Laguna Healing
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
Two best friends, troubled by relationships and work, take a day at the beach to find some peace and enjoy each other's company.
Laguna Healing
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | Kansas, United States
17 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$1,184
Goal: $3,500 for pre-production
Two best friends, troubled by relationships and work, take a day at the beach to find some peace and enjoy each other's company.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This short film is a tender exploration of what sisterhood means for Black and Brown women. It follows two best friends whose lives are full of challenges and uncertainties, yet when they are together, the weight of the world lifts. Platonically in love, they celebrate each other's strengths, push one another to chase dreams, and create a space of unwavering support, joy, and gratitude. Through laughter, tears, and shared moments, the film captures the profound power of friendship and shows how sisterhood can be both a sanctuary and a catalyst for growth.
ROSCIO - A school teacher who is also a photographer and wishes to make photography her career. She's loved photography all her life, but resorted to becoming a school teacher for a stable income. She loves making jokes and bringing light to those around her. She struggles with a toxic relationship she isn't ready to share, and leans on her best friend for support and comfort.
YA YA - Works in healthcare but quickly realizes it isn't the life she wants long‑term. The pressure of her job and family responsibilities makes each day feel heavy. She is a talented artist who dreams of pursuing art as a career, but struggles to give it the time and focus it needs. Her best friend, Rocio, is her emotional anchor and motivation — their friendship is what keeps her moving forward.
I have been thinking and talking about the day I make my own film for years. I ask myself, "What am I waiting for exactly?" I have been waiting for this moment when I am no longer scared of failure. I am excited to learn whatever is meant for me to learn on this journey. I've always wanted to make a film about friendships as a Black woman, and I decided to make my first film about something that means a lot to me. The friendships that I have made from the many different versions of myself have been blessings. They shaped who I am today. I want to create a film dedicated to them. My friends are amazing, and I am in love with every single one of them. Black and Brown sisterhood is something I'm incredibly grateful for and want to see more representation of. I love friendships and what they can do for someone, especially for women. I believe it's important to create more space for more stories about the power of friendship for women of color. I express myself through art, and my art is film. This is a love letter to my friendships. This campaign would be dedicated to helping this story get told and expanding the representation of women of color in film. I'll be flying out to LA to live temporarily to make this with the most amazing crew and cast. Your donations will help us meet our goal for this film. We thank any donations received to help this story be told.
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Our total budget is $3,500. This includes $1,000 for Locations, $1,000 for Festival Fees, $500 for Equipment, and $400 for Production Design. The remaining funds cover Crafty $200, Transportation $200, and Misc. $200 to ensure a smooth production.
As of March 2026, our script has been finalized, our crew has been brought on board, and our locations have been scouted. Shooting will take place in the Los Angeles area in May 2026, and post-production will begin in June 2026. We’re looking to wrap up post-production of the film by September 2026 to submit to over 35 film festivals!
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This pitch deck presents the visual style for our film, Laguna Healing. Our color palette is inspired by the story’s journey, with meaningful tones used to highlight key themes. Orange is our main color because it represents friendship, care-free energy, and fun. We also use Yellow to show happiness and Blue to bring a sense of peace. Together, these warm and cool colors create a unified look that brings the world of Laguna Healing to life.
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4,000 - Hitting this stretch goal of $4,000 allows us to upgrade our lighting gear to improve production quality.
$4,500 - Reaching our $4,500 stretch goal will elevate our final cut by covering essential post-production costs, including better sound mixing and color grading.
$5,000 - A $5,000 stretch goal allows us to elevate our production design and secure more time at our wonderful locations.
1. Pledge
Any and all donations are appreciated. If you would like to receive something back from us, we have a list of incentives with fun goodies that you can earn with your donations.
2. Follow us on Social Media
If you are unable to help fund, but still are interested in the project, please share our Seed & Spark on your social media and follow and share our Instagram for updates and behind the scenes! Everything is helpful, and we appreciate you taking the time to read through this! @LagunaHealing on Instagram.
