Police Protection
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Documentary, Drama
A mixed-media short film that dives into the psyche of policing and police brutality through the eyes of a fictional black female police officer and real-life interviews with law enforcement workers and civilians.
67 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$9,672
Goal: $16,675 for production
A mixed-media short film that dives into the psyche of policing and police brutality through the eyes of a fictional black female police officer and real-life interviews with law enforcement workers and civilians.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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When Lili comes home to the news that a police officer has killed her childhood best friend, her world is shifted. When she learns that the officer in question is a fellow officer from her precinct, her world is completely flipped. As a black woman in America with a brother whose skin is just like hers, Lili has had her own feelings and fears about police officers in the past. Through it all she has always been proud of her job and proud to serve her community. But what do you do when the community you protect doesn't want to accept you? What do you do when you're the opposition by default?
Police Protection uses scripted and unscripted storytelling techniques to show the reality of this all-too-real and all-too-common epidemic. While we follow Lili as she confronts the two seemingly opposed sides of herself, we intercut with interviews with real-life civilians and members of law enforcement to hear their views on policing - the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is no one side to a story, which is why, in this film, we aim to highlight all voices involved in this important conversation.
Lili Dabanga is a police officer in her mid-20s, barely escaping rookie status. Growing up with her older brother Abraham, she's learned the value of helping others. She became a police officer to do just that and has become a welcoming face in her community. Nothing brings her more joy than seeing a smile on Abraham or a member of her community's face.
Abraham Dabanga is the epitome of a gentle giant, intimidating to those who don't know him and a softie to those who do. His biggest Achilles heel: Lili. Being her big brother and sometimes her parent has made him very protective of her. As a man who won't even wear watches due to his experiences in chains, he's not the biggest fan of Lili's job, but he is her proudest supporter.
Sergeant Bader has been working in law enforcement for over 20 years. The brotherhood of the force was the first time he felt a part of a family. He prides himself on keeping the brotherhood alive in his precinct. Though he's watched the area shift from a community of familiar faces that mirrored his own to one that more reflects Lili's, he's never given up his resolve to serve his community the best way he knows how.
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Community
Hardship is where community blossoms. The most beautiful thing in the world is when people come together. This film celebrates the joy a community can bring in times of need. It celebrates the way people from different backgrounds can connect, support, and love each other.
Grief
Historically, society has tried to dictate how people should grieve: men can't cry, and women will be emotional. This film explores the different ways people can grieve, and the power behind expressing your feelings.
Adversity
Differences are what make us beautiful, but it is not something that is always celebrated. Through Lili's story and our interviews, we explore the effects adversity can have on individuals, leading to its impact on society.
Belonging
To feel like we are a part of a group, we often have to relate to the group in some way. This film highlights the ways that we can still carry our individuality, and agree to disagree, without losing a sense of belonging.
We are currently in preproduction, planning the logistics to make this film possible! We will be filming the narrative section of the film in May of 2025 and will conduct interviews with members of law enforcement and civilians from April - June of 2025. After we complete filming, our post-production period will commence, and our dedicated team of editors and producers will work together to bring the film to completion and distribution.
All forms of support are greatly appreciated! If you are not able to pledge to our campaign at this time, there are many other ways to help!
- Follow our Seed and Spark Page: The more followers we gain on Seed & Spark, the more people will see our page! We want as many eyes on our campaign as possible!
- Follow us on Instagram @PoliceProtection.Film: We post fun updates about Police Protection on our social media page! Stay up to date with us and repost our content to allow more people to hear our story!
- Share the good news: Tell your family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers about this film! One of the themes of this film is community, reach out to yours!
- Share your story: Follow us on Instagram to see how you can be a part of the film to share your story!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Hair & MakeUp Costs
Costs $525
Help our actors transform into the Police Protection characters with your pledge! Your support helps with supplies and stylists' costs.
Set Safety
Costs $900
To ensure the safety of the cast and crew on set, we need to hire personnel for prop safety, street closures, and more!
Permits
Costs $850
We need permits to use the locations and archival footage shown in the film. The archival footage will bring the narrative story to life!
Van Rentals
Costs $1,200
We will need a grip truck to hold all rented equipment and art department materials as we travel to our filming locations!
Meals & Craft Services
Costs $3,500
Help us keep our crew and cast fed! From snacks to a meal, we want to ensure our team is happy and energized for our production days!
Art Department
Costs $2,200
To build the world of Police Protection, we need donations for production design, props, wardrobe, and more!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $600
Your pledges help us rent out equipment for specific lighting setups and stylistic choices that build the world of Police Protection.
Film Festival Costs
Costs $200
Help us share Police Protection with the world! To submit our film to festivals, we need to finance submission fees.
Casting Fees
Costs $2,100
The actors of Police Protection will need compensation for portraying our amazing characters and bringing them to life!
