Hag.
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Short
Horror, LGBTQ
A young woman battles her mental health and a hometown urban legend come to life, while pregnant with her first child. Support two Howard MFA Film Thesis candidates in creating a Southern Gothic horror film, about a underrepresented group in South Carolina!
Hag.
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Short
Horror, LGBTQ
3 Campaigns | District of Columbia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,120 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
75 supporters | followers
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A young woman battles her mental health and a hometown urban legend come to life, while pregnant with her first child. Support two Howard MFA Film Thesis candidates in creating a Southern Gothic horror film, about a underrepresented group in South Carolina!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Mission Statement
As a group of emerging Black filmmakers from The illustrious Howard University, the ONLY HBCU to have a master's program in Film, we aim to share stories from underrepresented groups in the Queer Black Diaspora
Chile... What's a Hag? 
So... a movie? What's tea?
Hag, a queer Southern Gothic, is a piece our director/writer, Jay Najeeah has been working on since she was 17 and just starting undergrad. Now, 24, and nearing the end of their MFA Program at the illustrious Howard University, we feel that we have to get this story out there.
Hag tells the story of a woman, Reesa, raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina by her grandmother, Myra, after the death of her mother. Reesa, now an adult, is married to a loving partner, Khari, and is pregnant with her first child. This pregnancy is plagued by the Gullah Geechee Urban legend of a boo hag. This creature feeds on the stress and grief of families and at a time like this in Reesa's life, of course, it has latched on tight.
See below for a quote from our director!
This story is near and dear to our director's heart, as someone who grew up in the Deep South, who was raised in a matriarchal household, and who has always had a deep fear of hospitals and pregnancy. Jay is extremely intent on giving this story the space it deserves. This story is all about women, how they connect to one another in times of distress, and we feel that Jay needs to be the artist to share this story.
The Characters
Reesa: Protagonist: The creator. Mid-to-late 30s. Manic, is a bit touchy when it comes to her emotions. A queer black woman pregnant with her first child, She’s having trouble sleeping due to the anxiety around having her first baby. This also manifests in sleep paralysis that coincides with the Hag, a creature that feeds on its victim's life force.
Khari: Mid 30s, Black. the caregiver, the lover. The partner of Reesa, a photographer, and lover of poorly seasoned foods. Level-headed but a jokester, grounds Reesa when she begins to spiral out of control. She is the logic and reasoning in their relationship, meant to be the backup and support system
Myra: Older black woman in slacks and a button-up. Settles us into the world of her mental health. She's normal height, a neat, reformed hippie type. She has a kind smile and funky socks on. You can't help but want to like her. Gaslights Reesa regarding the supernatural elements of her experience.
What's so special about this anyway?
Growing up with this urban legend, Jay saw how important the oral storytelling tradition is. There aren't many books about Geechee life and being able to bring this story to life would be a dream come true. Now more than ever, We find it vital to tell black stories through the lens of black life. The Black Southern experience has been forced into a corner where only stories of racialized trauma for the white eye have been uplifted. Our intention for this film, and all future work is to show aspects of the Black South that have long since been ignored.
Every part of this film has been deeply intentional and sincere from inception. From working to cast queer womxn in these roles and hiring all Black womxn department heads on crew, Hag. as a production is extremely purposeful about being the change that we want to see in the world. We hope you join us in supporting this journey.
Where are we now?
We are currently in pre-production on the film! Our shooting dates are Sept 10th-17th of 2023. Once principal shooting is complete, we're heading straight to the editing bay! Upon completion, we'll be submitting to festival(and depending on how much you donate, you might see it early!)
Stretch Goals
If we surpass our 100% goal, we will be able to compensate our crew for their amazing work!
MORE WAYS TO HELP
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Instagram. And encourage your friends to follow us too! We also have a website!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #HagFilm
Tell your girls, gays, and they's about "Hag". Please share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Share our campaign video and this page with your friends, family, and network across social media or by word of mouth! It will help us in reaching more people.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Food, gas, and travel!
Costs $1,500
We're shooting in Maryland and have to fly in our actors and feed our cast and crew.
Marketing and Distribution
Costs $500
We need to spread the word! From festivals to social media we need your help.
Hair and Makeup
Costs $700
We aim to use practical effects in the film, so we need money to make our monsters look scary!
Set Design
Costs $700
A film is nothing, without a set. Help us make this home have a little Southern Comfort!
Post Production
Costs $500
We're filming digital & analog. Help us curb the cost of developing super16 film.
Cash Pledge
Costs $1
We'd like to be able to pay our cast for their hard work and effort. Lend a hand?
