Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

San Francisco, California | Film Short

Drama, Sport

Ashley Romero

1 Campaigns | California, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $25,370 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

63 supporters | followers

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A Filipino immigrant's path to unity and friendship on the basketball court, where cultures collide and victory transcends the game.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Our mission is to highlight the universal experience of starting anew and embracing change in all its forms. We celebrate self-discovery and the subtle ways our past shapes us. Join us in reflecting on life's journeys, finding strength and growth in transformation.

The Story




Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life follows Jun, a young nurse who has recently moved from the Philippines to the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking a fresh start. Jun finds himself in a world that feels entirely alien and wrestles with feelings of isolation and longs to find a place in this new world. His life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a local basketball court. It's here that Jun discovers something unexpected: a place where he feels connected, understood, and part of something bigger than himself.


The basketball court becomes Jun's refuge, a place where basketball becomes more than a sport. It's a bridge to friendships with people from all walks of life, each with their own stories and struggles. These teammates quickly become more than just fellow players; they become Jun's makeshift family in this new land. As they share victories and losses, both on and off the court, the bonds they forge are tested by the challenges they face together.



Our film explores the dynamics of these relationships, the misunderstandings that arise, and the effort required to navigate and strengthen newfound connections. The climax of their journey is a nail-biting championship game that stands as a metaphor for the obstacles we all face in life. For Jun, this game symbolizes his growth from feeling like an outsider to becoming a vital part of his community, showcasing his evolution and the invaluable role of support and friendship in overcoming life's challenges.


At its heart, Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life is a story about the search for identity and a place where one truly belongs. It's about the power of community, the universal experience of starting anew, and the ways in which shared passions can unite us across cultural divides. Through Jun's eyes, the film invites audiences into an intimate journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the joy of finding home in the most unexpected places. It's a testament to the strength we find in each other and a reminder that sometimes, the most significant victories are the ones we achieve together, off the court.




Our team is predominantly comprised of first and second-generation Filipino Americans from the Bay Area and we really understand what this story is about. It's not just any story—it's ours. We're telling it from our perspective, rooted in the experiences of our families who came here looking for a better life. This film is personal for us and we're bringing our own experiences and emotions to the table, making sure it's genuine and true to life. Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life is our way of sharing the Filipino American experience, but it's also a story we believe will connect with everyone, showing that despite our differences, we share common ground.


By supporting us, you're not just funding a film. You're backing a team that lives the story we're telling. Your support helps us share a narrative that's not only important and moving but also real, coming from us—who know it by heart.



Backing Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life means more than just putting money into a project; it's about supporting a kind of storytelling that brings people together. By helping us out, you're giving a platform to stories and voices that don't always get heard. We want this film to be a source of hope and connection, showing how our shared loves can bring us closer, even in our differences.



Seed & Spark requires that we raise at least 80% of our goal for the project to be funded. We must reach this goal in 60 days or we don't receive any funds at all. We hope to raise our goal of $25,000 through a dedicated audience on Seed & Spark to cover the bare minimum costs of shooting our film. We have our entire cast and crew committed to the project and will begin filming in May 2024!


If we surpass our greenlight goal:

We'll produce an exceptional film, embracing creativity and resourcefulness at every turn!


If we reach our campaign goal:

This allows up to add a few more key crew members ensuring a smooth production.


If we raise $5k over our goal:

We can elevate our film's visual storytelling with enhanced props and costumes, vividly realizing our artistic vision.


If we double our goal:

This is where our vision truly takes flight. It means we can significantly invest in our talented cast and crew, and in the quality of our props and wardrobe, bringing the world of our film to life with unparalleled detail and passion!



Every donation, no matter the size, is a step closer to bringing Jun's journey to life on the screen. It's because of backers like you that independent stories like ours have a chance to shine and connect us all. From the bottom of our hearts - we thank you, maraming salamat po.

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

Crew

Costs $15,000

Help us cover our biggest cost, our goal is to not only provide opportunities for Filipino/POC creatives but to also pay a livable wage.

Camera Gear and Equipment

Costs $1

Thanks to Creative West, we have all the camera gear and equipment we need to produce our film. Thank you, CW!

Cast

Costs $5,000

Our cast is our second biggest expense. Just like our crew, we believe in paying our amazing cast for their time and talent!

Food

Costs $2,000

Our production schedule requires long hours, this helps us make sure our cast and crew are fed, happy and energized.

Post Production

Costs $2,000

Just like our cast & crew, we want to be able to pay our post production team! We are depending on their talent to bring the film together.

Venue

Costs $1,000

Although we utilized friends in our networks, we still have a small fee to cover for our venues.

About This Team


Ashley Romero

Writer/Director/Producer


Meet Ashley, our writer, director, and producer, carrying a legacy as the granddaughter of the legendary Director and National Artist of the Philippines, Eddie Romero, and Philippine cinema royalty, Mila Del Sol. Her debut, Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life, is a heartfelt tribute to her dual heritage, spanning Manila and the San Francisco Bay Area. Bringing her years of experience as a writer and award-winning producer to the forefront, Ashley is perfectly primed for the big screen, ready to showcase her unique blend of creativity and insight while honoring her family's storied past and forging a path of her own.


Ryan Marquez

Director of Photography


Meet Ryan, our director of photography, born and raised in the Bay Area, whose early passion for filmmaking has shaped his career. He values the collaborative spirit of cinema and brings a wealth of experience from his travels and love for movies. Ryan's commitment to blending diverse perspectives into his work makes him a key asset to our team, enriching every project with his unique vision.


Ian McBride

Wardrobe Stylist


Meet Ian, our wardrobe stylist, who brings a decade of luxury fashion experience and a dynamic career as a personal stylist to our film. Born in Oakland and shaped by his time in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta and New York, Ian skillfully combines his deep understanding of fashion with his passion for streetwear and basketball. This unique mix allows him to create distinctive, authentic looks for our cast, reflecting the diverse influences that define each character's journey. His approach not only enhances the visual appeal of our film but also deepens the narrative, making every costume tell a story of its own.


Marlo Miguel Guevarra

Lead Actor, Jun


Meet Marlo, our lead actor, born in the Philippines with a journey that spans the UK to California. It was a college acting class that really opened his eyes to the possibility of acting as a career, transforming it from a pastime to his sole ambition. Now at 23, Marlo is dedicated to acting and embraces every opportunity to perform. His diverse background and earnest commitment to our film's message is what makes Marlo a genuine and captivating presence in our project.

Current Team

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