costs $3,000
The film is a period piece (1990s), in a wealthy family home and the props move the story forward
PAY OUR CAST
Costs $2,000
The actors make the film, the audience needs to connect with them, and we need the best!!
CAMERA PACKAGE
Costs $2,000
We want to shoot with the best, the ALEXA and that is also the most expensive.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Alexandra Velasco is a multimedia artist from Mexico City now living and working in LA. She holds a BFA from Parsons the New School For Design in Communication Design. Having not attended traditional film school, Alexandra has auto-didactically taught herself the ins and outs of directing, producing and writing cinema and has gained international professional acclaim. Her films and music videos have screened at festivals worldwide.
Her first narrative film "The First of The Free Girls" (which she wrote and co-directed) was awarded Best Narrative Short at Women's Voices Now 2018, Jury Selection at the 2016 Les Femmes Underground Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the 2016 Moonfaze Feminist Film Festival. The film was nominated for Best Comedic Short at the 2017 Best of Awards - New Filmmakers Los Angeles. In addition, Alexandra and he co-director Alexander Kahan were nominated for the Best New Artist award at the renowned Berlin Fashion Film Festival. Alexandra's work focuses on showcasing and addressing social issues in an intimate and unconventional manner. She is also passionate about making filmmaking accessible to everyone and leads an experimental film workshop at the School of the Alternative in North Carolina.
Laura Cartagena is an experienced producer currently working at MasterClass, an online education platform that gives students access to the world's greatest instructors. Innately curious and interested in multiple fields, in 2013 Laura founded an artist collective called Create Collect, where the work of emerging artists was sold and exhibited globally. A self-proclaimed connector of people and ideas, Laura's passion for film-making and art has led her to the ultimate goal of telling human stories through feature films.
A UK/German native Maya is an LA-based producer. To date, she has produced films in Beijing, New York, London, and Mexico City. Her most recent credits include Deathcember’s A Christmas Miracle (2019) by Vivienne Vaughn and Tribeca Untold Stories Grant winner Lucky Grandma. Before producing, Maya worked in marketing at The Weinstein Company on THE MASTER (2012); BBC America on ORPHAN BLACK Season 2 (2014); and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. More recently she has worked in companies dedicated to female filmmakers, Refinery 29 & Maven Pictures. She is a Columbia University Creative Producing MFA Graduate ’19, a finalist of the Marcie Bloom/Sony Fellowship ’17 The Sarah Jones Film Foundation Grant ’18, a participant of the WIF Creative Producing Mentorship Program 2019, and NYWIFT, BAFTA, and PGA member.
Jessica Toscano (b.1990) is an independent filmmaker and creative director based in Los Angeles, California. Her background in performance and visual arts has crafted her unique voice as a storyteller, allowing her to produce enigmatic visual narratives through creative producing, creative direction, writing and directing. As a film and commercial producer, her work includes national commercials, documentary films and series, music videos and narrative projects. For the last 3 years (by sheer coincidence) Jess has only produced for emerging and established female directors such as Lina Plioplyte, Eunique Jones Gibson, Jenna Malone, Tchaiko Omawale and Ekaterina Belinskaya. She’s a firm believer in sustainable filmmaking and strives to create sets where curiosity and exploration flourishes in an inclusive, diverse and safe environment for all.
Maddie Racoosin is a Production Coordinator based in San Francisco, CA. Currently full-time with MasterClass, Maddie has worked with a diverse spectrum of crew and content, in both domestic and international markets. Inspired and empowered by the network of creatives around her, Maddie is excited to be pursuing a path in visual storytelling.
Andrea Gonzalez Mereles is a Mexican director of photography that focuses on narrative storytelling. She attended some of the most prestigious institutions; Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Maine Media Workshops and College in Maine and the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles. She’s a 2014 Fulbright Scholar, a 2017 Film Independent's Project Involve Fellow and a 2019 Berlinale Talents participant. She’s a member of the International Collective of Female Cinematographers (I.C.F.C.) and Apertura. Her films have been screened in numerous international film festivals; Viena International Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, Guanajuato International Film Festival, among others.
With 10 years of experience as a director of photography, her true interest lies in the art of telling stories. Cinematography is a professional journey she’s embarked on but it's also a personal one. Her intention is to understand what it means to be a human being; weaknesses, strengths, and doubts, to portray it in her body of work. She’s currently based in Los Angeles, CA.
Leila Jarman is an Iranian-Brazilian-American interdisciplinary filmmaker, educator and activist. Her filmmaking career began in 2010 with her directorial feature film debut, Voice of the Valley, a documentary set in the Middle East. Leila got her start in editing working under the mentorship of award winning commercial and film editor Leo Scott whose credits include projects with Harmony Korine, Gia Coppola, Die Antwoord and more. Leila has directed and edited over fifty films across genres with her works screened and awarded prizes at hundreds of film festivals. Her films have been featured on media outlets including VICE, The Creator's Project, MTV, VH1, Paper Magazine, AfroPunk and The Guardian among others.
