Reconnected
Seattle, Washington | Film Feature
Documentary
Acclaimed choreographer Chris 'CHiRPiE' Mercado reconnects with his cultural roots in the Philippines and learns to embrace his identity.
15 supporters | followers
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$1,375
Goal: $14,000 for post-production
Acclaimed choreographer Chris 'CHiRPiE' Mercado reconnects with his cultural roots in the Philippines and learns to embrace his identity.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
OUR MISSION
The narrative of 'back home' often lingers as an echo for many first-generation Asian Americans — like a mythic place heard of but never seen. Their existence balances on a tightrope between two worlds, one echoing the familiarity of the American dream and the other whispering of a distant heritage. Within this delicate balance, a yearning stirs to fill the gaps of an identity not fully explored.
Reconnected' introduces us to Chris 'CHiRPiE' Mercado — a vibrant choreographer, passionate dancer, intrepid seeker of truths, and a former Disney prodigy. Chris embodies the quintessence of a child born to immigrant parents, perpetually navigating the complex identity of being neither wholly American nor entirely rooted in the soil of his predecessors.
We embark on a heartfelt quest for self-discovery in this feature-length documentary film. Witness Chris' pilgrimage to the Philippines, the cradle of his ancestry. This journey is not merely a travelogue; it is a voyage of the soul. Watch as Chris immerses himself in his family’s homeland, the Philippines - a country rich in history and brimming with the life force of countless generations. Engage with the tapestry of bustling markets, tranquil rice terraces, and the jubilant spirits of its people.
Chris’s pilgrimage becomes a transformative exploration, healing old wounds and forging new ties. Cultural explorations and familial revelations help Chris reconcile the internal conflicts of his multicultural existence, allowing him to bridge the worlds that have long divided his identity.
With Chris as our guide, we are more than mere observers; we become participants in a story of discovery, with each step bridging the gap between the worlds that form his identity. 'Reconnected' is not just about the land or its people; it is an exploration into the depths of the self. It is about finding harmony in the cultural melody we all carry.
Join us as 'Reconnected' crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal, inviting you to awaken to the fullness of your own story. 'Reconnected' awaits to stir the soul and connect the dots of your cultural constellation.
OUR PLAN
Having developed "Reconnected" over the past 2 1/2 years, our team has focused on bringing the most genuine and accurate presentation of Chris's story. With the documentary's subject, Chris "CHiRPiE" Mercado, and award-winning filmmaker JR Mitchell at the helm, we've shaped the story into its truest message.
This crowdfund serves as the final push to complete this film's post-production. Having the story written by award-winning filmmaker, Beckett Hobbs, and the footage assembled by Assistant Editors, Kasten Donahoe and Andrena Kruzich, these final hires allow us to pay our post-production team to complete the film, and launch us into distribution conversations with streaming services and submit to film festivals.
With this editing push, our goal is to screen a fully colored and scored test screening at the upcoming Issaquah Film Festival 2025! You can gain access to this through a special incentive package that we've put together in partnership with the Issaquah Film Festival.
To share this story with as wide an audience as possible, we need YOUR support. You can support this project in a myriad of ways, from directly contributing to the Crowdfund Campaign on Seed & Spark, sharing the link with your friends, or simply spreading the word on social media to help us reach those who may connect to Chris’s journey. Every action brings us one step closer to bringing this heartfelt story to life.
Join us along the journey by following:
@reconnectedfilm
@osobarrafilms
@tarot77productions
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Additional Photography
Costs $2,000
Supports pickups and supplemental imagery to strengthen the product.
Distribution
Costs $1,000
Supports the distribution to film festivals, travel, and other related expenses.
Share this update!
About This Team
Chris Mercado (Co-Director) is a choreographer, dance teacher, and musical director. Known for his dynamic performances with Disney Parks and touring productions, Chris gained international acclaim at Disney, where his vibrant dancing and choreography captivated audiences nationwide. Beyond performing, he is passionate about teaching and directing musicals, using his art to bridge cultural divides and inspire young artists.
JR Mitchell (Co-Director) is an Award-Winning Director, Writer, Editor, & Producer who began working professionally at 15. Before attending Film School at SMU, he spent three years at Fox Sports NW, where he shot & edited live and specialty programs featuring sports idols. Starting with network offerings like "Big Brother," "Fear Factor," & "The Mole," Mitchell has gone on, in his 30-year career, to produce everything from Feature Films to Live and Scripted Shows to over 2,000 Commercials & Brand Films. Mitchell's most recent film is the multi-festival award-winning & Academy Award Short-Listed feature documentary "Satan & Adam." Mitchell Produced and edited the film with legendary movie mogul Frank Marshall (Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park). The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was picked up by Netflix. It is presently in its second acquisition, streaming on Tubi. Mitchell is the Owner of Osobarra Films & a partner at JoySauce Network.
