Girl | Dad Film
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Shorts Program
A Chinese adoptee. A single father. Forty years of love. Twelve minutes of film. "Girl | Dad" explores what remains when dementia steals shared memories but can't erase the language of love. Your support brings this universal story of chosen family to screens.
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$24,792
Goal: $24,855 for production
A Chinese adoptee. A single father. Forty years of love. Twelve minutes of film. "Girl | Dad" explores what remains when dementia steals shared memories but can't erase the language of love. Your support brings this universal story of chosen family to screens.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Girl | Dad is an intimate father-daughter journey that unfolds across four decades in twelve minutes. Starring Sherry Cola (Joy Ride, Nobody Wants This, Good Trouble) and Chris Tallman (Reno 911, The Thundermans), this tender story follows a Chinese adoptee and her single father as they navigate cultural identity, belonging, and an unbreakable bond that is tested when dementia begins to erase their shared history. From childhood moments of both disconnect and deep understanding, to a bittersweet role reversal in their later years, the film explores how love can transcend memory itself.
Why Your Support Matters
In November 2024, our dedicated team captured 47 setups in just two days—showcasing the efficiency and passion driving this production. Now we need your help to cross the finish line.
Your contribution is the bridge between vision and reality.
By backing GIRL | DAD, you're championing authentic representation at a crucial cultural moment.
Your generosity directly funds:
- Our three-day shoot and pickups (summer, 2025) capturing the emotional core of this father-daughter journey
- Compensation for our diverse Los Angeles cast and crew
- Crucial equipment and post-production services
- A festival-ready film by the end of 2025 positioned to reach global audiences
Beyond the film itself, your support:
- Strengthens LA's creative ecosystem during ongoing industry recovery
- Creates employment opportunities for local talent
- Creates space for underrepresented stories that expand our cultural conversation
- Joins a legacy of arts patronage that recognizes film's unique power to foster empathy and understanding
This isn't just a film—it's a testament to how love transforms us, told by the voices that need to be heard.
Help us illuminate how chosen families weather life's most profound challenges, creating ripples of empathy that extend far beyond the screen.
Our ImPACT Commitment
This film emerges from lived experience—both our protagonist and director are transracial adoptees bringing genuine insight to this narrative. Beyond creating authentic representation, we're committed to tangible change: the filmmakers will personally match 5% of all funds raised as a direct donation to PACT, an adoption alliance supporting adopted children of color and their families.
Your contribution simultaneously funds a powerful cinematic experience and strengthens real-world support systems. By joining our campaign, you amplify transracial adoptee voices in film while actively supporting the communities these stories represent.
Stretch Goals
Your investment in GIRL | DAD will not only drive this film to completion, but impacts how powerfully it resonates with audiences worldwide. Each threshold unlocks new potential:
$24,855 — PRODUCTION GOAL
Essential funding to complete our FINAL SHOOT in summer, 2025 with professional standards while fairly compensating our dedicated team. Covers fundamental equipment, and basic production costs.
IF WE REACH $35,063 — POST & COMPLETION GOAL
Allows us to cover post-production costs: professional editing, original score, color grading, and immersive sound design that elevates every emotional beat.
IF WE REACH $40,000 — AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Allows us to get the film in front of audiences through strategic festival submissions, promotion and distribution, and targeted community screenings at adoption networks and cultural centers.
IF WE REACH $50,000 — SUSTAINABILITY TIER
Allows us to partially repay the filmmakers who self-funded GIRL | DAD out of pocket for the initial phase of the project. We'll also be able to offer our crew more respectable day rates and maximize our PACT donation impact for adoptees of color.
Every dollar beyond our base goal multiplies both artistic quality and cultural reach—your generosity determines how many hearts this story touches.
Meet the Director
Dual Investment: Short Film & Feature Pathway
The Strategic Vision
This short is just the beginning. While Girl | Dad stands as a powerful, festival-ready short film in its own right, it also serves as the cinematic calling card for Liz's award-winning feature script, BELONGING, which is poised for production.