3. CLICK Follow on our Seed&Spark Campaign
Getting to 250 followers is a major game-changer for us! Seed&Spark unlocks specific rewards at every milestone, and hitting that first tier is our top priority. If you can’t chip in financially, a quick follow is just as valuable—it costs nothing but helps us tremendously. Whether you pledge for an incentive or simply click "follow," every bit of support gets us closer to our goal.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Design
Costs $400
Help us amplify our aesthetic through our costumes for Roscio and Ya Ya, our props and set design for their apartments and Ya Ya’s car!
Equipment
Costs $500
Help us get our anamorphic lens for this Sean Baker-inspired film and the lighting gear we need to bring this to the big screen!
Festival Fees
Costs $1,000
Help us submit to over 35 film festivals dedicated to Black, Latina, and female artists!
Misc.
Costs $200
Help us with all the little things needed for the film from tape to shipping costs for our physical incentives (check the $75, $150 options)
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
The Laguna Healing team!
Emily is a black female director from Las Vegas, Nevada, currently studying film at WSU in Kansas. She has experience as an assistant director, background actor and a 3D animator with a few indie films. Her dream has always been to become a director/filmmaker. It has always been her goal for her projects to focus on representation and on things that matter to her.
Jada (they/them) is a queer filmmaker and theatre artist who recently graduated from the University of Washington's Cinema and Media Studies program. During their time at UW, they were the Head of Operations for the university's film production club, helped run the UW School of Drama's social media accounts, and stage-managed UW Undergraduate Theater Society’s sold-out production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Since moving to LA, they’ve joined Bethesda Repertory Theatre’s stage management and directing teams and worked on various short films, often centering queer and BIPOC crew, cast, and experiences. Having written, ADed, directed, and produced over a dozen short films, Jada is dedicated to bringing Emily’s vision of LAGUNA HEALING to life!
AUD is a queer, mixed, neurodivergent filmmaker that grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Their journey started at the age of 10 when they grabbed a Surface laptop and recorded their friends playing house, whispering behind the camera and giving them directions on how to make the story "better". Now they do the same thing but with more professionalism and a script! Aud has been making short films for over 6 years, in and out of school. As the Director of Photography working with Directors to bring their visions to life has become their favorite thing to do! The most recent project Aud DPed, “Second Wind” won an award for “Best Short Drama” at the London Women’s Film Festival. They are excited to bring the same talent and vision to “Laguna Healing” and work on a film uplifting and representing women of color.
Ever is an aspiring filmmaker originally from Seattle, having lived in DC and Tokyo before settling in LA this January to begin working in the industry. Ever is passionate about telling stories from voices often ignored or overlooked, and has worked on multiple productions as a PA and editor.
Galaxie is a designer who loves the world of fashion, interior, and industrial design. They come from a performing arts background while growing up, and built a design school experience from college. They grew up in South Los Angeles and lived in Philadelphia for about 2.5 years for a university education. They love sewing their own garments and accessories, cooking, and exploring the beach. They enjoy collaborating with artists of all fields and disciplines in their work. Catch them at a museum when she wants to do something inspiring!
Andrew is so excited to be a part of Laguna Healing! As a kid, he loved making stop-motion videos and filming little movies with his pets on iMovie. During his final semester at USC, he revisited that childhood interest and made a short film with some friends. Since then, he hasn’t been able to shake the itch to keep creating and can’t wait to grow and learn with this team on this project.
Josh Cruz is an aspiring Filmmaker deeply interested in screenwriting, directing, and editing, currently studying cinema production at Los Angeles City College. A Marine Corps veteran, Josh brings a hardworking and can-do attitude to every production he works on. Starting as a Production Assistant on NightFare and most recently serving as a 2nd Camera Assistant on Sentimental Valor, Josh is passionate about film and the creativity involved in telling deep, meaningful stories. Josh has directed, written, and edited three short films of his own and is eager to create more.
Ileana is a third-year film major with big dreams in production. Ileana is excited to join the team and, hopefully, will learn a lot more working with everyone!
