PUMA
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Sport
A Lao-American teen sacrifices his body for a sport, unaware that he’s only cutting deeper into past scars for a shred of validation.
PUMA
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Sport
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $21,375 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
132 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A Lao-American teen sacrifices his body for a sport, unaware that he’s only cutting deeper into past scars for a shred of validation.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
- wait, before we get to the story..
🙏🏽 Sabaidee, it's Malcolm. Yeah, the kid from the video you just watched from up above. I thought it would be nice to share with you my point view of the film.
Before you continue scrolling,
↓ press the play button below.
This is what my story sounds like. I hope this gives you the "feeling" like you're here with me.
OK, now we're ready.
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I was born and raised in a small town in Nebraska called Alda. A population of 652.
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We ended up here cause the local church sponsored my mom when she was at the refugee camp. There are a lot of factory jobs in the area = jobs for immigrants.
My mom met my dad through family friends and blah, blah, blah... they lived happily every after.. yeah right!
They had a hard time adapting to the “LAND OF THE FREE”, learning a different language and raising 2 boys.
I'm a freshman in high school and it's been whatever. I'm trying to fit in the best I can, but my older brother left a bad reputation here so all the kids think I'm just like him.
We don't have much around here besides high school wrestling. It's all the town talks about. I thought it would be a good idea to go out for the team.
Something happened to our star wrestler right before our big meet. The coaches said I'm the only option and I have to fill in.
This is my chance.
How far will I go to prove to everyone that I belong?
PUMA isn't just about me. This story is for every kid whoever tried to be be seen. The kids who had to adapt to their surroundings not by choice. It's for the kids around the world who suffer from body dysmorphia. It's for EVERYONE whose parents sacrificed their own life for the their kids.
THIS STORY IS FOR US.
Like what the film is gonna feel like? Hmm.. this film is going to make you feel uneasy. It's going to tense you up, all the way through and if you feel ready... there may be some moments where you catch your breath.. sorta.
All I know is that you are going to feel it.
Claire aka Mom (mae)
That's her American name. She chose it cause of the mom from The Cosby Show. Mae puts up with a lot of our crap. She doesn't say too much, she just works hard. I wish we talk to each other like they do in the Cosby show.
Michael aka My Big Brother (ai)
I know he's trying to be a good big brother. I can see he is trying, but he's always screwing up. Sometimes I feel like I'm the bigger brother.
Michael Sr. aka Dad (paw)
I don't have much to say about him. He's off doing better with his new family..
We are still searching for some of the cast, but we did find the perfect person to play me. All I knew is that he has to know what it's like to be a 1st 2nd generation immigrant (I always get that confused) and someone who is Lao. They would have to understand our unique cultural nuances that makes us Lao. I didn't even know there was a teenage Lao-American actor out there. It's pretty cool to have this guy play me. Here is what he had to say about the film..
Izaac Wang
(Dìdi (弟弟), Raya and the Last Dragon)
“PUMA tells not just of the difficulties of being a high school wrestler, but the difficulties of simply being a teenager: self-consciousness, insecurities, body dysmorphia, identity. But there’s one simple added detail that provides so much richness, authenticity, and relatability to the story–in that this kid is a Lao-American boy.
It’s one thing for the core of this project to be about the real insecurities all teenagers have, but it’s another to finally have representation for Lao people. Representation for Asians in media has been improving over the past few years, yet I can’t even name a movie where the lead character is Lao, let alone a Lao teenage kid.
That’s why I’m so excited to work with the incredibly talented 30INTHEMORNING* on this project. The goal is simple: tell a story about an imperfect teenage kid, layer in the struggles of being a wrestler, and explore the struggles that come with ethnicity and self-identity–specifically, being Lao.
This film already means so much to me, and I truly think it’s a story to be told. It’s relatable, it’s real, and it’s gritty. The themes are dramatic, the struggles are authentic, you’ll giggle and probably cry, and the story-telling is beautiful. By supporting this film, you’re helping give visibility to Lao voices, Asian-American stories, and every teenager who has ever struggled to feel enough. Your support makes representation possible! :)”
We have to shoot where my story really takes place, NEBRASKA. We have strong community there that is in support of us filming in the state. Nebraska is an untapped place that needs to be seen. It's gritty, sad, bright, hopeful, and honest. Just like this film.
