Jodón
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
As of 2023, 24 states in the United States have legalized marijuana for recreational use. While Corporations are now openly profiting from this shift, families such as mine, torn apart by past marijuana-related convictions, continue to suffer from the lasting impacts. This film is about loss & life.
Jodón
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $20,686 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
62 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
As of 2023, 24 states in the United States have legalized marijuana for recreational use. While Corporations are now openly profiting from this shift, families such as mine, torn apart by past marijuana-related convictions, continue to suffer from the lasting impacts. This film is about loss & life.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Great news...Cannabis is Legal in many states now! While I don’t smoke, many people do. But have you ever considered those who smoked and carried small amounts in the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s and ended up doing time for it? Their lives ruined, records stained, causing long-term damage that made it nearly impossible to get a good job, own a home, or even rent an apartment in a decent neighborhood. Moreover, think about the ones who were deported as a result, with records that will forever haunt them, while today people reap the benefits of its legalization, generating millions in revenue. The irony is undeniable!
THE STORY
This was us. This WAS us.
My name is Marilyn Simón, I'm a filmmaker, actor, writer and now Producer. I was raised in in The Bronx, NY by a mother who was seamstress with a passion for arts & crafts. I'm sure she always hoped we followed those foots steps and we did...well sort of. While my younger brother spent his time sketching in notebooks, I played pretend and by high school decided to follow a path into the Fashion Industry. After many years in Fashion, it was no surprise that I would find my way into the Entertainment Industry. In 2017, I wrote my first short film with the intention of producing it, but felt compelled to tell a more personal story. After participating in several writing programs, one class in particular really motivated me to fully develop my script, and here I am today.
We are often told to "Tell our stories" and this is mine.
Set in late 90's and early 2000’s. Jodón follows the lives of two kids (us) growing up in the Bronx navigating the harsh streets while clinging to their youth, joy, and innocence. Like siblings who bicker over chores, these two often found themselves in a tug of-war, deciding who would make the dreaded trip to the "Bodega". This one particular trip involving a little marijuana, would change everything, altering the course of their lives forever, landing the youngest sibling in the Dominican Republic.
WHY NOW?
I have brought together an incredible team to help tell this story. As we see more and more pardons being granted, it's crucial to remember the "forgotten" ones. The time is NOW!
Moodboard and Tone
When They See Us (2019), We The Animals (2018)
Where will your support go?
In the spirit of "We the animals", "When they See us", we plan to shoot this in the Bronx, New York, where it all began. This location allows us to bring authenticity to the script.
VFX/ANIMATION
Inspired by my youngest brother who was a talented artist we give the viewer a glimpse into his artistic talent bringing his imagination to life with VFX/ANIMATION.
CAST & CREW
I cannot do this by myself and my cast and crew cannot do this without pay. We aim to raise $25K for production in order to shoot in NYC. This will also go towards Camera Gear, Light & Sound, Wardrobe, Props etc)
Any money left over, it will go towards Post-Production & Festival Submission Fees. (ie.Sundance, Tribeca, NYLFF, NYFF, TIFF, just to name a few)
There are things we can’t undo. But if I could, even for just a moment, offer a brighter future for those whose lives have been shattered by our past policies--those currently facing incarceration and/or deportation, whose progress in life has been halted- I would do everything my power to make it happen.
If you are me, join us!
If you’re not me, still join us!
I know this is bigger than me. I hope to make this into a Limited TV Series or Feature Film you can all watch on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon someday. Furthermore, I also hope to work in partnership with a nonprofit whose mission is to fight and minimize the unjust punishment immigrants are faced with.
Thank you so much for your help and for supporting our story!
Please share, follow our IG, follow our story!
IG: @jodonfilm
JODON" is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of "JODON" must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $4,000
In accordance to SAG contract rules, I must pay my actors the min at the very least for their craft in service this beautiful piece.
