I Am Because We Are
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Fantasy
After an insecure Black teenage artist is hurled back in time, she must find her way home before missing the most important art showcase of her life. At a time when Black women are still erased and scrutinized, this USC MFA thesis film tells an empowering story of self discovery.
I Am Because We Are
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Fantasy
1 Campaigns |
39 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$4,375
Goal: $22,000 for production
After an insecure Black teenage artist is hurled back in time, she must find her way home before missing the most important art showcase of her life. At a time when Black women are still erased and scrutinized, this USC MFA thesis film tells an empowering story of self discovery.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I Am Because We Are is a coming of age time travel short that follows Gugulethu Angela Freeman, a Black teenage artist who is ashamed of her name and insecure about her footing in the world.
After her mother passes, her father gives her a family heirloom that transports her to 3 different time periods, where she meets the matriarch: her grandmother in the 1960s, her mother on the day she was born in 2009, and the first woman in her lineage to be born in America in the 1500s.
After meeting her ancestors, she learns to appreciate the community that birthed her and returns to the present as a confident artist, proud of her name and heritage.
Lyrical. Spiritual. Grounded, yet transcendent.
I Am Because We Are blends emotional realism with magical realism to create a deeply personal coming-of-age journey. Through memory, ancestry, and time, the film explores what it means to inherit both pain and power. The film’s visual and sonic language is poetic, textured, and deeply rooted in memory, family, and cultural connection.
I Am Because We Are embraces an intimate and emotionally expressive visual language that evolves with each era Angela journeys through. Each era possesses its own emotional palette, allowing time itself to feel alive and emotionally distinct.
The shifting visual styles mirror Angela’s internal transformation as she reconnects with her lineage and learns to embrace herself fully.
I Am Because We Are is a story about identity, culture, and legacy. And it’s also personal.
During my K-12 experience, I was bullied for being Black and experienced school systems that did not teach the full scope of Black history.
But my self perception transformed while being an undergrad student at Howard University.
There, I was surrounded by like-minded individuals and felt comfortable being the fullest, most unapologetic version of myself. Additionally, I learned about many trailblazing Black women who fundamentally shifted culture, including my great-great-great-great aunt Mary Ann Shadd Cary. I discovered that she was the first Black woman to own and edit her own newspaper in North America, started the first integrated elementary school in Canada, and was the first Black woman to attend law school in the US (and she graduated from Howard!).
Learning that changed me.
It made me realize how powerful it is to know where you come from.
That transformation inspired my USC MFA thesis film: I Am Because We Are.
In a time where highly qualified Black women are constantly questioned and discredited, it is critical to tell a story now that dismantles negative stigmas surrounding race and gender while also empowering us to remember that culture and community is a strength.
Your support helps transform I Am Because We Are from an idea into a living, breathing film that celebrates identity, heritage, and the generations of people who shape who we become.
By contributing to this campaign, you are uplifting a team of melanated filmmakers dedicated to telling stories with authenticity, nuance, and compassion—both on screen and behind the scenes.
Reaching our funding goal will enable us to complete production and post-production by December 2026. Exceeding our goal will help us share the film with wider audiences through festivals, community screenings, and partnerships with cultural organizations—ensuring this story reaches the people who need it most.
Our primary goal is to raise the funds needed to fully realize I Am Because We Are, supporting production design, costumes, equipment rentals, post-production, and the creation of four visually distinct historical eras.
After completing the film, our goal is to build lasting community around a story centered on identity, ancestry, and belonging. Through social media, grassroots outreach, and crowdfunding, we aim to connect with audiences who are passionate about independent cinema, intergenerational storytelling, and underrepresented voices.
We plan to complete the film in time for the 2027–2028 festival circuit, targeting festivals such as Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca Festival, and Palm Springs International ShortFest—festivals known for championing bold, emotionally resonant storytelling from emerging filmmakers.
Beyond festivals, we hope to partner with universities, cultural institutions, and community organizations to host screenings and conversations that encourage audiences to reflect on identity, heritage, and the stories we inherit from those who came before us.
If you want to support this vision, and help us bring I Am Because We Are to life, please:
- Pledge today, every dollar counts. No donation is too big or small.
- Follow us on Instagram: @ for updates, behind-the-scenes posts, and shoutouts
- Follow our Seed&Spark page by clicking the little blue heart at the top right! Once we reach a certain number of followers, we unlock creator discounts that help stretch every dollar even further. Plus, it's the best way to stay updated on the film’s progress!
