An ode to mother’s and mother-figures everywhere, this film explores how the strength of love is what remains, even amidst the deepest grief.
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Story
Mission Statement
With women both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, the cast will be made up predominantly of women of diverse ages and ethnic backgrounds. We also seek to challenge normative notions of femininity, culture and spirituality in our story.About The Project
THE STORY
In this short film, we follow the story of Eloisa, as she says goodbye to her mother, Lorena. In a moment of grief, she is overcome by the other-worldly memory of moments throughout her life where her mother's love carried her through. As the past flashes before her eyes, these are the very moments that will somehow teach her the lessons she needs to truly let go.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
"Letting Go," is a short film inspired by our grandmother, known as Mamita, (a Spanish term of endearment that can mean “mom” or “sweetheart”) who left this world in December 2016, but whose spirit lives on.
This story is inspired not only by our beloved Mamita, but the beautiful life of her daughter, Elisa, our mother and one of the founders of The Millayes Company. As we reflect on the courage of our Mamita, the strength of our own Mom, and embark on our own path to healing, we wanted to create something healing for anyone who has felt an enormous sense of loneliness in the world after losing a loved one; to remind them that they aren't alone; and that this type of love lasts beyond what we can see and touch.
Letting Go is an ode to all mothers and mother figures everywhere. And with Mother's Day in the month of May, the timing feels right.
We are so thankful that
you are partnering with us
to make this story spring to life!
EXCEEDING OUR GOALS
Cinematically, we want to create something beautiful and moving and our goal is to create something we can all be proud of.
The $2,000 goal is the minimum needed to get the film made with beautiful production quality. This amount will also cover the cost of paying key members of our production team (1st AD, Director of Photography, Gaffer, Grip, Production Sound Mixer/Boom Operator); paying our talented actors; pay for insurance; and feed the entire cast and crew.
If we exceed our goal, this is how your contribution will help:
Raising $2,500 will… cover our post-production costs, which include creating the original score and film editing.
Raising $3,000 will … cover our festival fees and marketing/promotional costs for getting the film out into the world and spreading its impact.
Raising $3,500 will … allow us to pay a stipend to our writer/director, our two assistant producers, our Key Hair and our Costume Designer (who are sacrificing pay for this passion project).
Incentives
$10
WHOA, THANK YOU!
Whoa, that's the cost of lunch, or two fancy coffees and you sacrificed that to be a part of this. You’ll get a special Thank You! on social media!
$25
SCROLLING THANKS (Solo Package)
- You’ll get a special Thank You! on social media!
- Have your name listed in the Special Thanks section of the film credits!
$25
SCROLLING DEDICATION (Family Package)
- You’ll get a special Thank You! on social media!
AND since this film is dedicated to moms everywhere...
- Have the name of your mom (or mother figure) listed in the dedication section of the film credits!
$50
SIGNED SCRIPT
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- You will receive a signed digital copy of the script from the production team when the film is complete.
$100
WATCH THE FILM
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- Exclusive private link to download the film after its festival run!
$500
YOU'RE AN ASSOCIATE PRODUCER!
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- Associate Producer Credit in the film credits and on IMDb.
$1,000
YOU'RE AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- Executive Producer Credit in the film credits and on IMDb.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
WHOA, THANK YOU!
Whoa, that's the cost of lunch, or two fancy coffees and you sacrificed that to be a part of this. You’ll get a special Thank You! on social media!
$25
SCROLLING THANKS (Solo Package)
- You’ll get a special Thank You! on social media!
- Have your name listed in the Special Thanks section of the film credits!
$25
SCROLLING DEDICATION (Family Package)
- You’ll get a special Thank You! on social media!
AND since this film is dedicated to moms everywhere...
- Have the name of your mom (or mother figure) listed in the dedication section of the film credits!
$50
SIGNED SCRIPT
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- You will receive a signed digital copy of the script from the production team when the film is complete.
$100
WATCH THE FILM
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- Exclusive private link to download the film after its festival run!
$500
YOU'RE AN ASSOCIATE PRODUCER!
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- Associate Producer Credit in the film credits and on IMDb.
$1,000
YOU'RE AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
- All of the above (choice of Solo or Family $25 option) PLUS:
- Executive Producer Credit in the film credits and on IMDb.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
The Millayes Company consists of a trio of women:
Lisann Valentin, Jillian Valentin and their mother Elisa Millayes.
Together they have produced two short films (that have gone on to film festivals), three music videos (that have drawn a massive audience) and are currently in pre-production for a web series. Aside from being a close-knit family, they wear many hats and love creating content that positively impacts the world.
WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
Lisann Valentin is a Brooklyn-based actress, writer and director who has worked with Sundance-featured filmmakers and Golden Globe winners. A passionate storyteller, she made her directorial debut with Our Quiet Night, which ignited her passion for storytelling through film. The short became an official selection of The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival and Cortocircuito: The Latino Shorts Film Festival of New York. Her second short, Europeany, became an official selection of the Women In Comedy Festival. Lisann Valentin has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Post, Latina Magazine and Fox News Latino and is currently working on her third short film, "Letting Go."
ASSISTANT PRODUCER / SET DESIGN
Jillian Valentin is a singer/songwriter, an artist and an on-air personality who produces music videos and short films for The Millayes Company. She is 1/2 of the music duo Male vs Female, who performed the score for Our Quiet Night. As an artist, she is the set-designer for The Millayes Company productions, and has created her own pop-culture inspired line of artwork used in those films. She is currently the assistant producer / set designer for Letting Go.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / CATERING
Elisa Millayes is an executive producer and manages catering for The Millayes Company.
THE CREW
"Artists for artists" Blackbox NYC are the associate producers on Letting Go
and will bring their award-winning cinematography to this project.
Renowned beauty expert and Celebrity hair stylist Ryan Darius Nickulas is Key Hair Stylist
on Letting Go, and one of the executive producers of the film.
Celebrity stylist Engie Hassan has signed on as Costume Designer for Letting Go.
Kelly Franks, publicist extraordinaire, has signed on as the Publicist for Letting Go.
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