Dirt
New York City, New York | Film Feature
Drama, Thriller
Upon discovering that her uncle is using her late brother's body as a scarecrow, defiant teenager Alma risks her life, her sanity, and what's left of her family to bury him. Set in 1950s Georgia, this gothic adaptation of Antigone follows Alma on her quest for what's right, no matter what it costs.
Dirt
New York City, New York | Film Feature
Drama, Thriller
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
22 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,500
Goal: $10,000 for production
Upon discovering that her uncle is using her late brother's body as a scarecrow, defiant teenager Alma risks her life, her sanity, and what's left of her family to bury him. Set in 1950s Georgia, this gothic adaptation of Antigone follows Alma on her quest for what's right, no matter what it costs.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
(Still from No Country for Old Men (2007) Dir. Joel and Ethan Coen)
I spent the first eighteen years of my life in rural Georgia, right in the middle of the Bible Belt, where our story takes place. I was deeply mentally ill but unmedicated and, therefore, emotionally volatile. All the while, I was encouraged to stay quiet in the name of keeping up appearances. No one wants to listen to a “difficult” teenage girl.
When I first read Antigone, it felt so familiar to me and I couldn’t put my finger on why. Then I realized it reminded me of home, of the culture I grew up in. I began to see undeniable parallels between the characters and the stories of my own family, my ancestors, and my beautiful but imperfect home state. Antigone and her world made total sense to me, like looking in a distorted mirror.
Originally, I wrote Dirt for myself, just to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. Truthfully, I didn’t think it would see the light of day and the fact that it is going to terrifies me– but I know other girls and women who grew up in the South can relate and that’s where my heart lies.
I have been an actor and a writer all my life, and this story is one that I have spent the last four years of my life living in, but in a way, I’ve been creating it since I was a teenager. I know it like the back of my hand. Combined with Jeff’s years of directing and producing experience, I believe we can bring Alma’s timely story to life in a way that transports everyone right into her world, her strife, and her righteous fury. – JoHannah
(Still from Days of Heaven (1978) Dir. Terrence Malick)
This is not an easy film, It's an honest one. Made for the audience that feels the full weight of life, and wants cinema that doesn't look away.
We're currently in active casting and pre-production, filming in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a target production date of fall 2026. Our goal is to bring Dirt to audiences through the festival circuit, and from there, to the world.
Why we need your help: Independent films like this one don't get made without a community behind them. Studios don't greenlight quiet, painful, character-driven period stories without a brand attached. That means everything depends on people who believe in the power of this kind of storytelling.
(Still from Sharp Objects (2018) Dir. Jean-Marc Vallée)
Every dollar goes directly into the film.
Where your money goes
• Lodging
• Costumes/Props/SFX
• Location
• Equipment
• Food
• Cast
• Crew
(Still from The Village (2004) Dir. M. Night Shyamalan)
If you've ever felt seen by a film that sat in the uncomfortable and didn't change it, if you've ever sat in the dark and thought someone made this for me, this is your chance to make that happen for someone else.
(Still from The Devil All the Time (2020) Dir. Antonio Campos)
Donate. Share. Help us get Dirt made.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew Lodging
Costs $3,000
In order to keep our team comfortable and ready to get to work filming Dirt, we will be providing housing in Bucks County.
Props & Costumes
Costs $2,000
To bring 1950s Georgia to life, we'll be sourcing era-appropriate items of clothing and props!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $2,000
In order to make Dirt look and sound the best it can, we will be renting high-quality equipment!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JOHANNAH JAMES (she/her) is an NYC-based writer — among other things — who grew up in rural southeast Georgia and now can’t stop writing about it. She first wrote Dirt as a play in 2022 and has spent the last year preparing it for the big screen with immense gratitude for Jeff and every person helping her breathe life into this story that means so much to her.
JEFF HARVEY (he/him) has been producing films in PA and NJ for half a decade. Under the banner of MJ Productions, this is his first feature film, and the minute he read JoHannah’s script, he knew this was the project he wanted to make.
ALICIA MCDONALD (she/her) is a NJ based actor and filmmaker with a passion for telling women-centered stories. She is thrilled to work with JoHannah and Jeff again and help to bring the story of the Taylor family to life.
LEXI RAPNIKAS (she/her) is a Chicago native new to the world of film producing, choosing Dirt as her debut project. With a love for period pieces, Lexi has taken on the role of Producer with a fiery passion, and can’t wait to begin bringing Dirt to life with an amazing team alongside her.
ANNA DALESSIO (she/her) is a PA-based writer and filmmaker with a flair for the absurdly comedic and a passion for the haunting, twisted, and tragic. She is thrilled to be working with such a sharp, talented crew and to do JoHannah’s brilliant script justice.
LUCIA ARIAS (she/her) is a writer, director and producer from Colombia based in NYC. She is in love with haunting stories, stories of families, heritage and even more so when those intersect like in Dirt. Lucia is very excited to bring this project to life alongside the rest of the team.
DEANNA YEE (she/her) is an NYC based producer originally from San Francisco who is passionate about advocating for creatives and bringing their visions to life. She enjoys working on dramas and female led stories. She is excited to work with JoHannah and the rest of the team as she brings her story to the big screen.