- Share our campaign with anyone who might be interested in this story — through email, text, social media, or a simple conversation. Every share helps us reach a wider audience during our short campaign window.
- Comment to boost our visibility. The encouragement keeps us motivated, too!
You can even post the following on Instagram or social media using one of our posts: "Please help support the filmmakers of @iambecausewearethesisfilm by following their Seed&Spark campaign! I Am Because We Are is a lyrical, character-driven story about identity, culture and legacy, told through the journey of a Black artist. Join them here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/i-am-because-we-are#story”
Every action—big or small—helps bring this story to life!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals (Camera, Lighting, Sound)
Costs $3,400
Your support powers the tools that give the film its cinematic look and crystal-clear sound.
📍 Location Fees & Permits
Costs $7,200
Make it real! These funds allow us to shoot in meaningful, story-rich locations such as the house and open field.
Art Department, Wardrobe & Makeup
Costs $2,200
Bring the world of I Am Because We Are to life through authentic set design, 1960s vehicles, 1960s & 1500s wardrobe, wigs, and makeup.
Craft Services & Catering
Costs $6,500
Keep our volunteer cast and crew of 25 people fueled and focused with nutritious meals and snacks.
Post Production
Costs $2,300
Help us shape the final film with crisp editing, rich sound, and vibrant color. Every detail brings Angela’s world to life.
Film Festival Fees
Costs $400
Help us submit to major festivals and share this story with the world.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Cyan Shreve - Co-Writer/Director
Cyan Shreve is an award-winning filmmaker from Michigan who earned her Bachelor's degree in Film & TV Production from Howard University. As a descendant of Underground Railroad and Civil Rights activists, she finds great inspiration in Black history, culture and courageous hidden figures. She’s worked at various companies, including 20th Century Studios, Amazon Studios, and One Story Up Productions LLC. Currently, she is a MFA TV & Film Production student at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Cyan is passionate about telling stories that empower women and people of color, highlight thought-provoking truth, and unify diverse audiences.
Sa’Nya-Esmeralda Polo - Producer
Sa'Nya-Esmeralda Polo is a television writer and creative producer with a strong foundation in narrative development, script analysis, and collaborative production. Dual-degree graduate in English (Creative Writing) and Film, currently pursuing an MFA in Film Production at USC. Experienced in supporting both set operations and post-production, while also facilitating high-profile screenings and engaging with industry leaders. Passionate about character-driven storytelling and the creative process behind scripted television, with a deep interest in development, writers' rooms, and inclusive, impactful narratives.
Jemina Garcia - Producer
Jemina Garcia is a filmmaker committed to making the truth compelling again. Her work explores memory, identity, and the forces that shape perception. Raised across cultures and moments of upheaval, she is drawn to stories that challenge easy narratives and reclaim nuance. She is graduating from USC with an emphasis in producing, and aims to create films that honor lived experience, question certainty, and amplify voices that remind us what is real.
Lauren Young - Co-Writer
Lauren is a writer who explores identity, belonging, and self-actualization along roads less traveled. A true East Coaster, she was raised across multiple states and discovered an early love for storytelling as a binding thread of connection. Lauren earned her BA in TV & Film from Howard University, with a concentration in screenwriting, and often plays with nonlinear narratives and magical realism. She has recently returned to the DC area after living abroad.
Ahdis Djuana Jones Beruk - Co-Writer/Associate Producer
Ahdis is an Indigenous Mississippi Delta Native whose culture includes African American, Chahtah/Choctaw, and Ethiopian. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts with a Concentration in Acting and Playwriting Minor from Howard University. She is a candidate for an MFA at New England College in Creative Writing emphasizing in Writing for Stage and Screen. She enjoys riding horses, nature, health and wellness, beauty, travel, food, and working on her multilingual skills.
Mya Hunter - Co-Writer/Associate Producer/Casting Director
Mya is thrilled to join the team! She is a NYC-based multi-hyphenated artist and performer from Houston, TX. A proud alumna of Howard University, Mya looks forward to using her talents and abilities to continue to uplift stories rooted in truth and authenticity.
Corrine Arnell Bennett - AP/Archival Researcher/Casting Director
Corrine is a storyteller, writer, and producer on a mission to document truth and imagine possibility across screens, genres, and generations. Having worked at Amazon Studios, ABC/Disney, Finding Your Roots, and 20/20, she’s moved fluidly through some of the most respected names in television and film. She is the Executive Producer and Co-Host of Between Sisters Podcast, where she continues her dedication to amplifying women’s voices. Corrine is a proud Howard University alumna.
