Lamia: A 16mm Basque Mythology Film
Middletown, Connecticut | Film Short
Action, Fantasy
A Basque mythological creature struggles to preserve her identity after a man steals her egg.
Lamia: A 16mm Basque Mythology Film
Middletown, Connecticut | Film Short
Action, Fantasy
1 Campaigns | Connecticut, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $1,300 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
43 supporters | followers
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A Basque mythological creature struggles to preserve her identity after a man steals her egg.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A Note from the Director
My name is Laura, and I'm from the Basque Country, an area in Northern Spain with a different culture and language, Basque. I currently study film, and as a culmination of my career, I want to use my film thesis as an opportunity to promote my culture.
This film is important to me because it is not only about Basque culture, but also about how minority cultures struggle to keep their power when more widespread ones overtake them. That is my own personal struggle that I am encountering by traveling to the US for school. That is the struggle of the protagonist as well.
This film encourages everyone to share who they are and be proud of their roots. Most importantly, it is a call to action for minority cultures to speak and foster their language, so they gain the recognition that they deserve.
By contributing to this film, you are benefiting society. Your are helping a viewpoint from a minority culture come out to the world. Join me in this journey to foster cultural exchange!
What We Need & What You Get
The money we are raising will go towards the following items:
- Cost of 16mm film stock and processing.
- Cast and crew meals, transportation, and location rentals.
- Special effects construction, costumes, and make-up.
In gratitude for your contributions, we are offering compensations that we hope you will enjoy. We want you to know you can be directly involved in the production and have a huge impact on fostering cultural exchange.
Risks & Challenges
The biggest challenges in this project will be monetary and accomplishing the special effects. Because it's a 16mm film, it is not possible to use computer-generated imagery. So, we will have to build everything from costumes, to miniatures, silicone prosthetics, and puppets. We will require hydraulics and mechanical-engineering effects. And, as students, we are trying to keep everything cheap, by using as many reusable materials as we can get. Over this summer, we have done extensive research by looking at movies like Superman, Metropolis, and Star Wars, and have gathered a team of students who are enthusiastic about tackling these challenges through trial and error.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute money, that's okay! We would greatly appreciate if you could help us spread the word and letting people know about our campaign. That would be a huge help!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location rentals/insurance
Costs $200
We will be filming in natural reserves and museums, which require us to get an insurance certificate
Film Stock
Costs $500
Film stock is necessary to achieve our vision!
Food
Costs $400
Meals for cast and crew on production days
Props, Costumes, and Make-up
Costs $200
We need to build a lot of things for this film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Laura Pérez Maquedano: Writer, Director, Editor, Production Designer.
Laura Pérez Maquedano is a writer, actress, and filmmaker based in the Basque Country and Connecticut. She has received many theatrical awards by the City Council of Bilbao for her theatrical route and for her work teaching theater to children. In addition, Laura is a published children’s book writer and illustrator, with works such as “The Lost Turtle” (2013) and “The Poor Cactus” (2015). She became interested in cinema through making stop motion videos, and currently studies Film at Wesleyan University, where she has written, directed, and produced her own films and a musical play. She has also worked on many student films as a producer, gaffer, assistant director, editor, and colorist.
Andoni Sánchez González: Executive Producer, Location Scout.
Andoni Sánchez González is a Social Work degree student at UPV/EHU University. He has worked on advertising and organizing a charity market for the NGOs "Juntos Mola Más" and HOPAD, helping unprotected children and women in Patán, Nepal.
Sharine Foo: 1st Producer, Set Construction Assistant, Location Scout.
Sharine Foo has crewed on various student films and theater plays as a Production Assistant, Sound Recordist, Gaffer, Lighting Designer, Assistant Director, and Producer. She has worked with Laura Pérez Maquedano on many of her films: In the digital short Hermione Granger and the First Task, Sharine was the Head Gaffer. In the 16 mm Un Oubli Gigantesque (2018) film, she was the Assistant Director, Gaffer, and Set and Props Construction Assistant.
Thanmye Lagudu: 2nd Producer.
