Endless Cycle
Jackson, Mississippi | Film Short
Drama
Approximately half a million hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. each year, and fibroids top the list of reasons why. Black women are 2 to 3x more likely to develop fibroids than white women. In Endless Cycle, we join Ryan on her path to discover who she is on the other side of this illness.
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This campaign raised $16,215 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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Approximately half a million hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. each year, and fibroids top the list of reasons why. Black women are 2 to 3x more likely to develop fibroids than white women. In Endless Cycle, we join Ryan on her path to discover who she is on the other side of this illness.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Logline: As her body betrays her, a woman’s identity and relationships hang in the balance when she faces a choice that could change everything.
A thirty-something woman is living with the same condition that has afflicted the women in her family for years. Her symptoms—heavy, painful, and relentless—have taken over her life. Now, she is faced with the ultimate decision: undergo another temporary procedure or opt for a final, life-altering surgery that could free her forever. But this choice forces her to confront not only her pain, but her sense of identity, family, and the possible weight of this burden on her marriage.
Hi, I'm Jessica - Writer, Director, and Producer of Endless Cycle! This short film is inspired by my own struggles with uterine fibroids and the physical and emotional tolls this ailment can take. I’m inviting you to join me on a deeply personal and necessary storytelling journey. Endless Cycle explores the often-overlooked struggles of living with uterine fibroids—a condition disproportionately affecting Black women. This is not just a story about pain. It's about love, community, and breaking the generational silence surrounding women’s health. Through the lens of Ryan, a woman navigating her second battle with fibroids, the film sheds light on the effects of this condition—not just on women, but on the loved ones who stand beside them. Endless Cycle is about empowering conversations, fostering empathy, and ensuring our stories are no longer left untold.
Endless Cycle is based on some of my own experiences. Prior to my surgery - at the encouragement of my husband - I started to film myself and jot down my thoughts, so that I could process my feelings and work through the decision of which path to take to rid my body of the pain and discomfort that I started to feel on a daily basis. This film will contain a few scenes that are taken directly from those personal videos. For over a year, I suffered through my second bout with uterine fibroids. Much like Ryan, I experienced a myriad of emotions. What did this mean for my body? For my identity? For my marriage? Endless Cycle is special to me, because although it’s not a direct depiction of my life over the last ten years, it is inspired by it, and as I wrote in my notes on September 24, 2024 - after yet another post-op appointment for a recovery period that seemed to never end, “And whatever, if anything, God wants me to learn from this...whatever He wants me to tell someone about this...I pray that I'm learning it. I pray that I'm saying it wholly and fully.”
Millions of women suffer from fibroids, yet it’s a subject that’s still not talked about on a large scale. As a Black woman, I’ve lived this journey - having been diagnosed with fibroids twice, so I know the weight it carries. This film is not only my story, but also the story of countless women who deserve to be seen and heard. Endless Cycle highlights generational resilience and the power of community.
The tone of the film is both dramatic and intimate, blending intensity with deeply personal moments. The dramatic elements emphasize the high stakes and emotional weight of Ryan’s journey, showcasing the physical and emotional pain she endures and the difficult choices she must make. These choices are not only about her health, but also about her identity and the weight of her choices on her marriage. The dramatic tension is heightened by the seriousness of her condition, highlighting the urgency of her decisions and the struggle for agency in the face of immense pressure and fear. The intimate aspects of the film are equally important, providing a tender perspective on Ryan's experience.
These moments bring the viewer into her inner world, capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with navigating her diagnosis while leaning on Leo, who is processing his own feelings while trying to remain strong for his wife. The quiet scenes—whether she is alone or sharing a heartfelt exchange with her husband or family members—invite the audience to witness her vulnerability. This allows for a deeper understanding of Ryan’s fears, hopes, and resilience. Together, the dramatic and intimate tones create a powerful narrative that is not only about the physical battle she faces, but also about the emotional strength it takes to choose what is best for herself and her future.
Ryan, 30s (Main Character)
Ryan is a married Black woman suffering from uterine fibroids. With an important decision looming, she must decide: 1) if what she's always seen as the path for her life is a decision she wants to make permanent, and 2) if she goes that route, will her marriage survive?
Leo, 30s (Main Character)
Leo has been married to Ryan for the past few years. The thought of what lies ahead weighs heavily on him, challenging his own strength as a partner.
Dr. Hogan (Main Character)
Dr. Hogan is a compassionate and spiritual older Black woman, serving as Ryan’s OBGYN.
Mom and Aunts (Minor Characters)
These three older women in their 60s are sisters - Ryan's mother and aunts.