Loren Dooley - Associate Producer
Loren Dooley, born in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a Howard University graduate with experience in television, film, dance arts, live events and branded content. Loren has worked with Paramount, HBO Max, The Boathouse Agency and Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet across production, creative strategy and media coordination. Currently NYC-based, Loren has production experience spanning commercials, scripted and unscripted content, with a passion for culturally driven storytelling and creating impactful entertainment across digital and media platforms today.
Angie Hanqing Guo - Cinematographer
Angie Guo is a cinematographer originally from Shanghai, China. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Film & TV Production at USC. She is passionate about visual storytelling and crafting images that convey emotional depth and nuance. Her work often focuses on naturalistic lighting, intimate framing, and a keen sensitivity to performance. She has experience in documentary cinematography and is skilled at capturing subtle, authentic moments.
Débora Mawer - Production Designer
Débora Mawer is a festival award winning filmmaker, internationally recognized for her work. She is currently in her second year of her MFA degree in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production at USC. Originally from Brazil, she came to the United States to pursue her love of storytelling. Her years at the University of Denver deepened her passion for stories with compelling characters with important messages, from comedies to more dramatic pieces. Her passion for world-building has led her to want to deepen her knowledge in Production Design and visual narratives.
Robyn Nelson - Editor
Robyn Nelson is an editor, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University, she is pursuing an MFA in Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California. Robyn strives to play a pivotal role in telling stories that uplift marginalized communities, highlighting the complexities of their experiences and handling their stories with care.
Minseo Kwon - Editor
Minseo Kwon is an MFA candidate in Film and Television Production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, following a BFA in Media Arts Production from Emerson College. She is a filmmaker specializing in editing, producing, and directing, with a focus on crafting emotionally resonant stories that explore social phenomena. She has worked as an editor and post-production supervisor across narrative and digital content, including tvN/Diggle. Her producing credits include Damascene Yasmine, TORi, PLUTO, and The Big Night, spanning development through post.
Liam Flanigan - Co-Sound Designer
Liam Flanigan is a filmmaker from Bexley, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 2022 with a degree in history, a minor in cinema and media studies, and experience in film development, production, and programming. He is particularly drawn to personal stories and works that play with genre, and is thrilled to be part of the IABWA team!
Myles Anderson - Composer
Myles Anderson is a composer and record producer for film and television whose musical journey began at a young age performing bass and drums in jazz bands, orchestras, and drumline ensembles. He has since scored over 40 projects across film and media, with contributions to productions for Paramount+, CBS, Netflix, and Hulu, and has worked with the Television Academy Foundation’s music affiliate program.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I Am Because We Are is a coming of age time travel short that follows Gugulethu Angela Freeman, a Black teenage artist who is ashamed of her name and insecure about her footing in the world.
After her mother passes, her father gives her a family heirloom that transports her to 3 different time periods, where she meets the matriarch: her grandmother in the 1960s, her mother on the day she was born in 2009, and the first woman in her lineage to be born in America in the 1500s.
After meeting her ancestors, she learns to appreciate the community that birthed her and returns to the present as a confident artist, proud of her name and heritage.
Lyrical. Spiritual. Grounded, yet transcendent.
I Am Because We Are blends emotional realism with magical realism to create a deeply personal coming-of-age journey. Through memory, ancestry, and time, the film explores what it means to inherit both pain and power. The film’s visual and sonic language is poetic, textured, and deeply rooted in memory, family, and cultural connection.
I Am Because We Are embraces an intimate and emotionally expressive visual language that evolves with each era Angela journeys through. Each era possesses its own emotional palette, allowing time itself to feel alive and emotionally distinct.
The shifting visual styles mirror Angela’s internal transformation as she reconnects with her lineage and learns to embrace herself fully.
I Am Because We Are is a story about identity, culture, and legacy. And it’s also personal.
During my K-12 experience, I was bullied for being Black and experienced school systems that did not teach the full scope of Black history.
But my self perception transformed while being an undergrad student at Howard University.
There, I was surrounded by like-minded individuals and felt comfortable being the fullest, most unapologetic version of myself. Additionally, I learned about many trailblazing Black women who fundamentally shifted culture, including my great-great-great-great aunt Mary Ann Shadd Cary. I discovered that she was the first Black woman to own and edit her own newspaper in North America, started the first integrated elementary school in Canada, and was the first Black woman to attend law school in the US (and she graduated from Howard!).
Learning that changed me.
It made me realize how powerful it is to know where you come from.
That transformation inspired my USC MFA thesis film: I Am Because We Are.