Thanmye Lagudu is a rising senior at Wesleyan University, pursuing a Film Studies and Neuroscience double major. He is a member of the Wesleyan Film Board, an Executive Producer and Gear Manager for Cardinal Pictures, and the current co-host of the Screenwriters' Lounge. He has worked on multiple student film and theatrical productions as a Producer, Assistant Director, and Stage Manager.
Ishan Modi: 1st Assistant Director.
Ishan Modi is an award-winning filmmaker based in Singapore & Connecticut. His work has been screened and awarded at numerous film festivals across the globe, including the academy-award qualifying LA Film Festival and Nashville Film Festival, as well as My Rode Reel, the largest short film competition in the world. In the past year, Ishan has also been the Assistant Director of a senior thesis short film.
Concetta Froio: 2nd Assistant Director.
Concetta Froio is a student at Wesleyan University. She has directed her own short film, as well as worked on other senior theses and student films. She has been a Producer, Assistant Director, Production Assistant, Assistant Camera, Sound Operator, and Assistant Editor.
Daniel Osofsky: Director of Photography.
Daniel Osofsky is a rising senior at Wesleyan pursuing a Film Studies major and Creative Writing certificate. Daniel has worked as an Executive Producer, Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Set Designer, Gaffer, and Production Designer on student films and theater works. Daniel has also worked professionally in theater and film, creating animations for NYC theater galas and as an Art Production Assistant on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Alea Laidlaw: Assistant Camera, Focus Pull, Props Construction Assistant.
Alea Laidlaw is a senior at Wesleyan University majoring in Science and Society with concentrations in Environmental Studies and Sociology, and minoring in film. She has worked on Laura Pérez Maquedano’s Un Oubli Gigantesque (2018) short film as the Producer, Construction Assistant, and Costume Assistant. She has also worked on two senior theses, as well as five of her own short films. During the summer, she has used photography in her Marine Biology research. Alea loves cinema, and believes that it is an international medium for visual communication.
Joaquina Guevara: Special Effects Engineer.
Joaquina Guevara is a Computer Science Major at Wesleyan University. She has three years of FTC robotics experience, and has worked on architectural construction, as well as in-camera effects. She has also been the Costume Designer of two student films, and a Teacher Assistant for puppet-making classes and ceramic sculpture classes.
Erin Hussey: Costume Designer, Hair and Make-up Artist.
Erin Hussey works at the Costume Shop for the Wesleyan Center For the Arts, making costumes for multiple Theater Department shows. She has also worked on several film projects at Wesleyan, primarily as a Costume and Make-up Designer, but also as an actress. She has costumed and done make-up for three films in the past year, doing both practical and special effects make-up, and creating handmade costumes.
Angelica Cucueco: Script Supervisor.
Angelica Cucueco is a sophomore at Wesleyan University. In the past 2 years she has worked on 6 senior film theses, 1 student short film and a few Spoon University videos. She has worked as a Producer, PA, Script Supervisor, Social Media Manager, Assistant Casting Director and Assistant Camera.
Aaron Josephs: Stunt Coordinator.
Aaron Josephs has been trained as a professional stunt coordinator, and has worked on multiple projects involving stunts. He has an SAFD certification in theatrical firearms, as well as in unarmed combat, rapier & dagger, and broadsword. He also has additional training in quarterstaff and knife. Aaron has choreographed over 30 theatrical productions, including but not limited to: productions with Second Stage, the Wesleyan Department of Theatre, and the Unlikely Shakespeare Company. Additionally, he has coordinated fights and stunts for 15 films: 2 senior theses, several student films, and two professional independent short films.
Anna Yeo: Gaffer, Props Construction Assistant.
Anna Yeo is a Film Studies and Economics double major at Wesleyan. She has worked on multiple senior theses and student films in various roles, including Production Assistant, Sound Operator, actress, Production Designer, and Costume Assistant. She is also a video production intern with University Communications. In her own time, she likes to experiment with 2D and stop-motion animation.
Mario Martínez: Grip.