CREW UP
Costs $15,000
It takes a village to make things happen.This is for our camera gear/grips/gafers/sound/PA/AD/Production Mngr/Wardrobe etc..all the pieces
FESTIVAL AND FEES
Costs $4,000
This will go towards festival fees as well as SAG fees and any and all contingency fees associated with production.
WARDROBE, MUA & HAIR
Costs $1,500
Since the Film is set in the late 1999- early 2000's in NYC we want to make sure the wardrobe honors the times.
External Hard drive
Costs $500
External hard drives are necessary in order to back up footage during the filming process.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MARILYN JIMENEZ MARK - WRITER/ACTRESS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Marilyn is a native New Yorker raised in the boogie down Bronx. She began her career as an actress many years ago and has been an active SAG member since 2011. You can see her work as an actress on “Mascots” Directed and written by the one and only Christopher Guest and several Indie Films, shows like “TheYoung and the Restless” and a heavy Recurring Role on Tyler Perry’s “All The Queens Men” S2. She's been writing quietly for several years now, but this here, is her baby so-to-speak. She began writing this with about 3yrs ago with tremendous help from Writer/ Director Ricky Rosario, who gladly accepted this challenge and jumped on board like a champ! With many ideas of how to get this made while fine tuning the script. They finally came to the decision to use this platform to make their voices heard!
RICKY ROSARIO - WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Ricky is a filmmaker, who also hails to us from New Jersey. He has gained production experience after years of working in
the commercial space, films and music videos. He has worked with brands such as Disney, Timex Wendy’s and currently has several projects making the festival rounds. His films have been streamed on HBO max and Directed the late Emmy and Academy winner Cloris Leachman on “Its who you know” while making “Remezclas” top Directors to watch list. With his experience in budgets, scouting, writing and directing it was the perfect team to make this film come to fruition.
GREGORY DIAZ IV - ACTOR/PRODUCER
Gregory is the ultimate triple threat. He's an actor, singer and dancer now also putting on a Producer Hat. He played the role of "Sonny" in "In The Heights" alongside Anthony Ramos, Dascha Polanco and Lin-Manuel Miranda, while also appearing on Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and NBC's New Amsterdam. He most recently starred in feature film "The Long Game" opposite Dennis Quaid, Jaina Lee Ortiz and Cheech Marin. He began his career on the stage! Off- Broadway Diaz has been recognized for his stage work, earning him a NYMF Performance award for the Lead Role of Pedro in the Production Pedro Pan. Upon reading the script, Gregory felt a deep connection to the lead role for this film and passionate about telling untold stories both in front and behind the camera.
ERIN RAMIREZ - DIRECTOR
Erin is a Chinese-Jamaican and Dominican filmmaker originally from New Hampshire. His foundation in classical American film language has inspired
him to reconsider new methods of storytelling. Erin received a BA in journalism from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Screenwriting/Directing from Columbia University School of the Arts where they were previously co-chair of student-run organization, FOCUS (Filmmakers of Color United in Spirit) and a part of the ASCAP/Columbia Film Scoring Workshop.
Erin has been supported by the Sundance Institute, Next Doc, Youth FX , the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Hola Mexico tomorrows filmmakers today program. Their work has garnered Student Academy Award semi-finalist recognition, been published on Fusion.net, Annenberg Media, exhibited at the LA Municipal Art Gallery, and included in numerous film festivals and awards ceremonies around the country, including, Palm Springs Short Fest, New Orleans, Calgary International Film Festival, New Fest, Outfits Fusion, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Oaxaca FilmFest, and others.
GEOFFREY TAYLOR- CINEMATOGRAPHER
Geoff Taylor founder of GTMT Films is an award - winning Director of Photography whose visual storytelling has shaped the versatile body of work across narrative, commercial, and visual media. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon and now based in Brooklyn, New York, Geoff brings both cinematic rigor and creative boldness to every frame. Most importantly his passion for this project and his philanthropic work for the youth is what really brought us together.