In a time where highly qualified Black women are constantly questioned and discredited, it is critical to tell a story now that dismantles negative stigmas surrounding race and gender while also empowering us to remember that culture and community is a strength.
Your support helps transform I Am Because We Are from an idea into a living, breathing film that celebrates identity, heritage, and the generations of people who shape who we become.
By contributing to this campaign, you are uplifting a team of melanated filmmakers dedicated to telling stories with authenticity, nuance, and compassion—both on screen and behind the scenes.
Reaching our funding goal will enable us to complete production and post-production by December 2026. Exceeding our goal will help us share the film with wider audiences through festivals, community screenings, and partnerships with cultural organizations—ensuring this story reaches the people who need it most.
Our primary goal is to raise the funds needed to fully realize I Am Because We Are, supporting production design, costumes, equipment rentals, post-production, and the creation of four visually distinct historical eras.
After completing the film, our goal is to build lasting community around a story centered on identity, ancestry, and belonging. Through social media, grassroots outreach, and crowdfunding, we aim to connect with audiences who are passionate about independent cinema, intergenerational storytelling, and underrepresented voices.
We plan to complete the film in time for the 2027–2028 festival circuit, targeting festivals such as Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca Festival, and Palm Springs International ShortFest—festivals known for championing bold, emotionally resonant storytelling from emerging filmmakers.
Beyond festivals, we hope to partner with universities, cultural institutions, and community organizations to host screenings and conversations that encourage audiences to reflect on identity, heritage, and the stories we inherit from those who came before us.
If you want to support this vision, and help us bring I Am Because We Are to life, please:
- Pledge today, every dollar counts. No donation is too big or small.
- Follow us on Instagram: @ for updates, behind-the-scenes posts, and shoutouts
- Follow our Seed&Spark page by clicking the little blue heart at the top right! Once we reach a certain number of followers, we unlock creator discounts that help stretch every dollar even further. Plus, it's the best way to stay updated on the film’s progress!
- Share our campaign with anyone who might be interested in this story — through email, text, social media, or a simple conversation. Every share helps us reach a wider audience during our short campaign window.
- Comment to boost our visibility. The encouragement keeps us motivated, too!
You can even post the following on Instagram or social media using one of our posts: "Please help support the filmmakers of @iambecausewearethesisfilm by following their Seed&Spark campaign! I Am Because We Are is a lyrical, character-driven story about identity, culture and legacy, told through the journey of a Black artist. Join them here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/i-am-because-we-are#story”
Every action—big or small—helps bring this story to life!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals (Camera, Lighting, Sound)
Costs $3,400
Your support powers the tools that give the film its cinematic look and crystal-clear sound.
📍 Location Fees & Permits
Costs $7,200
Make it real! These funds allow us to shoot in meaningful, story-rich locations such as the house and open field.
Art Department, Wardrobe & Makeup
Costs $2,200
Bring the world of I Am Because We Are to life through authentic set design, 1960s vehicles, 1960s & 1500s wardrobe, wigs, and makeup.
Craft Services & Catering
Costs $6,500
Keep our volunteer cast and crew of 25 people fueled and focused with nutritious meals and snacks.
Post Production
Costs $2,300
Help us shape the final film with crisp editing, rich sound, and vibrant color. Every detail brings Angela’s world to life.
Film Festival Fees
Costs $400
Help us submit to major festivals and share this story with the world.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Cyan Shreve - Co-Writer/Director
Cyan Shreve is an award-winning filmmaker from Michigan who earned her Bachelor's degree in Film & TV Production from Howard University. As a descendant of Underground Railroad and Civil Rights activists, she finds great inspiration in Black history, culture and courageous hidden figures. She’s worked at various companies, including 20th Century Studios, Amazon Studios, and One Story Up Productions LLC. Currently, she is a MFA TV & Film Production student at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Cyan is passionate about telling stories that empower women and people of color, highlight thought-provoking truth, and unify diverse audiences.
Sa’Nya-Esmeralda Polo - Producer
Sa'Nya-Esmeralda Polo is a television writer and creative producer with a strong foundation in narrative development, script analysis, and collaborative production. Dual-degree graduate in English (Creative Writing) and Film, currently pursuing an MFA in Film Production at USC. Experienced in supporting both set operations and post-production, while also facilitating high-profile screenings and engaging with industry leaders. Passionate about character-driven storytelling and the creative process behind scripted television, with a deep interest in development, writers' rooms, and inclusive, impactful narratives.