Editorial Costs
Costs $600
We will need to buy hard drives and rent special equipment to complete the post-production process of our film. Help us complete our story.
Location Fees
Costs $4,000
Locations build the world behind our story. Locations also have renting fees. Help us acquire the best locations for Police Protection.
Share this update!
About This Team
Born and raised in a small town in Maryland, I have had the opportunity to group up in a diverse community. When venturing outside of my melting pot of a town, I quickly learned that my area was a special place that wasn't often repeated across the country. My biggest wake-up call to that truth was when I was pulled over in a rural area in Georgia. I had lived in Atlanta for two years to attend an Arts College and was on my way to South Carolina for my Uncle's funeral being held the next day. It was dark, I was alone, and full of tears before I saw the flashing lights behind me. The officer made me exit my vehicle as my sobs grew. He called for backup, searched my car, and together the officers mocked and threatened me. I wondered why I was treated the way I was that night for many months. The experience led me to create Police Protection, where I have connected with civilians and members of law enforcement to uncover the reasons beneath the disconnect between the police and the people they protect. With a background in documentary and narrative storytelling as a writer, director, and producer, I created this film to highlight an issue prevalent in today's society.
Alisanna Vincent is a film producer currently based out of Atlanta, GA with the goal of uplifting female filmmakers and helping bring their stories to life. She has worked with Devin Parris on multiple projects and is excited to continue working with her on Police Protection.
Andre Wynter is an accomplished filmmaker known for his distinctive visual storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, Andre has established himself as a dynamic force in the world of film and television as a visionary cinematographer, producer, writer, and director. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Andre’s passion for storytelling was ignited by the numerous underrepresented voices in society, similar to Police Protection. This has led him to a career-long mission of crafting compelling multi-dimensional and authentic narratives. Andre's body of work showcases a diverse range of genres, from intimate character-driven dramas to visually stunning experimental films. His ability to seamlessly blend narratives with striking cinematography has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Jabari Marshall is an Atlanta, Georgia native with a passion for all things film production-related. From producing to directing, writing, lighting, and cinematography, Jabari has done it all with exceptional talent. Jabari aims to continue his work in the film industry by creating films that depict people of color, especially black people in a positive light. He is excited to be a part of Police Protection to serve that mission.
Seina Muñoz is a producer and production Designer from Atlanta, Georgia. Dedicated to translating engaging and vivid landscapes from script to screen, Seina uses research and community engagement to bring visions to life. Through her work, she plans to showcase the many facets of the human experience, which is why she is eager to share the vision of Police Protection with the world.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When Lili comes home to the news that a police officer has killed her childhood best friend, her world is shifted. When she learns that the officer in question is a fellow officer from her precinct, her world is completely flipped. As a black woman in America with a brother whose skin is just like hers, Lili has had her own feelings and fears about police officers in the past. Through it all she has always been proud of her job and proud to serve her community. But what do you do when the community you protect doesn't want to accept you? What do you do when you're the opposition by default?
Police Protection uses scripted and unscripted storytelling techniques to show the reality of this all-too-real and all-too-common epidemic. While we follow Lili as she confronts the two seemingly opposed sides of herself, we intercut with interviews with real-life civilians and members of law enforcement to hear their views on policing - the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is no one side to a story, which is why, in this film, we aim to highlight all voices involved in this important conversation.
Lili Dabanga is a police officer in her mid-20s, barely escaping rookie status. Growing up with her older brother Abraham, she's learned the value of helping others. She became a police officer to do just that and has become a welcoming face in her community. Nothing brings her more joy than seeing a smile on Abraham or a member of her community's face.
Abraham Dabanga is the epitome of a gentle giant, intimidating to those who don't know him and a softie to those who do. His biggest Achilles heel: Lili. Being her big brother and sometimes her parent has made him very protective of her. As a man who won't even wear watches due to his experiences in chains, he's not the biggest fan of Lili's job, but he is her proudest supporter.
Sergeant Bader has been working in law enforcement for over 20 years. The brotherhood of the force was the first time he felt a part of a family. He prides himself on keeping the brotherhood alive in his precinct. Though he's watched the area shift from a community of familiar faces that mirrored his own to one that more reflects Lili's, he's never given up his resolve to serve his community the best way he knows how.
Community
Hardship is where community blossoms. The most beautiful thing in the world is when people come together. This film celebrates the joy a community can bring in times of need. It celebrates the way people from different backgrounds can connect, support, and love each other.
Grief
Historically, society has tried to dictate how people should grieve: men can't cry, and women will be emotional. This film explores the different ways people can grieve, and the power behind expressing your feelings.
Adversity
Differences are what make us beautiful, but it is not something that is always celebrated. Through Lili's story and our interviews, we explore the effects adversity can have on individuals, leading to its impact on society.