With credits including Cam (2018), Before I Disappear (2014), and The Good Neighbor (2016). His portfolio spans commercials, fashion, music videos, narrative film and still photography, reflecting a broad fluency in tone, lighting and visual language.
But most importantly his passion for this project and his philanthropic work for the youth is what really brought us together.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Great news...Cannabis is Legal in many states now! While I don’t smoke, many people do. But have you ever considered those who smoked and carried small amounts in the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s and ended up doing time for it? Their lives ruined, records stained, causing long-term damage that made it nearly impossible to get a good job, own a home, or even rent an apartment in a decent neighborhood. Moreover, think about the ones who were deported as a result, with records that will forever haunt them, while today people reap the benefits of its legalization, generating millions in revenue. The irony is undeniable!
THE STORY
This was us. This WAS us.
My name is Marilyn Simón, I'm a filmmaker, actor, writer and now Producer. I was raised in in The Bronx, NY by a mother who was seamstress with a passion for arts & crafts. I'm sure she always hoped we followed those foots steps and we did...well sort of. While my younger brother spent his time sketching in notebooks, I played pretend and by high school decided to follow a path into the Fashion Industry. After many years in Fashion, it was no surprise that I would find my way into the Entertainment Industry. In 2017, I wrote my first short film with the intention of producing it, but felt compelled to tell a more personal story. After participating in several writing programs, one class in particular really motivated me to fully develop my script, and here I am today.
We are often told to "Tell our stories" and this is mine.
Set in late 90's and early 2000’s. Jodón follows the lives of two kids (us) growing up in the Bronx navigating the harsh streets while clinging to their youth, joy, and innocence. Like siblings who bicker over chores, these two often found themselves in a tug of-war, deciding who would make the dreaded trip to the "Bodega". This one particular trip involving a little marijuana, would change everything, altering the course of their lives forever, landing the youngest sibling in the Dominican Republic.
WHY NOW?
I have brought together an incredible team to help tell this story. As we see more and more pardons being granted, it's crucial to remember the "forgotten" ones. The time is NOW!
Moodboard and Tone
When They See Us (2019), We The Animals (2018)
Where will your support go?
In the spirit of "We the animals", "When they See us", we plan to shoot this in the Bronx, New York, where it all began. This location allows us to bring authenticity to the script.
VFX/ANIMATION
Inspired by my youngest brother who was a talented artist we give the viewer a glimpse into his artistic talent bringing his imagination to life with VFX/ANIMATION.
CAST & CREW
I cannot do this by myself and my cast and crew cannot do this without pay. We aim to raise $25K for production in order to shoot in NYC. This will also go towards Camera Gear, Light & Sound, Wardrobe, Props etc)
Any money left over, it will go towards Post-Production & Festival Submission Fees. (ie.Sundance, Tribeca, NYLFF, NYFF, TIFF, just to name a few)
There are things we can’t undo. But if I could, even for just a moment, offer a brighter future for those whose lives have been shattered by our past policies--those currently facing incarceration and/or deportation, whose progress in life has been halted- I would do everything my power to make it happen.
If you are me, join us!
If you’re not me, still join us!
I know this is bigger than me. I hope to make this into a Limited TV Series or Feature Film you can all watch on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon someday. Furthermore, I also hope to work in partnership with a nonprofit whose mission is to fight and minimize the unjust punishment immigrants are faced with.
Thank you so much for your help and for supporting our story!
Please share, follow our IG, follow our story!
IG: @jodonfilm
JODON" is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of "JODON" must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $4,000
In accordance to SAG contract rules, I must pay my actors the min at the very least for their craft in service this beautiful piece.
CREW UP
Costs $15,000
It takes a village to make things happen.This is for our camera gear/grips/gafers/sound/PA/AD/Production Mngr/Wardrobe etc..all the pieces
FESTIVAL AND FEES
Costs $4,000
This will go towards festival fees as well as SAG fees and any and all contingency fees associated with production.
