Our Curse
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Horror, Family
Dark premonitions, strange sounds at night, long black hair. These should not be the symptoms of pregnancy. As the days count down to the birth of their baby, A Hmong and Mexican couple receive unwanted visits from two haunting guests. Have they come to do harm or to teach a lesson?
Our Curse
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Horror, Family
2 Campaigns | Minnesota, United States
54 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$3,905
Goal: $10,000 for production
Dark premonitions, strange sounds at night, long black hair. These should not be the symptoms of pregnancy. As the days count down to the birth of their baby, A Hmong and Mexican couple receive unwanted visits from two haunting guests. Have they come to do harm or to teach a lesson?
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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When I was a teenager I grew up in a Mexican neighborhood. As a Hmong kid, I immediately saw the similarities with my Mexican friends. We both were family oriented, loved spicy foods, and we had a lot of pride in our culture. One night, we were telling ghost stories next to a dark swamp (Florida) and they told me the story of La Llorona. Though I was scared to death by their tale, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the Poj Ntxoog of my culture. So I quickly told them that story to scare them back. Sharing stories, and sharing culture brings people together. We understand each other a little better, we respect our differences and we discover magical similarities. This is something that we need reminding of, especially in these times. Let us remember these morals through a ghost story.
-Gregory Yang
Creator
Mari and Kou are an unexpected match. In matter of fact, they have plenty of differences: She is Mexican, he is Hmong. She dabbles in religion, he does not. She loves her culture, He... well lets just say it's complicated. But there are many things that they do share: They both are deeply in love with each other, they both want kids, and they both share a dark secret they have not told each other... they are haunted by ghosts with long black hair. With their differences, similarities, and their secrets, they are about to have a baby.
After weeks of restless nights due to haunting nightmares, the expecting couple find themselves on opposite ends of a heated argument. The situation get's worse when strange noises are heard, the art on the walls keep mysteriously moving, and bloody wounds start to unnaturally form. These omens can mean one thing, La Llorona and the Poj Ntxoog have arrived.
Will the couple survive the night? Is their baby going to be safe?... That's where you come in. Help us uncover the horror.
"Our Curse" is a modern day folk horror honoring our cultural ghost stories. Normally when there is an American adaptation of horror films from different cultures and countries, it is shown through a white lens. We believe that American adaptations should also include people of color, particularly the people where the horror's origins came from. In this case, our film shows Hmong people and Mexicans as leads, Americans, and having multi cultural stakes in an American adaptation of horror.
But beyond the horror is the heart. We share a Hmong and Mexican love story that has never been told together on screen. We explore the challenges, beauty, and love between interracial relationships, especially with two cultures that are so vibrant and unique. We also explore the ideas of why do our cultural ghost stories exist. What lessons are they trying to teach to the children who are told these stories and to the parents who are telling them? Lastly, we explore what it means to fight for love, and will it be enough to face your darkest fears?
Our total budget goal is $20,000
We would like to raise $10,000 through crowdfunding on Seed & Spark, and the other $10,000 through the Seed & Spark and Gold House AAPI resistance rally.
STRETCH GOALS
Through Seed & Spark.
Reaching $10,000: Our fundraiser goal is met.
Reaching $13,000: More flexibility on locations, equipment, contingency.
Reaching $17,000: Higher wages to our amazing cast, crew and post production team.
Reaching $20,000: If we are not a winner of the AAPI Resistance Rally, this amount will still green light us. If we are one of the winners, this will cover festival fees, travel, production quality, and distribution strategy.
THANK YOU
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
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About This Team
Gregory Yang
Writer/Producer/Starring
Gregory Yang (he/him/his) is a Hmong American actor, writer, and producer based out of Minneapolis and Los Angeles. He has had the privilege to work on the stages of some of Minnesota's finest theatre companies including: Theater Mu, Park Square Theatre, Full Circle Theater Company, Nimbus Theatre, and more. Voice Over work includes Penguin Random House's "The Diamond Explorer" and Netflix's "Kian Bizarre's BNB"
He is one of the recipients of the 2022 Minnesota State Arts Board Grant. Gregory has previously led both a successful campaign and production on Seed&Spark with Modern Shaman which has had the opportunity to play across the country and highlighting Hmong stories and narratives. His goal is to continue to tell engaging stories that reflect the modern Asian American experience, and to help open the door for other Hmong and Southeast Asian storytellers.