STEVEN CAMPOS (he/him) started his cinematography journey in late 2018, shooting his first project titled 'Swiped'. In 2019 he moved to Philadelphia to jump-start his film career and has been located in the Philly area ever since. His film career has taken him all over the country and his skill set as a cinematographer has evolved over the years. Today, he primarily focuses on narrative projects using his skill set to bring stories to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
(Still from No Country for Old Men (2007) Dir. Joel and Ethan Coen)
I spent the first eighteen years of my life in rural Georgia, right in the middle of the Bible Belt, where our story takes place. I was deeply mentally ill but unmedicated and, therefore, emotionally volatile. All the while, I was encouraged to stay quiet in the name of keeping up appearances. No one wants to listen to a “difficult” teenage girl.
When I first read Antigone, it felt so familiar to me and I couldn’t put my finger on why. Then I realized it reminded me of home, of the culture I grew up in. I began to see undeniable parallels between the characters and the stories of my own family, my ancestors, and my beautiful but imperfect home state. Antigone and her world made total sense to me, like looking in a distorted mirror.
Originally, I wrote Dirt for myself, just to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. Truthfully, I didn’t think it would see the light of day and the fact that it is going to terrifies me– but I know other girls and women who grew up in the South can relate and that’s where my heart lies.
I have been an actor and a writer all my life, and this story is one that I have spent the last four years of my life living in, but in a way, I’ve been creating it since I was a teenager. I know it like the back of my hand. Combined with Jeff’s years of directing and producing experience, I believe we can bring Alma’s timely story to life in a way that transports everyone right into her world, her strife, and her righteous fury. – JoHannah
(Still from Days of Heaven (1978) Dir. Terrence Malick)
This is not an easy film, It's an honest one. Made for the audience that feels the full weight of life, and wants cinema that doesn't look away.
We're currently in active casting and pre-production, filming in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a target production date of fall 2026. Our goal is to bring Dirt to audiences through the festival circuit, and from there, to the world.
Why we need your help: Independent films like this one don't get made without a community behind them. Studios don't greenlight quiet, painful, character-driven period stories without a brand attached. That means everything depends on people who believe in the power of this kind of storytelling.
(Still from Sharp Objects (2018) Dir. Jean-Marc Vallée)
Every dollar goes directly into the film.
Where your money goes
• Lodging
• Costumes/Props/SFX
• Location
• Equipment
• Food
• Cast
• Crew
(Still from The Village (2004) Dir. M. Night Shyamalan)
If you've ever felt seen by a film that sat in the uncomfortable and didn't change it, if you've ever sat in the dark and thought someone made this for me, this is your chance to make that happen for someone else.
(Still from The Devil All the Time (2020) Dir. Antonio Campos)
Donate. Share. Help us get Dirt made.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew Lodging
Costs $3,000
In order to keep our team comfortable and ready to get to work filming Dirt, we will be providing housing in Bucks County.
Props & Costumes
Costs $2,000
To bring 1950s Georgia to life, we'll be sourcing era-appropriate items of clothing and props!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $2,000
In order to make Dirt look and sound the best it can, we will be renting high-quality equipment!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JOHANNAH JAMES (she/her) is an NYC-based writer — among other things — who grew up in rural southeast Georgia and now can’t stop writing about it. She first wrote Dirt as a play in 2022 and has spent the last year preparing it for the big screen with immense gratitude for Jeff and every person helping her breathe life into this story that means so much to her.
JEFF HARVEY (he/him) has been producing films in PA and NJ for half a decade. Under the banner of MJ Productions, this is his first feature film, and the minute he read JoHannah’s script, he knew this was the project he wanted to make.
ALICIA MCDONALD (she/her) is a NJ based actor and filmmaker with a passion for telling women-centered stories. She is thrilled to work with JoHannah and Jeff again and help to bring the story of the Taylor family to life.
LEXI RAPNIKAS (she/her) is a Chicago native new to the world of film producing, choosing Dirt as her debut project. With a love for period pieces, Lexi has taken on the role of Producer with a fiery passion, and can’t wait to begin bringing Dirt to life with an amazing team alongside her.
ANNA DALESSIO (she/her) is a PA-based writer and filmmaker with a flair for the absurdly comedic and a passion for the haunting, twisted, and tragic. She is thrilled to be working with such a sharp, talented crew and to do JoHannah’s brilliant script justice.
LUCIA ARIAS (she/her) is a writer, director and producer from Colombia based in NYC. She is in love with haunting stories, stories of families, heritage and even more so when those intersect like in Dirt. Lucia is very excited to bring this project to life alongside the rest of the team.
DEANNA YEE (she/her) is an NYC based producer originally from San Francisco who is passionate about advocating for creatives and bringing their visions to life. She enjoys working on dramas and female led stories. She is excited to work with JoHannah and the rest of the team as she brings her story to the big screen.
STEVEN CAMPOS (he/him) started his cinematography journey in late 2018, shooting his first project titled 'Swiped'. In 2019 he moved to Philadelphia to jump-start his film career and has been located in the Philly area ever since. His film career has taken him all over the country and his skill set as a cinematographer has evolved over the years. Today, he primarily focuses on narrative projects using his skill set to bring stories to life.