Validated by the Industry
BELONGING has already established remarkable industry credibility:
- 2024 Atlanta Film Festival Narrative Screenplay Award Winner
- Cinestory Foundation Feature Prize (Third Place)
- Currently ranked #19 on Coverfly's Red List among 57,000+ drama scripts
- Festival Recognition including Slamdance, PAGE, and Big Break competitions
By supporting GIRL | DAD, you join at the ground floor of what industry gatekeepers have already identified as both artistically compelling and viable.
With this industry momentum behind us, our film's significance extends far beyond accolades and recognition to address profound human questions that resonate universally.
A Cultural Bridge When We Need It Most
In our increasingly divided world, this film bears witness to love's power to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. When memory fades and identity blurs, what anchors us? These questions resonate beyond adoption or dementia—they speak to our shared human experience.
The world needs these stories. The artists are ready. The vision is clear. All that remains is you.
Join us today. Help transform silence into visibility, isolation into connection and bring GIRL | DAD to audiences worldwide.
.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Meals to Feed Cast and Crew ($700/day)
Costs $2,100
Our cast and crew are giving it everything they've got and need some home cookin' to give them the strength to deliver the goods!
Compensate our Background Actors (Non-SAG)
Costs $1,997
This compensates all actors featured in the film without speaking lines as well as the studio teacher required for child actors on set.
Production Design and Wardrobe
Costs $1,700
Costs for the art, design, set decoration, props and wardrobe to bring the loving home of GIRL DAD to life.
Transportation
Costs $725
Cost of shlepping all the gear, art, props, wardrobe and lovely people around.
Camera Gear and Equipment
Costs $2,650
This includes camera gear rental, grip, lighting, and transport for all things not being provided in kind, and at significantly reduced cost
Compensate our Cast
Costs $3,333
This is a SAG-AFTRA production helping to support actors in our local economy.
Compensate our Crew
Costs $7,950
Support our incredible crew of LA-based film professionals who are all working for a modest rate across the 3 day shoot.
Location Fees
Costs $4,400
This will help pay for the all encompassing locations for the shoot, the necessary permits and the technical scout.
Share this update!
About This Team
Starring:
Sherry Cola as Adult Xiaohua
Chris Tallman as Younger Jack
Siyu Liang as Child Xiaohua
Stephen Macdonald Howard as Older Jack
Trang Vo as Teen Xiaohua
Shaw Purnell as Sheryl
Jodi Hou as Tween Xiaohua
Ashley Platz as Nurse
Amy Bury as Park Woman 1
Jennifer Murray Park Woman 2
Bo Deutschman as Mean Boy 1
Wyatt Deutschman as Mean Boy 2
Writer / Director: Lianzi Fields
Executive Producer: Dominic Musacchio
Producers: Caitlin Bruner, Rachel Eck
Casting Director: Christian Bustamante
Line Producer: Leila Abu-saada
Cinematographer: Pat Shahabian
Editor: Max Goldblatt
Assistant Directors: Alex Mallonee, Simone Warrick
Production Designer: Joseph Cavanaugh
Set Decorator / Prop Master: Jordan Lightner
Associate Producer / Art Assistant: Brigid Kelly
1st AC: Michelle Alanis
2nd AC: Andre Sanchez
Key Grip: Henry Martinez
Gaffer: Ryan Oppedisano
GE/SWing: Chris Waldorf
Sound Mixer: Justin Garcia
Makeup: Apple Love
Costume Designer: Cocoa Rigal
Food stylist: Jill Devlin
PAs: Shan Hafez, Omar Gutierrez, Spencer Worthley
Set Teachers: Thomas Wagner, Carol Bandy
Stills Photographer: Dennis Kwan
Art Designer / Graphics: Amy Bury
Artwork provided by: Patricia Goff
Additional artwork provided by: Elizabeth Cumming and Edward Cumming
For Special Order:
Aaron Ohlmann, Executive Producer
David Clair, Executive Producer
Derek Griesbach, Line Producer
Casey Jones, Assistant Editor
Emi Eck, Assistant Editor, Graphics Design, all-round baddie.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Girl | Dad is an intimate father-daughter journey that unfolds across four decades in twelve minutes. Starring Sherry Cola (Joy Ride, Nobody Wants This, Good Trouble) and Chris Tallman (Reno 911, The Thundermans), this tender story follows a Chinese adoptee and her single father as they navigate cultural identity, belonging, and an unbreakable bond that is tested when dementia begins to erase their shared history. From childhood moments of both disconnect and deep understanding, to a bittersweet role reversal in their later years, the film explores how love can transcend memory itself.