WARDROBE, MUA & HAIR
Costs $1,500
Since the Film is set in the late 1999- early 2000's in NYC we want to make sure the wardrobe honors the times.
External Hard drive
Costs $500
External hard drives are necessary in order to back up footage during the filming process.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MARILYN JIMENEZ MARK - WRITER/ACTRESS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Marilyn is a native New Yorker raised in the boogie down Bronx. She began her career as an actress many years ago and has been an active SAG member since 2011. You can see her work as an actress on “Mascots” Directed and written by the one and only Christopher Guest and several Indie Films, shows like “TheYoung and the Restless” and a heavy Recurring Role on Tyler Perry’s “All The Queens Men” S2. She's been writing quietly for several years now, but this here, is her baby so-to-speak. She began writing this with about 3yrs ago with tremendous help from Writer/ Director Ricky Rosario, who gladly accepted this challenge and jumped on board like a champ! With many ideas of how to get this made while fine tuning the script. They finally came to the decision to use this platform to make their voices heard!
RICKY ROSARIO - WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Ricky is a filmmaker, who also hails to us from New Jersey. He has gained production experience after years of working in
the commercial space, films and music videos. He has worked with brands such as Disney, Timex Wendy’s and currently has several projects making the festival rounds. His films have been streamed on HBO max and Directed the late Emmy and Academy winner Cloris Leachman on “Its who you know” while making “Remezclas” top Directors to watch list. With his experience in budgets, scouting, writing and directing it was the perfect team to make this film come to fruition.
GREGORY DIAZ IV - ACTOR/PRODUCER
Gregory is the ultimate triple threat. He's an actor, singer and dancer now also putting on a Producer Hat. He played the role of "Sonny" in "In The Heights" alongside Anthony Ramos, Dascha Polanco and Lin-Manuel Miranda, while also appearing on Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and NBC's New Amsterdam. He most recently starred in feature film "The Long Game" opposite Dennis Quaid, Jaina Lee Ortiz and Cheech Marin. He began his career on the stage! Off- Broadway Diaz has been recognized for his stage work, earning him a NYMF Performance award for the Lead Role of Pedro in the Production Pedro Pan. Upon reading the script, Gregory felt a deep connection to the lead role for this film and passionate about telling untold stories both in front and behind the camera.
ERIN RAMIREZ - DIRECTOR
Erin is a Chinese-Jamaican and Dominican filmmaker originally from New Hampshire. His foundation in classical American film language has inspired
him to reconsider new methods of storytelling. Erin received a BA in journalism from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Screenwriting/Directing from Columbia University School of the Arts where they were previously co-chair of student-run organization, FOCUS (Filmmakers of Color United in Spirit) and a part of the ASCAP/Columbia Film Scoring Workshop.
Erin has been supported by the Sundance Institute, Next Doc, Youth FX , the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Hola Mexico tomorrows filmmakers today program. Their work has garnered Student Academy Award semi-finalist recognition, been published on Fusion.net, Annenberg Media, exhibited at the LA Municipal Art Gallery, and included in numerous film festivals and awards ceremonies around the country, including, Palm Springs Short Fest, New Orleans, Calgary International Film Festival, New Fest, Outfits Fusion, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Oaxaca FilmFest, and others.
GEOFFREY TAYLOR- CINEMATOGRAPHER
Geoff Taylor founder of GTMT Films is an award - winning Director of Photography whose visual storytelling has shaped the versatile body of work across narrative, commercial, and visual media. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon and now based in Brooklyn, New York, Geoff brings both cinematic rigor and creative boldness to every frame. Most importantly his passion for this project and his philanthropic work for the youth is what really brought us together.
With credits including Cam (2018), Before I Disappear (2014), and The Good Neighbor (2016). His portfolio spans commercials, fashion, music videos, narrative film and still photography, reflecting a broad fluency in tone, lighting and visual language.
But most importantly his passion for this project and his philanthropic work for the youth is what really brought us together.