Mario Martínez is a Spanish filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. He has received several international awards for his short films and screenplays, such as the "Media Literacy Award" by the Austrian Ministry of Education in 2018, and the FESCILA for Best Youth Script in 2019. Nowadays, he is part of the CineClubForum organizer of the Festival de Cine Inédito de Mérida (Spain).
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A Note from the Director
My name is Laura, and I'm from the Basque Country, an area in Northern Spain with a different culture and language, Basque. I currently study film, and as a culmination of my career, I want to use my film thesis as an opportunity to promote my culture.
This film is important to me because it is not only about Basque culture, but also about how minority cultures struggle to keep their power when more widespread ones overtake them. That is my own personal struggle that I am encountering by traveling to the US for school. That is the struggle of the protagonist as well.
This film encourages everyone to share who they are and be proud of their roots. Most importantly, it is a call to action for minority cultures to speak and foster their language, so they gain the recognition that they deserve.
By contributing to this film, you are benefiting society. Your are helping a viewpoint from a minority culture come out to the world. Join me in this journey to foster cultural exchange!
What We Need & What You Get
The money we are raising will go towards the following items:
- Cost of 16mm film stock and processing.
- Cast and crew meals, transportation, and location rentals.
- Special effects construction, costumes, and make-up.
In gratitude for your contributions, we are offering compensations that we hope you will enjoy. We want you to know you can be directly involved in the production and have a huge impact on fostering cultural exchange.
Risks & Challenges
The biggest challenges in this project will be monetary and accomplishing the special effects. Because it's a 16mm film, it is not possible to use computer-generated imagery. So, we will have to build everything from costumes, to miniatures, silicone prosthetics, and puppets. We will require hydraulics and mechanical-engineering effects. And, as students, we are trying to keep everything cheap, by using as many reusable materials as we can get. Over this summer, we have done extensive research by looking at movies like Superman, Metropolis, and Star Wars, and have gathered a team of students who are enthusiastic about tackling these challenges through trial and error.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute money, that's okay! We would greatly appreciate if you could help us spread the word and letting people know about our campaign. That would be a huge help!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location rentals/insurance
Costs $200
We will be filming in natural reserves and museums, which require us to get an insurance certificate
Film Stock
Costs $500
Film stock is necessary to achieve our vision!
Food
Costs $400
Meals for cast and crew on production days
Props, Costumes, and Make-up
Costs $200
We need to build a lot of things for this film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Laura Pérez Maquedano: Writer, Director, Editor, Production Designer.
Laura Pérez Maquedano is a writer, actress, and filmmaker based in the Basque Country and Connecticut. She has received many theatrical awards by the City Council of Bilbao for her theatrical route and for her work teaching theater to children. In addition, Laura is a published children’s book writer and illustrator, with works such as “The Lost Turtle” (2013) and “The Poor Cactus” (2015). She became interested in cinema through making stop motion videos, and currently studies Film at Wesleyan University, where she has written, directed, and produced her own films and a musical play. She has also worked on many student films as a producer, gaffer, assistant director, editor, and colorist.
Andoni Sánchez González: Executive Producer, Location Scout.
Andoni Sánchez González is a Social Work degree student at UPV/EHU University. He has worked on advertising and organizing a charity market for the NGOs "Juntos Mola Más" and HOPAD, helping unprotected children and women in Patán, Nepal.
Sharine Foo: 1st Producer, Set Construction Assistant, Location Scout.
Sharine Foo has crewed on various student films and theater plays as a Production Assistant, Sound Recordist, Gaffer, Lighting Designer, Assistant Director, and Producer. She has worked with Laura Pérez Maquedano on many of her films: In the digital short Hermione Granger and the First Task, Sharine was the Head Gaffer. In the 16 mm Un Oubli Gigantesque (2018) film, she was the Assistant Director, Gaffer, and Set and Props Construction Assistant.
Thanmye Lagudu: 2nd Producer.
Thanmye Lagudu is a rising senior at Wesleyan University, pursuing a Film Studies and Neuroscience double major. He is a member of the Wesleyan Film Board, an Executive Producer and Gear Manager for Cardinal Pictures, and the current co-host of the Screenwriters' Lounge. He has worked on multiple student film and theatrical productions as a Producer, Assistant Director, and Stage Manager.
