We follow people’s lives, their deaths, and, most importantly, their first moments in heaven reconnecting with the loved ones that passed before them.

SYNOPSIS

We start with Nana, a free-spirited grandmother enjoying time with her grandchildren. She tells her young granddaughter that she isn’t afraid to die, because when it is time to come home, she’ll be ready, and all will be okay. Then, we are introduced to Renee, who receives a heartbreaking diagnosis of brain cancer. It doesn’t leave her much time to spend with her family and one and only teenage child. She holds on for as long as she possibly can, and wants to take in every moment she has left. Finally, we see Christian having done well for himself, and even with presumably a great life, how losing someone close to him still affects him. Each character’s unique perspective on living life and feelings on death shape what a reunion may look like when they take those first steps into heaven and see the ones who passed before them. When they reunite with the loved ones passed before them, what will it look like? Will there be tears, laughter, pain, some sort of closure?

MISSION STATEMENT

I think of death often. I caught myself wondering what I’d say to the ones I lost if I could see them one last time. I think we all do that. Not only taking our memories under a microscope but what they are like in the current moment with us. What will it look like, when I DO get to see them again after I die? Would I yell, scream, smile, or drop to my knees? My goal is to help others find peace and solace. Grief of losing someone we love never goes away, but if I can help provide hope, or simply show others, they are not alone in their pain, then I accomplished our goal. 

I am not new to loss, pain, trauma, hatred, and addiction. I’ve had a dark couple of years. I didn’t like feeling all of those negative emotions, and it was alright to feel them, but not to stay in them. Feeling those things and having found solace and my way back to faith makes me the perfect person to tell this story. I was gifted with a talent to tell stories and help people process through my chosen medium of film and collaboration.

So many people struggle with processing emotions, specifically grief. With the lack of processing becoming greater, and the use of technology disconnecting us from our friends and family, it's time to wake up and hold on to the ones we love while we can. To process emotions in healthy ways, be there for others who need us present, and enjoy the time we do have here. My hope and prayer for “Reunions in Heaven” is to help us know what is important, find solace, and give people a feeling of hope for our own reunions one day.

The Film's Path and Purpose

We are currently in the hiring of the cast and crew stage and pre-production for the film . Once funded we will start the process of building the the set in which we will see the reunions of our fictional characters. Filming will begin the first weekend of March and post production immediately after. Once the film is completed we will have a community showing with friends and family of the filmmakers. Then the film will make its way through the festival circuit making a difference and showing its beauty. As it stands the amount of funds we are seeking doesn't pay the crew for their hard work and creativity, however, any funds beyond the $5,000 we are seeking will help pay the crew. These amazing, talented people that loved the script and wanted to be a part of it regardless of payment, sure deserve some recognition!

CREATIVE APPROACH

Each scene will be distinct in color palette, lighting, and camera choices to reflect the mood of the scene. For example, Heaven will be warm and each character will have an aura reflecting their personality, and current self-reflection. The look for this is that of the new movie "Barbie", and "Bruce Almighty" but with warmth.The camera angles and movements will represent how they are feeling about themselves. In happier moments in their life, we will see a light and bright feeling highlighting their happiest moments. During hardship points in their life, we would be showing a grayer more contrasted look.

THE CHARACTERS

Renee is a loving mother and very attached to her only son. She is diagnosed with stage four brain cancer which eventually takes her life.

Christian is a good man who struggled with pain medication addiction after the death of his mother. He beat his addiction, got married, became a real estate agent, and started a family. 

Maize is a very loving and understanding wife but seems to be pushed to her limit when the family starts making less money than what is needed for the family budget.

Nana is sweet, caring, and loves her grandchildren. She enjoys baking and reading.

TEAM BIOS

Samantha, an Ohio native, fell in love with film early. She excels in writing, directing, acting, and modeling. She’s known for “Last Chance” and “Superboy” (2014), “Love Undead” (2014) and “Goldfish” (2014).

Adam, an award-winning filmmaker from Youngstown, Ohio, has showcased his works at over 50 film festivals. He runs Candid Life Entertainment, a production company dedicated to crafting thought-provoking films with strong messages.

Victoria is a producer committed to telling personal stories. Her films have been shown at Tribeca, Indy Shorts, Hollyshorts, and Indy Film Fest — have been released via the Atlantic and the Investigation Discovery Network.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

"Reunions in Heaven" Came to me firstly, like a daydream. I caught myself longing to see my loved ones again and tell them about my life over the last several years. Then I began to think, when I do move to the next life will I walk into see a vast community of people that passed before me, would I have a specific group of a welcoming committee, or would I meet with one person to take me through the gates? As I stared into the distance pondering all of these thoughts I imagined each possibility. Each character in “Reunions in Heaven” was inspired by people who I hold dear to me, that are no longer here. I was extremely close with my grandmother, she helped raise me growing up and taught me a lot. Renee was inspired by my Aunt who battled cancer for years, she was the most genuine, loving person, no matter how much she carried. The Main character is Christian, the brother of my best friend, who carries the same name, struggled with addiction after a great loss of his own. My faith does play a role here because when I was faced with the loss of my best friend in my teen years, I was so angry and embarked on a dark path, despite growing up in the church. My mission here is to help others see the light when they feel so lost in darkness. To help others get through the hardest part of loss more healthily.

THANK YOU

We understand not everyone can contribute to our campaign, but we appreciate you checking out our page. If you feel compelled, text or email this page to a friend! Or share it on social media and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/RAWstudios44 and on Instagram @RAWstudios44 for updates as we are in pre-production!