Camera & Lights
Costs $2,800
Films need what? Lights & cameras! Pledge to offset the cost of rentals and insurance.
Sound Equipment & Design
Costs $300
Yeah, we can see it. But can we hear it? Pledge to make sure we have adequate sound equipment.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jay Najeeah, Writer/Director (she/they) is a freelance filmmaker, writer, dramaturg, and artist-activist hailing from Columbia, SC. Based in DC, their work is grounded in both Theatre of the Oppressed pedagogy and the principles of Black Feminism. A thesis candidate in Howard University’s MFA Film Program, Jay is committed to storytelling and uplifting the perspective of queer, southern, Black folk. Having a concentration in writing & directing, Jay’s grasp on cinematic language has allowed them the ability to play in the realm of dramatic, experimental, & magical realism. As the writer/director of “Hag.,” Jay is extremely grateful to bring her story to life. As a born and raised Southerner, this story has been brewing since they were 17, and the “Hag.” team is ready to put it on screen.
Meagan Simms, Director of Photography (she/they)- Based in Washington, DC, Meagan Sims is a Chicago native who has attained her master’s degree in film at Howard University. With an emphasis in Cinematography, Meagan’s methodology highlights both naturalistic and dream-like visuals that calls attention to the variety of subjects that fill her frame, while also paying heed to the usage of light and shadow to showcase the breadth of experiences of being BIPOC. Along with her artistic work, Meagan is committed to creating a collaborative workspace where fellow creatives can share their vision and contribute. Looking to break away from the usual clichés, Meagan is building on creating feelings of relatability, satire, and self-reflection through the use of the camera and camera movements. In addition, she augments her cinematography with well-rounded lighting practice. From meaningful contrast to vibrant colors that catch the audience’s eye, to soft and hazy lighting, she makes subjects pop in front of the lens. (Headshot by Candace Dane)
Cameron Logan, Producer(He/Him) is a driven filmmaker from Arlington, Virginia, with a passion for producing compelling stories on screen. A current thesis candidate in Howard University's Masters of Fine Arts in Film, he has developed a wide range of skills in all aspects of the film production process. Cameron began his film journey at a film production company in New Delhi, during his undergraduate education at the University of Virginia. After graduating with a Drama degree, he worked at several local DMV video production companies, from corporate marketing to lifestyle and pop culture. Once he began graduate school he transitioned into the film industry, working as a Production Assistant for Netflix, Apple TV, and HBO on various film projects. As the producer of Hag., the upcoming thesis film written by his classmate, Cameron is determined and excited to bring the director's creative vision to life. He is committed to creating meaningful stories that entertain and inspire audiences while making a positive impact on the world.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Mission Statement
As a group of emerging Black filmmakers from The illustrious Howard University, the ONLY HBCU to have a master's program in Film, we aim to share stories from underrepresented groups in the Queer Black Diaspora
Chile... What's a Hag?
So... a movie? What's tea?
Hag, a queer Southern Gothic, is a piece our director/writer, Jay Najeeah has been working on since she was 17 and just starting undergrad. Now, 24, and nearing the end of their MFA Program at the illustrious Howard University, we feel that we have to get this story out there.
Hag tells the story of a woman, Reesa, raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina by her grandmother, Myra, after the death of her mother. Reesa, now an adult, is married to a loving partner, Khari, and is pregnant with her first child. This pregnancy is plagued by the Gullah Geechee Urban legend of a boo hag. This creature feeds on the stress and grief of families and at a time like this in Reesa's life, of course, it has latched on tight.
See below for a quote from our director!
This story is near and dear to our director's heart, as someone who grew up in the Deep South, who was raised in a matriarchal household, and who has always had a deep fear of hospitals and pregnancy. Jay is extremely intent on giving this story the space it deserves. This story is all about women, how they connect to one another in times of distress, and we feel that Jay needs to be the artist to share this story.
The Characters
Reesa: Protagonist: The creator. Mid-to-late 30s. Manic, is a bit touchy when it comes to her emotions. A queer black woman pregnant with her first child, She’s having trouble sleeping due to the anxiety around having her first baby. This also manifests in sleep paralysis that coincides with the Hag, a creature that feeds on its victim's life force.
Khari: Mid 30s, Black. the caregiver, the lover. The partner of Reesa, a photographer, and lover of poorly seasoned foods. Level-headed but a jokester, grounds Reesa when she begins to spiral out of control. She is the logic and reasoning in their relationship, meant to be the backup and support system
Myra: Older black woman in slacks and a button-up. Settles us into the world of her mental health. She's normal height, a neat, reformed hippie type. She has a kind smile and funky socks on. You can't help but want to like her. Gaslights Reesa regarding the supernatural elements of her experience.