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Angel (they/them) is a multimedia artist. Born in Colombia and raised in Spain, they have layers of intersectionality and culture that have helped shape them into the artist they are today. They have used photography, graphic design, acting & dance (amongst others) as mediums to reflect the world as they see it.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This short film is a tender exploration of what sisterhood means for Black and Brown women. It follows two best friends whose lives are full of challenges and uncertainties, yet when they are together, the weight of the world lifts. Platonically in love, they celebrate each other's strengths, push one another to chase dreams, and create a space of unwavering support, joy, and gratitude. Through laughter, tears, and shared moments, the film captures the profound power of friendship and shows how sisterhood can be both a sanctuary and a catalyst for growth.
ROSCIO - A school teacher who is also a photographer and wishes to make photography her career. She's loved photography all her life, but resorted to becoming a school teacher for a stable income. She loves making jokes and bringing light to those around her. She struggles with a toxic relationship she isn't ready to share, and leans on her best friend for support and comfort.
YA YA - Works in healthcare but quickly realizes it isn't the life she wants long‑term. The pressure of her job and family responsibilities makes each day feel heavy. She is a talented artist who dreams of pursuing art as a career, but struggles to give it the time and focus it needs. Her best friend, Rocio, is her emotional anchor and motivation — their friendship is what keeps her moving forward.
I have been thinking and talking about the day I make my own film for years. I ask myself, "What am I waiting for exactly?" I have been waiting for this moment when I am no longer scared of failure. I am excited to learn whatever is meant for me to learn on this journey. I've always wanted to make a film about friendships as a Black woman, and I decided to make my first film about something that means a lot to me. The friendships that I have made from the many different versions of myself have been blessings. They shaped who I am today. I want to create a film dedicated to them. My friends are amazing, and I am in love with every single one of them. Black and Brown sisterhood is something I'm incredibly grateful for and want to see more representation of. I love friendships and what they can do for someone, especially for women. I believe it's important to create more space for more stories about the power of friendship for women of color. I express myself through art, and my art is film. This is a love letter to my friendships. This campaign would be dedicated to helping this story get told and expanding the representation of women of color in film. I'll be flying out to LA to live temporarily to make this with the most amazing crew and cast. Your donations will help us meet our goal for this film. We thank any donations received to help this story be told.
Our total budget is $3,500. This includes $1,000 for Locations, $1,000 for Festival Fees, $500 for Equipment, and $400 for Production Design. The remaining funds cover Crafty $200, Transportation $200, and Misc. $200 to ensure a smooth production.
As of March 2026, our script has been finalized, our crew has been brought on board, and our locations have been scouted. Shooting will take place in the Los Angeles area in May 2026, and post-production will begin in June 2026. We’re looking to wrap up post-production of the film by September 2026 to submit to over 35 film festivals!
This pitch deck presents the visual style for our film, Laguna Healing. Our color palette is inspired by the story’s journey, with meaningful tones used to highlight key themes. Orange is our main color because it represents friendship, care-free energy, and fun. We also use Yellow to show happiness and Blue to bring a sense of peace. Together, these warm and cool colors create a unified look that brings the world of Laguna Healing to life.
4,000 - Hitting this stretch goal of $4,000 allows us to upgrade our lighting gear to improve production quality.
$4,500 - Reaching our $4,500 stretch goal will elevate our final cut by covering essential post-production costs, including better sound mixing and color grading.
$5,000 - A $5,000 stretch goal allows us to elevate our production design and secure more time at our wonderful locations.
1. Pledge
Any and all donations are appreciated. If you would like to receive something back from us, we have a list of incentives with fun goodies that you can earn with your donations.
2. Follow us on Social Media
If you are unable to help fund, but still are interested in the project, please share our Seed & Spark on your social media and follow and share our Instagram for updates and behind the scenes! Everything is helpful, and we appreciate you taking the time to read through this! @LagunaHealing on Instagram.