Jemina Garcia - Producer
Jemina Garcia is a filmmaker committed to making the truth compelling again. Her work explores memory, identity, and the forces that shape perception. Raised across cultures and moments of upheaval, she is drawn to stories that challenge easy narratives and reclaim nuance. She is graduating from USC with an emphasis in producing, and aims to create films that honor lived experience, question certainty, and amplify voices that remind us what is real.
Lauren Young - Co-Writer
Lauren is a writer who explores identity, belonging, and self-actualization along roads less traveled. A true East Coaster, she was raised across multiple states and discovered an early love for storytelling as a binding thread of connection. Lauren earned her BA in TV & Film from Howard University, with a concentration in screenwriting, and often plays with nonlinear narratives and magical realism. She has recently returned to the DC area after living abroad.
Ahdis Djuana Jones Beruk - Co-Writer/Associate Producer
Ahdis is an Indigenous Mississippi Delta Native whose culture includes African American, Chahtah/Choctaw, and Ethiopian. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts with a Concentration in Acting and Playwriting Minor from Howard University. She is a candidate for an MFA at New England College in Creative Writing emphasizing in Writing for Stage and Screen. She enjoys riding horses, nature, health and wellness, beauty, travel, food, and working on her multilingual skills.
Mya Hunter - Co-Writer/Associate Producer/Casting Director
Mya is thrilled to join the team! She is a NYC-based multi-hyphenated artist and performer from Houston, TX. A proud alumna of Howard University, Mya looks forward to using her talents and abilities to continue to uplift stories rooted in truth and authenticity.
Corrine Arnell Bennett - AP/Archival Researcher/Casting Director
Corrine is a storyteller, writer, and producer on a mission to document truth and imagine possibility across screens, genres, and generations. Having worked at Amazon Studios, ABC/Disney, Finding Your Roots, and 20/20, she’s moved fluidly through some of the most respected names in television and film. She is the Executive Producer and Co-Host of Between Sisters Podcast, where she continues her dedication to amplifying women’s voices. Corrine is a proud Howard University alumna.
Loren Dooley - Associate Producer
Loren Dooley, born in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a Howard University graduate with experience in television, film, dance arts, live events and branded content. Loren has worked with Paramount, HBO Max, The Boathouse Agency and Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet across production, creative strategy and media coordination. Currently NYC-based, Loren has production experience spanning commercials, scripted and unscripted content, with a passion for culturally driven storytelling and creating impactful entertainment across digital and media platforms today.
Angie Hanqing Guo - Cinematographer
Angie Guo is a cinematographer originally from Shanghai, China. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Film & TV Production at USC. She is passionate about visual storytelling and crafting images that convey emotional depth and nuance. Her work often focuses on naturalistic lighting, intimate framing, and a keen sensitivity to performance. She has experience in documentary cinematography and is skilled at capturing subtle, authentic moments.
Débora Mawer - Production Designer
Débora Mawer is a festival award winning filmmaker, internationally recognized for her work. She is currently in her second year of her MFA degree in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production at USC. Originally from Brazil, she came to the United States to pursue her love of storytelling. Her years at the University of Denver deepened her passion for stories with compelling characters with important messages, from comedies to more dramatic pieces. Her passion for world-building has led her to want to deepen her knowledge in Production Design and visual narratives.
Robyn Nelson - Editor
Robyn Nelson is an editor, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University, she is pursuing an MFA in Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California. Robyn strives to play a pivotal role in telling stories that uplift marginalized communities, highlighting the complexities of their experiences and handling their stories with care.
Minseo Kwon - Editor
Minseo Kwon is an MFA candidate in Film and Television Production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, following a BFA in Media Arts Production from Emerson College. She is a filmmaker specializing in editing, producing, and directing, with a focus on crafting emotionally resonant stories that explore social phenomena. She has worked as an editor and post-production supervisor across narrative and digital content, including tvN/Diggle. Her producing credits include Damascene Yasmine, TORi, PLUTO, and The Big Night, spanning development through post.
Liam Flanigan - Co-Sound Designer
Liam Flanigan is a filmmaker from Bexley, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 2022 with a degree in history, a minor in cinema and media studies, and experience in film development, production, and programming. He is particularly drawn to personal stories and works that play with genre, and is thrilled to be part of the IABWA team!
Myles Anderson - Composer
Myles Anderson is a composer and record producer for film and television whose musical journey began at a young age performing bass and drums in jazz bands, orchestras, and drumline ensembles. He has since scored over 40 projects across film and media, with contributions to productions for Paramount+, CBS, Netflix, and Hulu, and has worked with the Television Academy Foundation’s music affiliate program.