Kak Lee
Director of Photgraphy
Kak Lee's epic cinema journey began in the rural mountains of Laos which led to refugee camps in Thailand. After a few years, his family eventually emigrated to the United States. Those stark images experienced during his formative years in Asia never left him when he developed a keen interest in filmmaking. Having worked in various production capacities starting from a local cable access station in Merced, CA, he found his passion in the craft of cinematography. Upon receiving a BA in film studies from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and an MFA in Cinematography from Chapman University, he has since gone on to shoot various projects from short films, music videos, industrial films, documentaries, and features. Never one to rest on his laurels, Kak consistently seeks out challenging projects to create beautiful visual narratives.
Alissa Razzano
Producer
Alissa Razzano is a writer, actor, and producer based in Los Angeles. Originally from the east coast, she holds a BFA in Acting and has a strong foundation in theater. Her work includes national commercials for brands like Apple, Verizon, Duracell, State Farm, Pilot Pens, Blue Bunny, NFL, Buick, and more. She is currently the face of Tropical Smoothie Cafe and served as TaxAct’s spokesperson across multiple campaigns. As a voice actor, she’s completed a variety of projects, including video games such as The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and Archangel. Alissa has a growing passion for producing work that leans toward the dark, the weird, and the deeply human -fueled in part by her multicultural roots and commitment to meaningful narratives.
Richard Louprasong
Editor
Richard Louprasong is a Lao-American filmmaker living in Los Angeles working in film and social media marketing/advertising. He is known for his award-winning short films It Heads Home and The Cruise. His family originated from the country of Laos. He was born in Idaho but for the most part of his life, he was raised in Minnesota. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career and passion in film & entertainment.
Colina Vang
Social Media Director
Colina Vang is the creative force behind SHOTBYCC, a multimedia brand built on passion, precision, and storytelling. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Colina is a seasoned photographer, videographer, and designer who brings bold ideas to life through powerful visuals and strategic campaigns. Whether she’s behind the camera or behind the scenes, she blends artistic vision with marketing know-how to help brands, individuals, and organizations shine. Her work is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a deep love for capturing moments that matter.
SOCIALS
https://www.instagram.com/shotby.c.c
https://www.facebook.com/shotbycc/
https://www.youtube.com/@Shotby.c.c
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When I was a teenager I grew up in a Mexican neighborhood. As a Hmong kid, I immediately saw the similarities with my Mexican friends. We both were family oriented, loved spicy foods, and we had a lot of pride in our culture. One night, we were telling ghost stories next to a dark swamp (Florida) and they told me the story of La Llorona. Though I was scared to death by their tale, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the Poj Ntxoog of my culture. So I quickly told them that story to scare them back. Sharing stories, and sharing culture brings people together. We understand each other a little better, we respect our differences and we discover magical similarities. This is something that we need reminding of, especially in these times. Let us remember these morals through a ghost story.
-Gregory Yang
Creator
Mari and Kou are an unexpected match. In matter of fact, they have plenty of differences: She is Mexican, he is Hmong. She dabbles in religion, he does not. She loves her culture, He... well lets just say it's complicated. But there are many things that they do share: They both are deeply in love with each other, they both want kids, and they both share a dark secret they have not told each other... they are haunted by ghosts with long black hair. With their differences, similarities, and their secrets, they are about to have a baby.
After weeks of restless nights due to haunting nightmares, the expecting couple find themselves on opposite ends of a heated argument. The situation get's worse when strange noises are heard, the art on the walls keep mysteriously moving, and bloody wounds start to unnaturally form. These omens can mean one thing, La Llorona and the Poj Ntxoog have arrived.
Will the couple survive the night? Is their baby going to be safe?... That's where you come in. Help us uncover the horror.
"Our Curse" is a modern day folk horror honoring our cultural ghost stories. Normally when there is an American adaptation of horror films from different cultures and countries, it is shown through a white lens. We believe that American adaptations should also include people of color, particularly the people where the horror's origins came from. In this case, our film shows Hmong people and Mexicans as leads, Americans, and having multi cultural stakes in an American adaptation of horror.