Ishan Modi: 1st Assistant Director.
Ishan Modi is an award-winning filmmaker based in Singapore & Connecticut. His work has been screened and awarded at numerous film festivals across the globe, including the academy-award qualifying LA Film Festival and Nashville Film Festival, as well as My Rode Reel, the largest short film competition in the world. In the past year, Ishan has also been the Assistant Director of a senior thesis short film.
Concetta Froio: 2nd Assistant Director.
Concetta Froio is a student at Wesleyan University. She has directed her own short film, as well as worked on other senior theses and student films. She has been a Producer, Assistant Director, Production Assistant, Assistant Camera, Sound Operator, and Assistant Editor.
Daniel Osofsky: Director of Photography.
Daniel Osofsky is a rising senior at Wesleyan pursuing a Film Studies major and Creative Writing certificate. Daniel has worked as an Executive Producer, Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Set Designer, Gaffer, and Production Designer on student films and theater works. Daniel has also worked professionally in theater and film, creating animations for NYC theater galas and as an Art Production Assistant on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Alea Laidlaw: Assistant Camera, Focus Pull, Props Construction Assistant.
Alea Laidlaw is a senior at Wesleyan University majoring in Science and Society with concentrations in Environmental Studies and Sociology, and minoring in film. She has worked on Laura Pérez Maquedano’s Un Oubli Gigantesque (2018) short film as the Producer, Construction Assistant, and Costume Assistant. She has also worked on two senior theses, as well as five of her own short films. During the summer, she has used photography in her Marine Biology research. Alea loves cinema, and believes that it is an international medium for visual communication.
Joaquina Guevara: Special Effects Engineer.
Joaquina Guevara is a Computer Science Major at Wesleyan University. She has three years of FTC robotics experience, and has worked on architectural construction, as well as in-camera effects. She has also been the Costume Designer of two student films, and a Teacher Assistant for puppet-making classes and ceramic sculpture classes.
Erin Hussey: Costume Designer, Hair and Make-up Artist.
Erin Hussey works at the Costume Shop for the Wesleyan Center For the Arts, making costumes for multiple Theater Department shows. She has also worked on several film projects at Wesleyan, primarily as a Costume and Make-up Designer, but also as an actress. She has costumed and done make-up for three films in the past year, doing both practical and special effects make-up, and creating handmade costumes.
Angelica Cucueco: Script Supervisor.
Angelica Cucueco is a sophomore at Wesleyan University. In the past 2 years she has worked on 6 senior film theses, 1 student short film and a few Spoon University videos. She has worked as a Producer, PA, Script Supervisor, Social Media Manager, Assistant Casting Director and Assistant Camera.
Aaron Josephs: Stunt Coordinator.
Aaron Josephs has been trained as a professional stunt coordinator, and has worked on multiple projects involving stunts. He has an SAFD certification in theatrical firearms, as well as in unarmed combat, rapier & dagger, and broadsword. He also has additional training in quarterstaff and knife. Aaron has choreographed over 30 theatrical productions, including but not limited to: productions with Second Stage, the Wesleyan Department of Theatre, and the Unlikely Shakespeare Company. Additionally, he has coordinated fights and stunts for 15 films: 2 senior theses, several student films, and two professional independent short films.
Anna Yeo: Gaffer, Props Construction Assistant.
Anna Yeo is a Film Studies and Economics double major at Wesleyan. She has worked on multiple senior theses and student films in various roles, including Production Assistant, Sound Operator, actress, Production Designer, and Costume Assistant. She is also a video production intern with University Communications. In her own time, she likes to experiment with 2D and stop-motion animation.
Mario Martínez: Grip.
Mario Martínez is a Spanish filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. He has received several international awards for his short films and screenplays, such as the "Media Literacy Award" by the Austrian Ministry of Education in 2018, and the FESCILA for Best Youth Script in 2019. Nowadays, he is part of the CineClubForum organizer of the Festival de Cine Inédito de Mérida (Spain).