This film explores the tension between the romance we’ve traditionally seen on screen and the messy, sometimes horrific, relationships that exist in reality. It’s about how couples negotiate the terms of their relationships in a world where gender implies a certain power dynamic.
This film explores the tension between the romance we’ve traditionally seen on screen and the messy, sometimes horrific, relationships that exist in reality. It’s about how couples negotiate the terms of their relationships in a world where gender implies a certain power dynamic.
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Story
Mission Statement
There's generally very little representation of complex Arab/Muslim women on both Arab and international screens, so we're hoping this film contributes to that. So far, our department heads are also all women, so yay to representation!About The Project
LOGLINE
Happily Ever After is a dark comedy musical set in Cairo, Egypt. The film follows Fatin, who questions her hasty decision to elope when she's faced with the reality of her dysfunctional relationship with her fiery fiance, Gamal.
SYNOPSIS
Fatin, a young serial monogamist, and Gamal, a middle-aged man-child, elope in a two-star hotel masquerading as a four-star. In the opening number, Fatin shows hesitation as Gamal leads her through an over-the-top display of romance that sparks the envy of all the hotel guests.
As Gamal orchestrates a romantic spaghetti dinner a la Lady and the Tramp, Fatin takes some time to assess her situation. She is quickly interrupted by an enraged Gamal, who assaults a teenage room service worker over a mysterious bed stain. Their dinner takes a sour turn when Fatin refuses to play along and Gamal throws a tantrum that results in bolognese-covered walls. She retaliates by staging her suicide and reducing Gamal to tears.
Touched by his vulnerability, Fatin calls for a ceasefire. The couple is then summoned downstairs for a make-shift wedding celebration, where they are forced into a romantic tango that now feels disingenuous to both of them. In the final musical number, Gamal extends Fatin an unconventional peace offering that unites the couple.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Recently, I started thinking seriously about marriage for the first time. About the gap between the romance I've seen projected on screen throughout my life, and the messy, sometimes horrific relationships that exist in reality. Happily Ever After explores that tension. It explores how couples negotiate the terms of their relationships and how women navigate power dynamics and achieve "balance" in a world that's totally skewed. To me, it felt natural to explore that theme through the heavily gendered, overly dramatic and romance-centric musical genre.
Musicals have always served as a source of romantic aspiration. They simplified and made love accessible and digestible for all. And while a healthy dose of romanticism can give us hope and keep us going, sometimes ignoring the full complexity of romantic relationships can be damaging.
The main question that our film poses is this: What if the couples in these musicals had to deal with the actual reality of their relationships? What if Maria took the time to process the killing of her brother in West Side Story? What if Sandy decided to confront Danny about forcing himself on her at the drive-in movie in Grease? I think it’s important to make a musical that is fun and dynamic but that doesn’t gloss over these details just because women are expected to ignore red flags and make sacrifices when love is on the line.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
VISUAL APPROACH
COLOR SCHEME
Incentives
$15
Social Media Shoutout
We'll give you a special social media shoutout. Thank you! Merci! Shukran!
$20
Cool Brooklyn FUNdraiser
We're throwing a fundraiser on Friday, March 6th. Come join us for an eclectic program of Arab shorts, socializing, and music by the most talented Arab DJ and performers!
RSVP Here: bit.ly/hea-brooklyn-fundraiser
Claimed: 46 of 100
$25
Digital Wallpaper
A link to download this super cool phone + desktop wallpaper designed by our talented friend, Jaimee Lee Haddad.
Also includes: A Social Media Shoutout!
$50
Digital Screener
A link to view the film before it officially premieres! If that isn't VIP, I don't know what is.
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout and Digital Wallpaper.
$100
Special Thanks
Get your name in the credits under "Special Thanks". This may be the beginning of your film career.
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper and Digital Screener.
$150
Behind-The-Scenes
Exclusive BTS videos and photos.
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit.
$200
Official Soundtrack
Receive an exclusive link to download our official soundtrack, written and composed by our songwriters.
Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit and BTS video/photos.
$250
Q&A with Filmmakers
Skype call with the director and producer. You can ask us anything!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos and Official Soundtrack.
$350
Project Consultation
Get detailed feedback on your project from both the director and producer!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 1 of 7
$500
Shadow the Director (NY Only)
Shadow Farida for a day on set!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 0 of 6
$1,500
Associate Producer
Get an Associate Producer credit on the film!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 1 of 2
$3,000
Co-Producer
Get a Co-Producer credit on the film!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 1 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
Social Media Shoutout
We'll give you a special social media shoutout. Thank you! Merci! Shukran!
$20
Cool Brooklyn FUNdraiser
We're throwing a fundraiser on Friday, March 6th. Come join us for an eclectic program of Arab shorts, socializing, and music by the most talented Arab DJ and performers!
RSVP Here: bit.ly/hea-brooklyn-fundraiser
Claimed: 46 of 100
$25
Digital Wallpaper
A link to download this super cool phone + desktop wallpaper designed by our talented friend, Jaimee Lee Haddad.
Also includes: A Social Media Shoutout!
$50
Digital Screener
A link to view the film before it officially premieres! If that isn't VIP, I don't know what is.
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout and Digital Wallpaper.
$100
Special Thanks
Get your name in the credits under "Special Thanks". This may be the beginning of your film career.
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper and Digital Screener.
$150
Behind-The-Scenes
Exclusive BTS videos and photos.
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit.
$200
Official Soundtrack
Receive an exclusive link to download our official soundtrack, written and composed by our songwriters.
Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit and BTS video/photos.
$250
Q&A with Filmmakers
Skype call with the director and producer. You can ask us anything!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos and Official Soundtrack.
$350
Project Consultation
Get detailed feedback on your project from both the director and producer!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 1 of 7
$500
Shadow the Director (NY Only)
Shadow Farida for a day on set!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 0 of 6
$1,500
Associate Producer
Get an Associate Producer credit on the film!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 1 of 2
$3,000
Co-Producer
Get a Co-Producer credit on the film!
Also includes: Social Media Shoutout, Digital Wallpaper, Digital Screener, "Special Thanks" Credit, BTS video/photos, Official Soundtrack and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Claimed: 1 of 2
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