Why Your Support Matters
In November 2024, our dedicated team captured 47 setups in just two days—showcasing the efficiency and passion driving this production. Now we need your help to cross the finish line.
Your contribution is the bridge between vision and reality.
By backing GIRL | DAD, you're championing authentic representation at a crucial cultural moment.
Your generosity directly funds:
- Our three-day shoot and pickups (summer, 2025) capturing the emotional core of this father-daughter journey
- Compensation for our diverse Los Angeles cast and crew
- Crucial equipment and post-production services
- A festival-ready film by the end of 2025 positioned to reach global audiences
Beyond the film itself, your support:
- Strengthens LA's creative ecosystem during ongoing industry recovery
- Creates employment opportunities for local talent
- Creates space for underrepresented stories that expand our cultural conversation
- Joins a legacy of arts patronage that recognizes film's unique power to foster empathy and understanding
This isn't just a film—it's a testament to how love transforms us, told by the voices that need to be heard.
Help us illuminate how chosen families weather life's most profound challenges, creating ripples of empathy that extend far beyond the screen.
Our ImPACT Commitment
This film emerges from lived experience—both our protagonist and director are transracial adoptees bringing genuine insight to this narrative. Beyond creating authentic representation, we're committed to tangible change: the filmmakers will personally match 5% of all funds raised as a direct donation to PACT, an adoption alliance supporting adopted children of color and their families.
Your contribution simultaneously funds a powerful cinematic experience and strengthens real-world support systems. By joining our campaign, you amplify transracial adoptee voices in film while actively supporting the communities these stories represent.
Stretch Goals
Your investment in GIRL | DAD will not only drive this film to completion, but impacts how powerfully it resonates with audiences worldwide. Each threshold unlocks new potential:
$24,855 — PRODUCTION GOAL
Essential funding to complete our FINAL SHOOT in summer, 2025 with professional standards while fairly compensating our dedicated team. Covers fundamental equipment, and basic production costs.
IF WE REACH $35,063 — POST & COMPLETION GOAL
Allows us to cover post-production costs: professional editing, original score, color grading, and immersive sound design that elevates every emotional beat.
IF WE REACH $40,000 — AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Allows us to get the film in front of audiences through strategic festival submissions, promotion and distribution, and targeted community screenings at adoption networks and cultural centers.
IF WE REACH $50,000 — SUSTAINABILITY TIER
Allows us to partially repay the filmmakers who self-funded GIRL | DAD out of pocket for the initial phase of the project. We'll also be able to offer our crew more respectable day rates and maximize our PACT donation impact for adoptees of color.
Every dollar beyond our base goal multiplies both artistic quality and cultural reach—your generosity determines how many hearts this story touches.
Meet the Director
Dual Investment: Short Film & Feature Pathway
The Strategic Vision
This short is just the beginning. While Girl | Dad stands as a powerful, festival-ready short film in its own right, it also serves as the cinematic calling card for Liz's award-winning feature script, BELONGING, which is poised for production.