Michael Beharie is a musician based in New York City. His music sits at the imagined intersection between sound system culture, pop transmission and free improvisation.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE
Unfortunately, the life of our campaign coincided with the COVID-19 outbreak. When we realized this, we checked in with ourselves and with our close friends and family members, trying to decide what the best route for us to take would be. We wanted to pause the campaign but unfortunately, that was out of our hands. In lieu of that option, we decided to extend the campaign to it now ending on May 1st.
Reaching out to people has been conflicting, to say the least, and it has been very hard asking people to support this dream while the world is so incredibly uncertain. On the other hand, I've also been met with an incredible amount of support as well. We are working hard to create content and incentives that y'all can cherish for a long time to come. I'm fighting to tell a story that would've had trouble manifesting even before this crisis and I'm determined to fight even harder in spite of what we're going through. This story is important. Especially going into election season. We have to remember who it is we are voting for. When this is all over - your contributions will go directly towards a social justice project and to artists (mainly women and POC) who are all currently out of a job.
Thank you! We are so grateful for you. Stay safe <3
xx
Alexandra
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A message to you from writer/director Alexandra Velasco:
Why I decided to tell this story:
Two main reasons:
1. SOCIAL JUSTICE:
- Mexico has a very high rate of femicide. In 2019, it was estimated that over 1.5 per 100,000 Mexican women were murdered on account of their gender, the highest rate at least since 2017.
- This story isn’t only about a crime based on gender, it’s a story of how a systemic cycle of abuse linked to toxic masculinity trickles down to destroy the lives of the most vulnerable.
- Inter-Mexican colorism is a huge issue in Mexico to this day, it dictates the lives of every person. It keeps the white European Mexicans in power and the brown indigenous Mexicans in servitude. I want to keep that conversation at the forefront and check my own privilege.
2. HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY: I am interested in what drives people to make decisions, what fuels people's actions? This story is told from the perspective of someone who is driven to make a choice that ends someone's life and defines a new path for his own life.
Why sharing this story in film is important
A recent study published in the New York Times states that of the 100 top-grossing films each year from 2007 to 2018, only three percent featured Latino actors in lead or co-lead roles. Producers and casting executives fared badly, too, with Latinos making up only three percent. And they were equally rare in the director’s chair, helming four percent of movies studied during the 12-year period. And then a female Latina director? Those statistics are even worse. In all, only 4.5 percent of the 47,268 speaking roles studied by researchers went to Latino actors. On the other hand, a 2018 study conducted by the Motion Picture Association of America showed Hispanic and Latino audiences had their highest annual attendance that year, going to the movies an average of 4.7 times a year.
'How can I help?'
The audience is there, we just need to show the "powers that be" that Mexican female filmmakers are out here, hustling and making art, and we can make awesome films that tell important stories and connect humans on incredible new levels.
This intense and ambitious film is going to take support, time and a group of dedicated humans to create. And that means yes, we need money, but that's not the only way you can be a part of this adventure! We all of you to come with us!
You can help us in three ways:
DONATE: This is the most direct way that you can become one of our favorite people and form part of our filmmaking family. We really tried to get in your head and come up with incentives that we think you will love! Also, you'll be supporting innovative Mexican filmmakers and artists!
FOLLOW: At Seed&Spark, more followers equals MORE support from the platform in many awesome ways, for example, if we hit 500 followers, we unlock an amazing filmmaker package!
SHARE: It's 2020 and we all know how crucial social media presence is in getting a new project greenlit. By sharing with your friends and family, you help this important story reach networks that we wouldn't be able to tap otherwise. You also are also playing a crucial part in SHARING THE STORY, even before the film is made.
¡Gracias!
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. We are a dedicated crew of fearless women filmmakers, but no matter how hard we work we would not be able to get this film made without YOU and your unwavering support. I have felt the support of my community before, and filmmaking is a collaborative art, built on human stories and connection, which means not only do we want you to join us, but we need you in order to make this come to life. Thank you for showing the world how important independent filmmaking is in sharing stories that have the power to move us. If we can reach one person with our art, everything was worth it.
We are so excited to make, and share this film with you! Let's do this!!
Con mucho amor,
Alexandra, Maya, Jessica, Laura & the Becoming Crew
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME
Costs $3,000
The story is set in the home of the wealthy Molina family, renting this location will be EXPENSIVE.
SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP
Costs $2,000
We want the horror of what happens to Mireya to be visual, and we need an SFX pro to make it happen!
PAY OUR CREW
Costs $8,000
Part of supporting indie filmmakers is supporting our HARD-WORKING crew by getting them paid!
WARDROBE+ART DIRECTION+PROPS
Costs $3,000
The film is a period piece (1990s), in a wealthy family home and the props move the story forward
PAY OUR CAST
Costs $2,000
The actors make the film, the audience needs to connect with them, and we need the best!!