Beckett Hobbs (Writer, Producer) is an Award-Winning Jewish Writer-Director, now studying film at Emerson College in Boston. Having lived in a small suburb of Illinois, the big city of London, and the cozy mountains of Washington, Beckett values new perspectives to contribute and push his own. He is a filmmaking Swiss army knife, working across all production departments, with his love being simple and great storytelling. Beckett aims to create art that promotes deep reflection upon ourselves and our communities. He values collaborators who embrace diverse perspectives and aims to make films that encourage artistic contributions from all production members.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
OUR MISSION
The narrative of 'back home' often lingers as an echo for many first-generation Asian Americans — like a mythic place heard of but never seen. Their existence balances on a tightrope between two worlds, one echoing the familiarity of the American dream and the other whispering of a distant heritage. Within this delicate balance, a yearning stirs to fill the gaps of an identity not fully explored.
Reconnected' introduces us to Chris 'CHiRPiE' Mercado — a vibrant choreographer, passionate dancer, intrepid seeker of truths, and a former Disney prodigy. Chris embodies the quintessence of a child born to immigrant parents, perpetually navigating the complex identity of being neither wholly American nor entirely rooted in the soil of his predecessors.
We embark on a heartfelt quest for self-discovery in this feature-length documentary film. Witness Chris' pilgrimage to the Philippines, the cradle of his ancestry. This journey is not merely a travelogue; it is a voyage of the soul. Watch as Chris immerses himself in his family’s homeland, the Philippines - a country rich in history and brimming with the life force of countless generations. Engage with the tapestry of bustling markets, tranquil rice terraces, and the jubilant spirits of its people.
Chris’s pilgrimage becomes a transformative exploration, healing old wounds and forging new ties. Cultural explorations and familial revelations help Chris reconcile the internal conflicts of his multicultural existence, allowing him to bridge the worlds that have long divided his identity.
With Chris as our guide, we are more than mere observers; we become participants in a story of discovery, with each step bridging the gap between the worlds that form his identity. 'Reconnected' is not just about the land or its people; it is an exploration into the depths of the self. It is about finding harmony in the cultural melody we all carry.
Join us as 'Reconnected' crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal, inviting you to awaken to the fullness of your own story. 'Reconnected' awaits to stir the soul and connect the dots of your cultural constellation.
OUR PLAN
Having developed "Reconnected" over the past 2 1/2 years, our team has focused on bringing the most genuine and accurate presentation of Chris's story. With the documentary's subject, Chris "CHiRPiE" Mercado, and award-winning filmmaker JR Mitchell at the helm, we've shaped the story into its truest message.
This crowdfund serves as the final push to complete this film's post-production. Having the story written by award-winning filmmaker, Beckett Hobbs, and the footage assembled by Assistant Editors, Kasten Donahoe and Andrena Kruzich, these final hires allow us to pay our post-production team to complete the film, and launch us into distribution conversations with streaming services and submit to film festivals.
With this editing push, our goal is to screen a fully colored and scored test screening at the upcoming Issaquah Film Festival 2025! You can gain access to this through a special incentive package that we've put together in partnership with the Issaquah Film Festival.
To share this story with as wide an audience as possible, we need YOUR support. You can support this project in a myriad of ways, from directly contributing to the Crowdfund Campaign on Seed & Spark, sharing the link with your friends, or simply spreading the word on social media to help us reach those who may connect to Chris’s journey. Every action brings us one step closer to bringing this heartfelt story to life.
Join us along the journey by following:
@reconnectedfilm
@osobarrafilms
@tarot77productions
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Additional Photography
Costs $2,000
Supports pickups and supplemental imagery to strengthen the product.
Distribution
Costs $1,000
Supports the distribution to film festivals, travel, and other related expenses.
Share this update!
About This Team
Chris Mercado (Co-Director) is a choreographer, dance teacher, and musical director. Known for his dynamic performances with Disney Parks and touring productions, Chris gained international acclaim at Disney, where his vibrant dancing and choreography captivated audiences nationwide. Beyond performing, he is passionate about teaching and directing musicals, using his art to bridge cultural divides and inspire young artists.
JR Mitchell (Co-Director) is an Award-Winning Director, Writer, Editor, & Producer who began working professionally at 15. Before attending Film School at SMU, he spent three years at Fox Sports NW, where he shot & edited live and specialty programs featuring sports idols. Starting with network offerings like "Big Brother," "Fear Factor," & "The Mole," Mitchell has gone on, in his 30-year career, to produce everything from Feature Films to Live and Scripted Shows to over 2,000 Commercials & Brand Films. Mitchell's most recent film is the multi-festival award-winning & Academy Award Short-Listed feature documentary "Satan & Adam." Mitchell Produced and edited the film with legendary movie mogul Frank Marshall (Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park). The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was picked up by Netflix. It is presently in its second acquisition, streaming on Tubi. Mitchell is the Owner of Osobarra Films & a partner at JoySauce Network.
Beckett Hobbs (Writer, Producer) is an Award-Winning Jewish Writer-Director, now studying film at Emerson College in Boston. Having lived in a small suburb of Illinois, the big city of London, and the cozy mountains of Washington, Beckett values new perspectives to contribute and push his own. He is a filmmaking Swiss army knife, working across all production departments, with his love being simple and great storytelling. Beckett aims to create art that promotes deep reflection upon ourselves and our communities. He values collaborators who embrace diverse perspectives and aims to make films that encourage artistic contributions from all production members.