Belonging
To feel like we are a part of a group, we often have to relate to the group in some way. This film highlights the ways that we can still carry our individuality, and agree to disagree, without losing a sense of belonging.
We are currently in preproduction, planning the logistics to make this film possible! We will be filming the narrative section of the film in May of 2025 and will conduct interviews with members of law enforcement and civilians from April - June of 2025. After we complete filming, our post-production period will commence, and our dedicated team of editors and producers will work together to bring the film to completion and distribution.
All forms of support are greatly appreciated! If you are not able to pledge to our campaign at this time, there are many other ways to help!
- Follow our Seed and Spark Page: The more followers we gain on Seed & Spark, the more people will see our page! We want as many eyes on our campaign as possible!
- Follow us on Instagram @PoliceProtection.Film: We post fun updates about Police Protection on our social media page! Stay up to date with us and repost our content to allow more people to hear our story!
- Share the good news: Tell your family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers about this film! One of the themes of this film is community, reach out to yours!
- Share your story: Follow us on Instagram to see how you can be a part of the film to share your story!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Hair & MakeUp Costs
Costs $525
Help our actors transform into the Police Protection characters with your pledge! Your support helps with supplies and stylists' costs.
Set Safety
Costs $900
To ensure the safety of the cast and crew on set, we need to hire personnel for prop safety, street closures, and more!
Permits
Costs $850
We need permits to use the locations and archival footage shown in the film. The archival footage will bring the narrative story to life!
Van Rentals
Costs $1,200
We will need a grip truck to hold all rented equipment and art department materials as we travel to our filming locations!
Meals & Craft Services
Costs $3,500
Help us keep our crew and cast fed! From snacks to a meal, we want to ensure our team is happy and energized for our production days!
Art Department
Costs $2,200
To build the world of Police Protection, we need donations for production design, props, wardrobe, and more!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $600
Your pledges help us rent out equipment for specific lighting setups and stylistic choices that build the world of Police Protection.
Film Festival Costs
Costs $200
Help us share Police Protection with the world! To submit our film to festivals, we need to finance submission fees.
Casting Fees
Costs $2,100
The actors of Police Protection will need compensation for portraying our amazing characters and bringing them to life!
Editorial Costs
Costs $600
We will need to buy hard drives and rent special equipment to complete the post-production process of our film. Help us complete our story.
Location Fees
Costs $4,000
Locations build the world behind our story. Locations also have renting fees. Help us acquire the best locations for Police Protection.
Share this update!
About This Team
Born and raised in a small town in Maryland, I have had the opportunity to group up in a diverse community. When venturing outside of my melting pot of a town, I quickly learned that my area was a special place that wasn't often repeated across the country. My biggest wake-up call to that truth was when I was pulled over in a rural area in Georgia. I had lived in Atlanta for two years to attend an Arts College and was on my way to South Carolina for my Uncle's funeral being held the next day. It was dark, I was alone, and full of tears before I saw the flashing lights behind me. The officer made me exit my vehicle as my sobs grew. He called for backup, searched my car, and together the officers mocked and threatened me. I wondered why I was treated the way I was that night for many months. The experience led me to create Police Protection, where I have connected with civilians and members of law enforcement to uncover the reasons beneath the disconnect between the police and the people they protect. With a background in documentary and narrative storytelling as a writer, director, and producer, I created this film to highlight an issue prevalent in today's society.
Alisanna Vincent is a film producer currently based out of Atlanta, GA with the goal of uplifting female filmmakers and helping bring their stories to life. She has worked with Devin Parris on multiple projects and is excited to continue working with her on Police Protection.
Andre Wynter is an accomplished filmmaker known for his distinctive visual storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, Andre has established himself as a dynamic force in the world of film and television as a visionary cinematographer, producer, writer, and director. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Andre’s passion for storytelling was ignited by the numerous underrepresented voices in society, similar to Police Protection. This has led him to a career-long mission of crafting compelling multi-dimensional and authentic narratives. Andre's body of work showcases a diverse range of genres, from intimate character-driven dramas to visually stunning experimental films. His ability to seamlessly blend narratives with striking cinematography has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Jabari Marshall is an Atlanta, Georgia native with a passion for all things film production-related. From producing to directing, writing, lighting, and cinematography, Jabari has done it all with exceptional talent. Jabari aims to continue his work in the film industry by creating films that depict people of color, especially black people in a positive light. He is excited to be a part of Police Protection to serve that mission.
Seina Muñoz is a producer and production Designer from Atlanta, Georgia. Dedicated to translating engaging and vivid landscapes from script to screen, Seina uses research and community engagement to bring visions to life. Through her work, she plans to showcase the many facets of the human experience, which is why she is eager to share the vision of Police Protection with the world.