Validated by the Industry
BELONGING has already established remarkable industry credibility:
- 2024 Atlanta Film Festival Narrative Screenplay Award Winner
- Cinestory Foundation Feature Prize (Third Place)
- Currently ranked #19 on Coverfly's Red List among 57,000+ drama scripts
- Festival Recognition including Slamdance, PAGE, and Big Break competitions
By supporting GIRL | DAD, you join at the ground floor of what industry gatekeepers have already identified as both artistically compelling and viable.
With this industry momentum behind us, our film's significance extends far beyond accolades and recognition to address profound human questions that resonate universally.
A Cultural Bridge When We Need It Most
In our increasingly divided world, this film bears witness to love's power to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. When memory fades and identity blurs, what anchors us? These questions resonate beyond adoption or dementia—they speak to our shared human experience.
The world needs these stories. The artists are ready. The vision is clear. All that remains is you.
Join us today. Help transform silence into visibility, isolation into connection and bring GIRL | DAD to audiences worldwide.
.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Meals to Feed Cast and Crew ($700/day)
Costs $2,100
Our cast and crew are giving it everything they've got and need some home cookin' to give them the strength to deliver the goods!
Compensate our Background Actors (Non-SAG)
Costs $1,997
This compensates all actors featured in the film without speaking lines as well as the studio teacher required for child actors on set.
Production Design and Wardrobe
Costs $1,700
Costs for the art, design, set decoration, props and wardrobe to bring the loving home of GIRL DAD to life.
Transportation
Costs $725
Cost of shlepping all the gear, art, props, wardrobe and lovely people around.
Camera Gear and Equipment
Costs $2,650
This includes camera gear rental, grip, lighting, and transport for all things not being provided in kind, and at significantly reduced cost
Compensate our Cast
Costs $3,333
This is a SAG-AFTRA production helping to support actors in our local economy.
Compensate our Crew
Costs $7,950
Support our incredible crew of LA-based film professionals who are all working for a modest rate across the 3 day shoot.
Location Fees
Costs $4,400
This will help pay for the all encompassing locations for the shoot, the necessary permits and the technical scout.
Share this update!
About This Team
Starring:
Sherry Cola as Adult Xiaohua
Chris Tallman as Younger Jack
Siyu Liang as Child Xiaohua
Stephen Macdonald Howard as Older Jack
Trang Vo as Teen Xiaohua
Shaw Purnell as Sheryl
Jodi Hou as Tween Xiaohua
Ashley Platz as Nurse
Amy Bury as Park Woman 1
Jennifer Murray Park Woman 2
Bo Deutschman as Mean Boy 1
Wyatt Deutschman as Mean Boy 2
Writer / Director: Lianzi Fields
Executive Producer: Dominic Musacchio
Producers: Caitlin Bruner, Rachel Eck
Casting Director: Christian Bustamante
Line Producer: Leila Abu-saada
Cinematographer: Pat Shahabian
Editor: Max Goldblatt
Assistant Directors: Alex Mallonee, Simone Warrick
Production Designer: Joseph Cavanaugh
Set Decorator / Prop Master: Jordan Lightner
Associate Producer / Art Assistant: Brigid Kelly
1st AC: Michelle Alanis
2nd AC: Andre Sanchez
Key Grip: Henry Martinez
Gaffer: Ryan Oppedisano
GE/SWing: Chris Waldorf
Sound Mixer: Justin Garcia
Makeup: Apple Love
Costume Designer: Cocoa Rigal
Food stylist: Jill Devlin
PAs: Shan Hafez, Omar Gutierrez, Spencer Worthley
Set Teachers: Thomas Wagner, Carol Bandy
Stills Photographer: Dennis Kwan
Art Designer / Graphics: Amy Bury
Artwork provided by: Patricia Goff
Additional artwork provided by: Elizabeth Cumming and Edward Cumming
For Special Order:
Aaron Ohlmann, Executive Producer
David Clair, Executive Producer
Derek Griesbach, Line Producer
Casey Jones, Assistant Editor
Emi Eck, Assistant Editor, Graphics Design, all-round baddie.