3. CLICK Follow on our Seed&Spark Campaign
Getting to 250 followers is a major game-changer for us! Seed&Spark unlocks specific rewards at every milestone, and hitting that first tier is our top priority. If you can’t chip in financially, a quick follow is just as valuable—it costs nothing but helps us tremendously. Whether you pledge for an incentive or simply click "follow," every bit of support gets us closer to our goal.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Design
Costs $400
Help us amplify our aesthetic through our costumes for Roscio and Ya Ya, our props and set design for their apartments and Ya Ya’s car!
Equipment
Costs $500
Help us get our anamorphic lens for this Sean Baker-inspired film and the lighting gear we need to bring this to the big screen!
Festival Fees
Costs $1,000
Help us submit to over 35 film festivals dedicated to Black, Latina, and female artists!
Misc.
Costs $200
Help us with all the little things needed for the film from tape to shipping costs for our physical incentives (check the $75, $150 options)
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
The Laguna Healing team!
Emily is a black female director from Las Vegas, Nevada, currently studying film at WSU in Kansas. She has experience as an assistant director, background actor and a 3D animator with a few indie films. Her dream has always been to become a director/filmmaker. It has always been her goal for her projects to focus on representation and on things that matter to her.
Jada (they/them) is a queer filmmaker and theatre artist who recently graduated from the University of Washington's Cinema and Media Studies program. During their time at UW, they were the Head of Operations for the university's film production club, helped run the UW School of Drama's social media accounts, and stage-managed UW Undergraduate Theater Society’s sold-out production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Since moving to LA, they’ve joined Bethesda Repertory Theatre’s stage management and directing teams and worked on various short films, often centering queer and BIPOC crew, cast, and experiences. Having written, ADed, directed, and produced over a dozen short films, Jada is dedicated to bringing Emily’s vision of LAGUNA HEALING to life!
AUD is a queer, mixed, neurodivergent filmmaker that grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Their journey started at the age of 10 when they grabbed a Surface laptop and recorded their friends playing house, whispering behind the camera and giving them directions on how to make the story "better". Now they do the same thing but with more professionalism and a script! Aud has been making short films for over 6 years, in and out of school. As the Director of Photography working with Directors to bring their visions to life has become their favorite thing to do! The most recent project Aud DPed, “Second Wind” won an award for “Best Short Drama” at the London Women’s Film Festival. They are excited to bring the same talent and vision to “Laguna Healing” and work on a film uplifting and representing women of color.
Ever is an aspiring filmmaker originally from Seattle, having lived in DC and Tokyo before settling in LA this January to begin working in the industry. Ever is passionate about telling stories from voices often ignored or overlooked, and has worked on multiple productions as a PA and editor.
Galaxie is a designer who loves the world of fashion, interior, and industrial design. They come from a performing arts background while growing up, and built a design school experience from college. They grew up in South Los Angeles and lived in Philadelphia for about 2.5 years for a university education. They love sewing their own garments and accessories, cooking, and exploring the beach. They enjoy collaborating with artists of all fields and disciplines in their work. Catch them at a museum when she wants to do something inspiring!
Andrew is so excited to be a part of Laguna Healing! As a kid, he loved making stop-motion videos and filming little movies with his pets on iMovie. During his final semester at USC, he revisited that childhood interest and made a short film with some friends. Since then, he hasn’t been able to shake the itch to keep creating and can’t wait to grow and learn with this team on this project.
Josh Cruz is an aspiring Filmmaker deeply interested in screenwriting, directing, and editing, currently studying cinema production at Los Angeles City College. A Marine Corps veteran, Josh brings a hardworking and can-do attitude to every production he works on. Starting as a Production Assistant on NightFare and most recently serving as a 2nd Camera Assistant on Sentimental Valor, Josh is passionate about film and the creativity involved in telling deep, meaningful stories. Josh has directed, written, and edited three short films of his own and is eager to create more.
Ileana is a third-year film major with big dreams in production. Ileana is excited to join the team and, hopefully, will learn a lot more working with everyone!
Angel (they/them) is a multimedia artist. Born in Colombia and raised in Spain, they have layers of intersectionality and culture that have helped shape them into the artist they are today. They have used photography, graphic design, acting & dance (amongst others) as mediums to reflect the world as they see it.