I never thought that people understood how I felt. 30INTHEMORNING* is ready to take the next step as a team and bring this film to life. They have a unique way of telling stories that feel familiar. It's down to the smallest details that they think about. They are authentic and true to my story.
I guess this is why we are here. I'll have the 30INTHEMORNING* team share with you on where your contributions will go.
Thanks, Malcolm! To bring PUMA to life we’re raising $21,000 for the full production. After processing fees, we will receive our budget of $20k. With that budget our short film can operate within SAG-AFTRA’s Micro-Budget Agreement (a $20,000 cash-spend limit). Any additional help we receive beyond that goal will go toward deferred payments, festival travel/submissions, marketing materials, community screenings, and company overhead without exceeding SAG’s $20K micro-budget threshold.
Follow our campaign page & socials for updates. Share it, tell your friends & family. Every dollar, every share, every voice helps make this possible! We hope you join us on this journey.
THIS STORY MUST BE TOLD.
Thank you & Happy Holidays,
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $3,000
Casting the actors who can bring our characters to life by authentically portraying the emotional depth and cultural nuances.
Crew
Costs $2,500
Our crew is the heartbeat of this production from camera and lighting to sound and art direction, they bring the story to life.
Equipment & Rentals
Costs $2,000
To get the film to the level we see it, we need the right tools! Cameras, lenses, lighting, and sound gear.
Locations & Permits
Costs $2,000
We want to make sure we do everything properly paying for locations and obtaining the proper permits in Nebraska.
Travel & Lodging
Costs $3,000
We want to take care of the cast & crew and make sure they all feel comfortable with their travel and stay in Nebraska
Production Design
Costs $1,000
Nebraska in it's natural state is already beautiful but this will help us really set the tone with set decor and wardrobe.
Catering & Crafty
Costs $1,500
We gotta feed the cast & crew! Fed team = smooth production!
Post Production
Costs $3,000
Filming is just the start! We need to make sure we pay our coloring, editing & sound design.
Crowdfunding Fees
Costs $1,000
Seed&Spark is an incredible platform for up and coming filmmakers that doesn't take fees. This goes to cover the processing fees!
Contingency
Costs $2,000
We all know that you have to have buffer. This will help us with any overages to help cover our production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
- wait, before we get to the story..
🙏🏽 Sabaidee, it's Malcolm. Yeah, the kid from the video you just watched from up above. I thought it would be nice to share with you my point view of the film.
Before you continue scrolling,
↓ press the play button below.
This is what my story sounds like. I hope this gives you the "feeling" like you're here with me.
OK, now we're ready.
I was born and raised in a small town in Nebraska called Alda. A population of 652.
We ended up here cause the local church sponsored my mom when she was at the refugee camp. There are a lot of factory jobs in the area = jobs for immigrants.
My mom met my dad through family friends and blah, blah, blah... they lived happily every after.. yeah right!
They had a hard time adapting to the “LAND OF THE FREE”, learning a different language and raising 2 boys.
I'm a freshman in high school and it's been whatever. I'm trying to fit in the best I can, but my older brother left a bad reputation here so all the kids think I'm just like him.
We don't have much around here besides high school wrestling. It's all the town talks about. I thought it would be a good idea to go out for the team.
Something happened to our star wrestler right before our big meet. The coaches said I'm the only option and I have to fill in.
This is my chance.
How far will I go to prove to everyone that I belong?
PUMA isn't just about me. This story is for every kid whoever tried to be be seen. The kids who had to adapt to their surroundings not by choice. It's for the kids around the world who suffer from body dysmorphia. It's for EVERYONE whose parents sacrificed their own life for the their kids.
THIS STORY IS FOR US.
Like what the film is gonna feel like? Hmm.. this film is going to make you feel uneasy. It's going to tense you up, all the way through and if you feel ready... there may be some moments where you catch your breath.. sorta.
All I know is that you are going to feel it.
Claire aka Mom (mae)
That's her American name. She chose it cause of the mom from The Cosby Show. Mae puts up with a lot of our crap. She doesn't say too much, she just works hard. I wish we talk to each other like they do in the Cosby show.
Michael aka My Big Brother (ai)
I know he's trying to be a good big brother. I can see he is trying, but he's always screwing up. Sometimes I feel like I'm the bigger brother.
