Rite of Passage
Baltimore, Maryland | Film Short
Family, Drama
Exploring the delicate complexities of a mother-daughter relationship under the weight of cultural dissonance, Rite of Passage follows Des as she searches for identity. What she discovers is the power of death to rebirth self. This film explores key themes of motherhood and mental health.
Rite of Passage
Baltimore, Maryland | Film Short
Family, Drama
1 Campaigns | Maryland, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $6,285 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
59 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Exploring the delicate complexities of a mother-daughter relationship under the weight of cultural dissonance, Rite of Passage follows Des as she searches for identity. What she discovers is the power of death to rebirth self. This film explores key themes of motherhood and mental health.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
At her aunt’s wake-keeping, Des wears the wrong color, a quiet sign of how far she’s drifted from her family’s culture. After a charged therapy session with her mother, silence materializes into spoken resentments, leaving her unsure if healing is possible or if some distances can’t be crossed.
Ghanaian Wake-keepings (Over)Simplified
Ghanaian wake-keepings are one of the many funeral rites where an all-night gathering is held to honor the person who has passed. It is an important tradition in Ghana, with prayers, music, and shared memories. Friends, family, and community members come together to celebrate the person’s life, show respect, and support the grieving family.
- Red - for close family members and friends and/or in the event of tragedy
- Black - for distant relatives and well-wishers to express that the darkness of death shadows the mourners
- White - the deceased was over 70 years old and was honored for living a full life
Wakeeping images courtesy of FUNERAL FASHION IN GHANA by Lisa Meier and Irene Odotei
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In a lot of ways, Rite of Passage is my love letter to mothers who never wanted to be mothers. This twelve-minute family drama manifests Des’s fears as she searches for identity through--and connection with--her mother, a Ghanaian American immigrant. Through an exploration of motherhood and mental health, we find that both women are complicated. My goal is to weave the nuance of yearning and rejection through gestures lost in translation. What Des discovers as she searches for identity is the power of death to rebirth self.
Rite of Passage balances propriety and impoliteness, and who in the dynamic has the power. Similar to Mother of George, Queen of Glory, and Miss Juneteenth, Rite of Passage investigates the delicate complexities of a mother-child relationship under the weight of cultural dissonance. Core themes are identity and self-determination. The tone is empathetic but raw and unflinching, punctuated by the dynamism of Des’s surroundings as her interior world moves from uncertainty to reality.
We think many people can relate and find a path to healing through this film. The Ghanaian diaspora and other diasporic groups and mental health and wellness supporters are major champions of this film. I'm often reminded that filmmaking is a team sport, which couldn't ring truer. My lauded collaborators have generously brought their brilliance and initiative to this film. As we work to deliver Rite of Passage through its developmental stages, we view our profession as pouring our passions into purpose. The energy flowing into this project is a testament to how seriously we take this story and the desire to bring it to a screen near you. See for yourself as you join us on the journey through our Instagram for bite-sized updates, @ropfilm.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The film’s script was selected for the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Story Lab. As a result, we have:
- Secured 75% of total costs to make this film
- Gained fiscal sponsorship from Women In Film & Video, making your donation tax-deductible
- Collaborating with the Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance to premiere the film in Ghana
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After being supported by these amazing organizations, there is $7,500 remaining to raise to complete post-production and bring this film to audiences worldwide. Every contribution, share, and act of support moves us closer to our goal.
How We'll Use the Post-Production Funds
- Editor Fees – tighten the story, refine pacing
- Sound Design & Mix – polish it for professional release
- Color Grading – bring the footage to life
- Music – afford licensing Ghanaian music to highlight the culture
- Festival Submissions – to get the film out into the world
Share Rite of Passage with your community
- Connect with us on Instagram @ropfilm
- Subscribe to follow updates: https://www.riteofpassagefilm.com/
- As an act of support, share with your community: https://seedandspark.com/fund/rite-of-passage/#story
Our main character finds the strength to break the cycle.
You have the power to help us tell her story.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Editing
Costs $3,000
Assembling the footage is essential to the finished film and with your contribution we can hire the best editor for this film.