When you support Endless Cycle, you’re not just backing a film; you’re joining our community. Together, we can bring this story to life and spark conversations that matter. We’re raising $15,000 to bring this project to life. In order to receive this funding from Seed & Spark, we must reach 80% of our goal within 30 days; otherwise, we won't receive any of the funds. Your contributions will help us cover key production expenses, including:
- Cast and crew salaries
- Set design and locations
- Transportation and logistics
- Hair, make-up, and wardrobe
- Other production costs
Every dollar brings us closer to creating a film that resonates and educates, and we can’t do it without you.
Spread the word by sharing this page and following us on Instagram using the handle, @endlesscyclefilm. You can also follow us here on Seed & Spark, which will help us unlock various perks.
Endless Cycle is currently in the pre-production phase. We have finalized the script and are currently casting key roles. We need your help in raising the funds we need to move into production—covering essentials like locations, cast, and crew. Your support will allow us to make this vision a reality, shine a light on a health issue that affects so many women, and show that community is vital for healing.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation
Costs $2,000
Some of our cast and crew are from out of state. Help us provide lodging and transportation to and from set.
Cast and Crew
Costs $9,000
We need to pay the hardworking team in front of and behind the camera.
Locations
Costs $1,000
We need to secure locations and design sets that bring the story to life.
Meals
Costs $2,000
Cost to feed cast and crew onset for 4 shooting days
Hair, Make-Up, and Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
This story spans two decades. We need to ensure that our cast is able to look the part.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jessica Kennedy Vickers, Writer/Director/Producer
A graduate of Jackson State University and Old Dominion University, Jessica is on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices. With a background in engineering and project management, she’s crafted immersive experiences and products across multiple industries - from defense to theme parks. Armed with technical know-how and creative passion, she brings a unique perspective to each project. Loosely inspired by her own life, her short film Endless Cycle is a narrative drama that explores the emotional and physical toll of uterine fibroids on Black women, but also the relationships that hold us together in times of need. Through her work, she hopes to inspire conversation. Jessica is Assistant Director of Thibodeauxville - The Story of the Thibodaux Massacre: Race, Riot, and Resilience, a documentary that is currently in post-production. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Christina Hill, Producer
Christina is a Product Marketer with over 15 years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College and the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. During her stints with Disney and ESPN Media Networks and Intel Corporation, Christina realized that she could combine her gift of storytelling with her desire to help underserved people. Christina's mission as a screenwriter is to create timeless, authentic content that changes lives, challenges stereotypes, alters perceptions, and elevates artistic expression. She is a Charter Member of the Southern University Alumni Federation - Arizona Chapter and Alpha Alpha Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Logline: As her body betrays her, a woman’s identity and relationships hang in the balance when she faces a choice that could change everything.
A thirty-something woman is living with the same condition that has afflicted the women in her family for years. Her symptoms—heavy, painful, and relentless—have taken over her life. Now, she is faced with the ultimate decision: undergo another temporary procedure or opt for a final, life-altering surgery that could free her forever. But this choice forces her to confront not only her pain, but her sense of identity, family, and the possible weight of this burden on her marriage.
Hi, I'm Jessica - Writer, Director, and Producer of Endless Cycle! This short film is inspired by my own struggles with uterine fibroids and the physical and emotional tolls this ailment can take. I’m inviting you to join me on a deeply personal and necessary storytelling journey. Endless Cycle explores the often-overlooked struggles of living with uterine fibroids—a condition disproportionately affecting Black women. This is not just a story about pain. It's about love, community, and breaking the generational silence surrounding women’s health. Through the lens of Ryan, a woman navigating her second battle with fibroids, the film sheds light on the effects of this condition—not just on women, but on the loved ones who stand beside them. Endless Cycle is about empowering conversations, fostering empathy, and ensuring our stories are no longer left untold.
Endless Cycle is based on some of my own experiences. Prior to my surgery - at the encouragement of my husband - I started to film myself and jot down my thoughts, so that I could process my feelings and work through the decision of which path to take to rid my body of the pain and discomfort that I started to feel on a daily basis. This film will contain a few scenes that are taken directly from those personal videos. For over a year, I suffered through my second bout with uterine fibroids. Much like Ryan, I experienced a myriad of emotions. What did this mean for my body? For my identity? For my marriage? Endless Cycle is special to me, because although it’s not a direct depiction of my life over the last ten years, it is inspired by it, and as I wrote in my notes on September 24, 2024 - after yet another post-op appointment for a recovery period that seemed to never end, “And whatever, if anything, God wants me to learn from this...whatever He wants me to tell someone about this...I pray that I'm learning it. I pray that I'm saying it wholly and fully.”