But beyond the horror is the heart. We share a Hmong and Mexican love story that has never been told together on screen. We explore the challenges, beauty, and love between interracial relationships, especially with two cultures that are so vibrant and unique. We also explore the ideas of why do our cultural ghost stories exist. What lessons are they trying to teach to the children who are told these stories and to the parents who are telling them? Lastly, we explore what it means to fight for love, and will it be enough to face your darkest fears?
Our total budget goal is $20,000
We would like to raise $10,000 through crowdfunding on Seed & Spark, and the other $10,000 through the Seed & Spark and Gold House AAPI resistance rally.
STRETCH GOALS
Through Seed & Spark.
Reaching $10,000: Our fundraiser goal is met.
Reaching $13,000: More flexibility on locations, equipment, contingency.
Reaching $17,000: Higher wages to our amazing cast, crew and post production team.
Reaching $20,000: If we are not a winner of the AAPI Resistance Rally, this amount will still green light us. If we are one of the winners, this will cover festival fees, travel, production quality, and distribution strategy.
THANK YOU
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Share this update!
About This Team
Gregory Yang
Writer/Producer/Starring
Gregory Yang (he/him/his) is a Hmong American actor, writer, and producer based out of Minneapolis and Los Angeles. He has had the privilege to work on the stages of some of Minnesota's finest theatre companies including: Theater Mu, Park Square Theatre, Full Circle Theater Company, Nimbus Theatre, and more. Voice Over work includes Penguin Random House's "The Diamond Explorer" and Netflix's "Kian Bizarre's BNB"
He is one of the recipients of the 2022 Minnesota State Arts Board Grant. Gregory has previously led both a successful campaign and production on Seed&Spark with Modern Shaman which has had the opportunity to play across the country and highlighting Hmong stories and narratives. His goal is to continue to tell engaging stories that reflect the modern Asian American experience, and to help open the door for other Hmong and Southeast Asian storytellers.
Kak Lee
Director of Photgraphy
Kak Lee's epic cinema journey began in the rural mountains of Laos which led to refugee camps in Thailand. After a few years, his family eventually emigrated to the United States. Those stark images experienced during his formative years in Asia never left him when he developed a keen interest in filmmaking. Having worked in various production capacities starting from a local cable access station in Merced, CA, he found his passion in the craft of cinematography. Upon receiving a BA in film studies from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and an MFA in Cinematography from Chapman University, he has since gone on to shoot various projects from short films, music videos, industrial films, documentaries, and features. Never one to rest on his laurels, Kak consistently seeks out challenging projects to create beautiful visual narratives.
Alissa Razzano
Producer
Alissa Razzano is a writer, actor, and producer based in Los Angeles. Originally from the east coast, she holds a BFA in Acting and has a strong foundation in theater. Her work includes national commercials for brands like Apple, Verizon, Duracell, State Farm, Pilot Pens, Blue Bunny, NFL, Buick, and more. She is currently the face of Tropical Smoothie Cafe and served as TaxAct’s spokesperson across multiple campaigns. As a voice actor, she’s completed a variety of projects, including video games such as The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and Archangel. Alissa has a growing passion for producing work that leans toward the dark, the weird, and the deeply human -fueled in part by her multicultural roots and commitment to meaningful narratives.
Richard Louprasong
Editor
Richard Louprasong is a Lao-American filmmaker living in Los Angeles working in film and social media marketing/advertising. He is known for his award-winning short films It Heads Home and The Cruise. His family originated from the country of Laos. He was born in Idaho but for the most part of his life, he was raised in Minnesota. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career and passion in film & entertainment.
Colina Vang
Social Media Director
Colina Vang is the creative force behind SHOTBYCC, a multimedia brand built on passion, precision, and storytelling. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Colina is a seasoned photographer, videographer, and designer who brings bold ideas to life through powerful visuals and strategic campaigns. Whether she’s behind the camera or behind the scenes, she blends artistic vision with marketing know-how to help brands, individuals, and organizations shine. Her work is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a deep love for capturing moments that matter.
SOCIALS
https://www.instagram.com/shotby.c.c
https://www.facebook.com/shotbycc/
https://www.youtube.com/@Shotby.c.c