Michael Sr. aka Dad (paw)
I don't have much to say about him. He's off doing better with his new family..
We are still searching for some of the cast, but we did find the perfect person to play me. All I knew is that he has to know what it's like to be a 1st 2nd generation immigrant (I always get that confused) and someone who is Lao. They would have to understand our unique cultural nuances that makes us Lao. I didn't even know there was a teenage Lao-American actor out there. It's pretty cool to have this guy play me. Here is what he had to say about the film..
Izaac Wang
(Dìdi (弟弟), Raya and the Last Dragon)
“PUMA tells not just of the difficulties of being a high school wrestler, but the difficulties of simply being a teenager: self-consciousness, insecurities, body dysmorphia, identity. But there’s one simple added detail that provides so much richness, authenticity, and relatability to the story–in that this kid is a Lao-American boy.
It’s one thing for the core of this project to be about the real insecurities all teenagers have, but it’s another to finally have representation for Lao people. Representation for Asians in media has been improving over the past few years, yet I can’t even name a movie where the lead character is Lao, let alone a Lao teenage kid.
That’s why I’m so excited to work with the incredibly talented 30INTHEMORNING* on this project. The goal is simple: tell a story about an imperfect teenage kid, layer in the struggles of being a wrestler, and explore the struggles that come with ethnicity and self-identity–specifically, being Lao.
This film already means so much to me, and I truly think it’s a story to be told. It’s relatable, it’s real, and it’s gritty. The themes are dramatic, the struggles are authentic, you’ll giggle and probably cry, and the story-telling is beautiful. By supporting this film, you’re helping give visibility to Lao voices, Asian-American stories, and every teenager who has ever struggled to feel enough. Your support makes representation possible! :)”
We have to shoot where my story really takes place, NEBRASKA. We have strong community there that is in support of us filming in the state. Nebraska is an untapped place that needs to be seen. It's gritty, sad, bright, hopeful, and honest. Just like this film.
I never thought that people understood how I felt. 30INTHEMORNING* is ready to take the next step as a team and bring this film to life. They have a unique way of telling stories that feel familiar. It's down to the smallest details that they think about. They are authentic and true to my story.
I guess this is why we are here. I'll have the 30INTHEMORNING* team share with you on where your contributions will go.
Thanks, Malcolm! To bring PUMA to life we’re raising $21,000 for the full production. After processing fees, we will receive our budget of $20k. With that budget our short film can operate within SAG-AFTRA’s Micro-Budget Agreement (a $20,000 cash-spend limit). Any additional help we receive beyond that goal will go toward deferred payments, festival travel/submissions, marketing materials, community screenings, and company overhead without exceeding SAG’s $20K micro-budget threshold.
Follow our campaign page & socials for updates. Share it, tell your friends & family. Every dollar, every share, every voice helps make this possible! We hope you join us on this journey.
THIS STORY MUST BE TOLD.
Thank you & Happy Holidays,
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $3,000
Casting the actors who can bring our characters to life by authentically portraying the emotional depth and cultural nuances.
Crew
Costs $2,500
Our crew is the heartbeat of this production from camera and lighting to sound and art direction, they bring the story to life.
Equipment & Rentals
Costs $2,000
To get the film to the level we see it, we need the right tools! Cameras, lenses, lighting, and sound gear.
Locations & Permits
Costs $2,000
We want to make sure we do everything properly paying for locations and obtaining the proper permits in Nebraska.
Travel & Lodging
Costs $3,000
We want to take care of the cast & crew and make sure they all feel comfortable with their travel and stay in Nebraska
Production Design
Costs $1,000
Nebraska in it's natural state is already beautiful but this will help us really set the tone with set decor and wardrobe.
Catering & Crafty
Costs $1,500
We gotta feed the cast & crew! Fed team = smooth production!
Post Production
Costs $3,000
Filming is just the start! We need to make sure we pay our coloring, editing & sound design.
Crowdfunding Fees
Costs $1,000
Seed&Spark is an incredible platform for up and coming filmmakers that doesn't take fees. This goes to cover the processing fees!
Contingency
Costs $2,000
We all know that you have to have buffer. This will help us with any overages to help cover our production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
.