Julia

Portland, Oregon | Film Short

Biography, Drama

Emma Duvall

1 Campaigns | Oregon, United States

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This campaign raised $24,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

86 supporters | followers

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Julia is a short film based on the true story of a South Korean orphan. During her childhood, Julia and her orphanage sisters endured constant abuse, and their stories have only recently begun to be revealed. We want to honor and validate their experiences through this film.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

The Julia team is made up of filmmakers who share a passion for amplifying underrepresented voices. Given the rising trends in anti-Asian hate, we recognize the power that representation in film and media holds, and are dedicated to creating space for Asian storytelling.

The Story

Julia is a biopic short film. One day, Julia faces a test of loyalty and friendship when she is accused of a crime that she did not commit. She has two choices - betray a friend to prove her innocence, or take the punishment herself.

Director’s Statement: Julia is the story of one of my mother’s childhood memories. She grew up in a South Korean orphanage where she endured an incredible amount of hardship. I have always dreamed of telling her story, and wrote this script early last year not knowing when or how I would make it. Last September, my mother was featured in a news segment in South Korea where she talked about the abuse that she experienced at the orphanage. When the news story aired people were outraged and wanted justice for my mother and her orphanage sisters- a stark contrast to the usual stigma against orphans in South Korea. This is when I knew it was the right time to share this story. I want to continue to share her childhood with the world so that everyone can see and appreciate the strength it took for her to survive. If you’re interested in seeing my mother’s portion of the news segment, you can find it under our media tab! 

Since Julia is based on a true story, we have chosen to shoot this project on Super 16mm film. With its soft highlights, pronounced grain, and unmistakable texture, Super 16mm film best portrays the feeling of a memory.

Filming is scheduled for August 2021, and we will begin festival submissions in 2022. 

 

It is incredibly important to share Julia’s story in order to validate what she and her orphanage sisters endured during their childhood. The stories of their abuse have been buried for decades. Only within the last year have some of the victims started to come forward. Storytelling is a powerful tool that we want to use to honor their experiences and acknowledge the hardships that Julia and her orphanage sisters faced. 

 

Cast & Crew - Artists have suffered through the pandemic, and it is important to fairly pay everyone for their time and work.

Equipment - Equipment costs take up the largest portion of our budget. This is essential to giving Julia the production value it deserves. This will cover the cost of camera and lighting equipment rentals.

Film Stock & Development - We are shooting on Super 16mm film and this will cover the cost of our film stock and development fees. We will be processing and scanning our film through Fotokem, one of the best facilities on the west coast. 

Costume & Set Design - These will be key factors when it comes to bringing the Julia world to life. Since the film is set in 1970, we have allocated this portion to fully create this period piece setting. 

Covid-19 Safety - This portion of our budget will cover PPE and everything we need to have a safe set. 

 

 

Because of Covid-19, the safety and well-being of our cast & crew is our first priority. We will be following the CDC safety guidelines during our shoot. Here are a few safety protocols we will be following to ensure a safe shoot this August: 

  • Provide PPE for all cast & crew 
  • Require everyone to wear masks at all times (with the exception of actors when filming)
  • Regular sanitation of equipment and locations
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Working with a small crew

It truly takes an entire community's support to make an indie film come to life. We are so thankful to have you all alongside us on this journey. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on Julia!

 

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Camera Equipment

Costs $7,000

Help us ensure that Julia is made with the production value it deserves!

Lighting Equipment

Costs $2,300

Lighting is essential for creating the right atmosphere in each scene.

Film Development

Costs $4,600

This will cover the cost of our film stock and development fees!

Costume & Set Design

Costs $3,200

This will help us create the Julia world!

Cast & Crew

Costs $5,900

We are committed to fairly paying our entire cast and crew.

Covid-19 Safety

Costs $2,000

Safety is our first priority! This will allow us to provide the proper PPE to our cast & crew.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

 

Emma Duvall

Writer, Director, & Producer

Emma Duvall is a Korean American actress and filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon—whose directorial debut, Julia, tells the story of her mother's hardships growing up orphaned in South Korea.

 

Zoe Duvall-Hendrickson

Producer

Zoe Duvall-Hendrickson is a Korean American creative based in Portland, Oregon. Combining her passions for Asian American storytelling and film, Julia is the first film Duvall-Hendrickson has produced.

 

Skyler Verity

Writer & Produer

Skyler Verity is a Portland-based writer, filmmaker, and actor whose resume includes lead roles in films with James Franco, Hannah Marks, Jeremy Allen White and Michael Pitt; Verity also stars opposite Jessica Barr in Sophie Jones. Most recently, Verity portrayed Caleb in the TBS Series, Chad.

 

Jessica Barr

Producer

Jessica Barr is a filmmaker from Portland, Oregon. Sophie Jones—a feature starring Barr that she also co-wrote and produced—premiered in competition at the 2020 Deauville American Film Festival in Deauville, France. After playing at numerous festivals across the globe it was acquired by Oscilloscope Laboratories for a 2021 release. Barr is also in post-production for her short, That Piece of You, which stars Emma Duvall. 

 

Matthew Hayes

Directory of Photography

Matthew Hayes is a cinematographer based in Portland, Oregon. Originally hailing from Houston, Texas, Hayes believes that people deserve to be seen as they truly are, and focuses on finding the vulnerable honest moments between the subject and lens. Hayes recently worked on a short film with four time Grammy-winning artist, Esperanza Spalding.

 

Erin Snider

Producer

Erin Snider is a creative from Sacramento, California. Now based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Snider works as a graphic designer and creative director. She is passionate about helping others bring their stories to life. 

 

Current Team

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