What's so special about this anyway?
Growing up with this urban legend, Jay saw how important the oral storytelling tradition is. There aren't many books about Geechee life and being able to bring this story to life would be a dream come true. Now more than ever, We find it vital to tell black stories through the lens of black life. The Black Southern experience has been forced into a corner where only stories of racialized trauma for the white eye have been uplifted. Our intention for this film, and all future work is to show aspects of the Black South that have long since been ignored.
Every part of this film has been deeply intentional and sincere from inception. From working to cast queer womxn in these roles and hiring all Black womxn department heads on crew, Hag. as a production is extremely purposeful about being the change that we want to see in the world. We hope you join us in supporting this journey.
Where are we now?
We are currently in pre-production on the film! Our shooting dates are Sept 10th-17th of 2023. Once principal shooting is complete, we're heading straight to the editing bay! Upon completion, we'll be submitting to festival(and depending on how much you donate, you might see it early!)
Stretch Goals
If we surpass our 100% goal, we will be able to compensate our crew for their amazing work!
MORE WAYS TO HELP
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Instagram. And encourage your friends to follow us too! We also have a website!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #HagFilm
Tell your girls, gays, and they's about "Hag". Please share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Share our campaign video and this page with your friends, family, and network across social media or by word of mouth! It will help us in reaching more people.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Food, gas, and travel!
Costs $1,500
We're shooting in Maryland and have to fly in our actors and feed our cast and crew.
Marketing and Distribution
Costs $500
We need to spread the word! From festivals to social media we need your help.
Hair and Makeup
Costs $700
We aim to use practical effects in the film, so we need money to make our monsters look scary!
Set Design
Costs $700
A film is nothing, without a set. Help us make this home have a little Southern Comfort!
Post Production
Costs $500
We're filming digital & analog. Help us curb the cost of developing super16 film.
Cash Pledge
Costs $1
We'd like to be able to pay our cast for their hard work and effort. Lend a hand?
Camera & Lights
Costs $2,800
Films need what? Lights & cameras! Pledge to offset the cost of rentals and insurance.
Sound Equipment & Design
Costs $300
Yeah, we can see it. But can we hear it? Pledge to make sure we have adequate sound equipment.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jay Najeeah, Writer/Director (she/they) is a freelance filmmaker, writer, dramaturg, and artist-activist hailing from Columbia, SC. Based in DC, their work is grounded in both Theatre of the Oppressed pedagogy and the principles of Black Feminism. A thesis candidate in Howard University’s MFA Film Program, Jay is committed to storytelling and uplifting the perspective of queer, southern, Black folk. Having a concentration in writing & directing, Jay’s grasp on cinematic language has allowed them the ability to play in the realm of dramatic, experimental, & magical realism. As the writer/director of “Hag.,” Jay is extremely grateful to bring her story to life. As a born and raised Southerner, this story has been brewing since they were 17, and the “Hag.” team is ready to put it on screen.
Meagan Simms, Director of Photography (she/they)- Based in Washington, DC, Meagan Sims is a Chicago native who has attained her master’s degree in film at Howard University. With an emphasis in Cinematography, Meagan’s methodology highlights both naturalistic and dream-like visuals that calls attention to the variety of subjects that fill her frame, while also paying heed to the usage of light and shadow to showcase the breadth of experiences of being BIPOC. Along with her artistic work, Meagan is committed to creating a collaborative workspace where fellow creatives can share their vision and contribute. Looking to break away from the usual clichés, Meagan is building on creating feelings of relatability, satire, and self-reflection through the use of the camera and camera movements. In addition, she augments her cinematography with well-rounded lighting practice. From meaningful contrast to vibrant colors that catch the audience’s eye, to soft and hazy lighting, she makes subjects pop in front of the lens. (Headshot by Candace Dane)
Cameron Logan, Producer(He/Him) is a driven filmmaker from Arlington, Virginia, with a passion for producing compelling stories on screen. A current thesis candidate in Howard University's Masters of Fine Arts in Film, he has developed a wide range of skills in all aspects of the film production process. Cameron began his film journey at a film production company in New Delhi, during his undergraduate education at the University of Virginia. After graduating with a Drama degree, he worked at several local DMV video production companies, from corporate marketing to lifestyle and pop culture. Once he began graduate school he transitioned into the film industry, working as a Production Assistant for Netflix, Apple TV, and HBO on various film projects. As the producer of Hag., the upcoming thesis film written by his classmate, Cameron is determined and excited to bring the director's creative vision to life. He is committed to creating meaningful stories that entertain and inspire audiences while making a positive impact on the world.