Millions of women suffer from fibroids, yet it’s a subject that’s still not talked about on a large scale. As a Black woman, I’ve lived this journey - having been diagnosed with fibroids twice, so I know the weight it carries. This film is not only my story, but also the story of countless women who deserve to be seen and heard. Endless Cycle highlights generational resilience and the power of community.
The tone of the film is both dramatic and intimate, blending intensity with deeply personal moments. The dramatic elements emphasize the high stakes and emotional weight of Ryan’s journey, showcasing the physical and emotional pain she endures and the difficult choices she must make. These choices are not only about her health, but also about her identity and the weight of her choices on her marriage. The dramatic tension is heightened by the seriousness of her condition, highlighting the urgency of her decisions and the struggle for agency in the face of immense pressure and fear. The intimate aspects of the film are equally important, providing a tender perspective on Ryan's experience.
These moments bring the viewer into her inner world, capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with navigating her diagnosis while leaning on Leo, who is processing his own feelings while trying to remain strong for his wife. The quiet scenes—whether she is alone or sharing a heartfelt exchange with her husband or family members—invite the audience to witness her vulnerability. This allows for a deeper understanding of Ryan’s fears, hopes, and resilience. Together, the dramatic and intimate tones create a powerful narrative that is not only about the physical battle she faces, but also about the emotional strength it takes to choose what is best for herself and her future.
Ryan, 30s (Main Character)
Ryan is a married Black woman suffering from uterine fibroids. With an important decision looming, she must decide: 1) if what she's always seen as the path for her life is a decision she wants to make permanent, and 2) if she goes that route, will her marriage survive?
Leo, 30s (Main Character)
Leo has been married to Ryan for the past few years. The thought of what lies ahead weighs heavily on him, challenging his own strength as a partner.
Dr. Hogan (Main Character)
Dr. Hogan is a compassionate and spiritual older Black woman, serving as Ryan’s OBGYN.
Mom and Aunts (Minor Characters)
These three older women in their 60s are sisters - Ryan's mother and aunts.
When you support Endless Cycle, you’re not just backing a film; you’re joining our community. Together, we can bring this story to life and spark conversations that matter. We’re raising $15,000 to bring this project to life. In order to receive this funding from Seed & Spark, we must reach 80% of our goal within 30 days; otherwise, we won't receive any of the funds. Your contributions will help us cover key production expenses, including:
- Cast and crew salaries
- Set design and locations
- Transportation and logistics
- Hair, make-up, and wardrobe
- Other production costs
Every dollar brings us closer to creating a film that resonates and educates, and we can’t do it without you.
Spread the word by sharing this page and following us on Instagram using the handle, @endlesscyclefilm. You can also follow us here on Seed & Spark, which will help us unlock various perks.
Endless Cycle is currently in the pre-production phase. We have finalized the script and are currently casting key roles. We need your help in raising the funds we need to move into production—covering essentials like locations, cast, and crew. Your support will allow us to make this vision a reality, shine a light on a health issue that affects so many women, and show that community is vital for healing.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation
Costs $2,000
Some of our cast and crew are from out of state. Help us provide lodging and transportation to and from set.
Cast and Crew
Costs $9,000
We need to pay the hardworking team in front of and behind the camera.
Locations
Costs $1,000
We need to secure locations and design sets that bring the story to life.
Meals
Costs $2,000
Cost to feed cast and crew onset for 4 shooting days
Hair, Make-Up, and Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
This story spans two decades. We need to ensure that our cast is able to look the part.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jessica Kennedy Vickers, Writer/Director/Producer
A graduate of Jackson State University and Old Dominion University, Jessica is on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices. With a background in engineering and project management, she’s crafted immersive experiences and products across multiple industries - from defense to theme parks. Armed with technical know-how and creative passion, she brings a unique perspective to each project. Loosely inspired by her own life, her short film Endless Cycle is a narrative drama that explores the emotional and physical toll of uterine fibroids on Black women, but also the relationships that hold us together in times of need. Through her work, she hopes to inspire conversation. Jessica is Assistant Director of Thibodeauxville - The Story of the Thibodaux Massacre: Race, Riot, and Resilience, a documentary that is currently in post-production. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Christina Hill, Producer
Christina is a Product Marketer with over 15 years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College and the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. During her stints with Disney and ESPN Media Networks and Intel Corporation, Christina realized that she could combine her gift of storytelling with her desire to help underserved people. Christina's mission as a screenwriter is to create timeless, authentic content that changes lives, challenges stereotypes, alters perceptions, and elevates artistic expression. She is a Charter Member of the Southern University Alumni Federation - Arizona Chapter and Alpha Alpha Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.