CAMERA PACKAGE
Costs $2,000
We want to shoot with the best, the ALEXA and that is also the most expensive.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Alexandra Velasco is a multimedia artist from Mexico City now living and working in LA. She holds a BFA from Parsons the New School For Design in Communication Design. Having not attended traditional film school, Alexandra has auto-didactically taught herself the ins and outs of directing, producing and writing cinema and has gained international professional acclaim. Her films and music videos have screened at festivals worldwide.
Her first narrative film "The First of The Free Girls" (which she wrote and co-directed) was awarded Best Narrative Short at Women's Voices Now 2018, Jury Selection at the 2016 Les Femmes Underground Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the 2016 Moonfaze Feminist Film Festival. The film was nominated for Best Comedic Short at the 2017 Best of Awards - New Filmmakers Los Angeles. In addition, Alexandra and he co-director Alexander Kahan were nominated for the Best New Artist award at the renowned Berlin Fashion Film Festival. Alexandra's work focuses on showcasing and addressing social issues in an intimate and unconventional manner. She is also passionate about making filmmaking accessible to everyone and leads an experimental film workshop at the School of the Alternative in North Carolina.
Laura Cartagena is an experienced producer currently working at MasterClass, an online education platform that gives students access to the world's greatest instructors. Innately curious and interested in multiple fields, in 2013 Laura founded an artist collective called Create Collect, where the work of emerging artists was sold and exhibited globally. A self-proclaimed connector of people and ideas, Laura's passion for film-making and art has led her to the ultimate goal of telling human stories through feature films.
A UK/German native Maya is an LA-based producer. To date, she has produced films in Beijing, New York, London, and Mexico City. Her most recent credits include Deathcember’s A Christmas Miracle (2019) by Vivienne Vaughn and Tribeca Untold Stories Grant winner Lucky Grandma. Before producing, Maya worked in marketing at The Weinstein Company on THE MASTER (2012); BBC America on ORPHAN BLACK Season 2 (2014); and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. More recently she has worked in companies dedicated to female filmmakers, Refinery 29 & Maven Pictures. She is a Columbia University Creative Producing MFA Graduate ’19, a finalist of the Marcie Bloom/Sony Fellowship ’17 The Sarah Jones Film Foundation Grant ’18, a participant of the WIF Creative Producing Mentorship Program 2019, and NYWIFT, BAFTA, and PGA member.
Jessica Toscano (b.1990) is an independent filmmaker and creative director based in Los Angeles, California. Her background in performance and visual arts has crafted her unique voice as a storyteller, allowing her to produce enigmatic visual narratives through creative producing, creative direction, writing and directing. As a film and commercial producer, her work includes national commercials, documentary films and series, music videos and narrative projects. For the last 3 years (by sheer coincidence) Jess has only produced for emerging and established female directors such as Lina Plioplyte, Eunique Jones Gibson, Jenna Malone, Tchaiko Omawale and Ekaterina Belinskaya. She’s a firm believer in sustainable filmmaking and strives to create sets where curiosity and exploration flourishes in an inclusive, diverse and safe environment for all.
Maddie Racoosin is a Production Coordinator based in San Francisco, CA. Currently full-time with MasterClass, Maddie has worked with a diverse spectrum of crew and content, in both domestic and international markets. Inspired and empowered by the network of creatives around her, Maddie is excited to be pursuing a path in visual storytelling.
Andrea Gonzalez Mereles is a Mexican director of photography that focuses on narrative storytelling. She attended some of the most prestigious institutions; Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Maine Media Workshops and College in Maine and the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles. She’s a 2014 Fulbright Scholar, a 2017 Film Independent's Project Involve Fellow and a 2019 Berlinale Talents participant. She’s a member of the International Collective of Female Cinematographers (I.C.F.C.) and Apertura. Her films have been screened in numerous international film festivals; Viena International Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, Guanajuato International Film Festival, among others.
With 10 years of experience as a director of photography, her true interest lies in the art of telling stories. Cinematography is a professional journey she’s embarked on but it's also a personal one. Her intention is to understand what it means to be a human being; weaknesses, strengths, and doubts, to portray it in her body of work. She’s currently based in Los Angeles, CA.
Leila Jarman is an Iranian-Brazilian-American interdisciplinary filmmaker, educator and activist. Her filmmaking career began in 2010 with her directorial feature film debut, Voice of the Valley, a documentary set in the Middle East. Leila got her start in editing working under the mentorship of award winning commercial and film editor Leo Scott whose credits include projects with Harmony Korine, Gia Coppola, Die Antwoord and more. Leila has directed and edited over fifty films across genres with her works screened and awarded prizes at hundreds of film festivals. Her films have been featured on media outlets including VICE, The Creator's Project, MTV, VH1, Paper Magazine, AfroPunk and The Guardian among others.
Michael Beharie is a musician based in New York City. His music sits at the imagined intersection between sound system culture, pop transmission and free improvisation.