Color
Costs $1,500
Color correction and color grading will add to the tone and vibrancy of this film.
Music & Sound Design
Costs $3,000
Incorporating Ghanaian music to highlight the culture and sound mixing.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Katrina Binutu
WRITER-DIRECTOR
Katrina Binutu is a filmmaker and storyteller whose work explores power dynamics, identity, and social transformation. With a background in workers' rights research and union organizing, she delves into nature vs. nurture and the distance within shared identities. Katrina's upcoming project includes expanding Rite of Passage into a feature film, using storytelling and memory to foster dialogue around mental health through generational sagas.
LaTonya Joyce
PRODUCER
LaTonya Joyce, a freelance filmmaker and producer at Six Point Pictures, boasts a decade of experience in accounting and finance, complementing her B.A. in English from Morgan State University. This unique background provides her with profound expertise in production budgeting and operations. Since 2016, LT has been an integral part of Six Point overseeing shoots for major clients such as Under Armour, Netflix, Apple Music, Peloton, PBS, MACRO, & Def Jam. Renowned for her keen eye and collaborative approach, she expertly guides projects from inception to completion, seamlessly blending artistic vision with meticulous execution.
Alexis Chinery
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexis Chinery is a Ghanaian-American Director of Photography who started her career as a producer and then found herself most comfortable composing shots directly behind the camera. Within her 10 years as an independent filmmaker and partner at Six Point Pictures, she has lent her creative eye to many television platforms, including Apple+, Amazon, & BET, as well as some incredible independent works. She continues to produce imagery that sparks change, inspiration, and reveals truth and light for those in marginalized cultures. Some of her accolades include the 'People's Voice Winner' at The Webby Awards, ‘Best in Technical Quality’ at Mosquers Film Festival, & ‘Best Unscripted Series’ at Series Fest.
Wanyu Zhang
MARKETING STRATEGIST
Wanyu Zhang is a brand expert and storyteller devoted to culture, identity, and healing. With over a decade of global marketing experience, she champions purpose-driven projects that spark connection and change. As a daughter shaped by loss and love, she supports the Rite of Passage with her whole heart, honoring stories that remind us: even in grief, there is power, beauty, and the chance to begin again.
Elnatan Amare
MARKETING STRATEGIST
Elnatan Amare is a recent MBA graduate passionate about storytelling, culture, and connection. She has worked across diverse industries including finance, tech, consulting, and CPG. Drawn to the Rite of Passage project, she is excited to contribute to a collective effort that explores mental health within first-generation homes and the balance between preserving cultural roots while letting go of what may no longer serve.
Awura Osei
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Awura Osei is a producer, writer, director, and actress. She has had the pleasure of working on Netflix mini-series’, Dreams and Paramount's original series Lioness. She’s been privileged to serve as the Executive Producer and First Assistant Director for multiple films in the area. Her production company, AshantiGirl TV, has produced two successful seasons of the web-series Undecided and a mini-series Director's Day Off recapping popular hit television shows and highlighting talented local creatives and beacons of change in the DMV! Awura is currently pursuing her Master’s in Fine Arts in Film at the illustrious Howard University in Washington, D.C. This program is currently the only HBCU with a dedicated MFA in Film program and has produced well-known and internationally recognized artists such as Bradford Young, Arthur Jafa, and Jenn Nkiru.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
At her aunt’s wake-keeping, Des wears the wrong color, a quiet sign of how far she’s drifted from her family’s culture. After a charged therapy session with her mother, silence materializes into spoken resentments, leaving her unsure if healing is possible or if some distances can’t be crossed.
Ghanaian Wake-keepings (Over)Simplified
Ghanaian wake-keepings are one of the many funeral rites where an all-night gathering is held to honor the person who has passed. It is an important tradition in Ghana, with prayers, music, and shared memories. Friends, family, and community members come together to celebrate the person’s life, show respect, and support the grieving family.
- Red - for close family members and friends and/or in the event of tragedy
- Black - for distant relatives and well-wishers to express that the darkness of death shadows the mourners
- White - the deceased was over 70 years old and was honored for living a full life
Wakeeping images courtesy of FUNERAL FASHION IN GHANA by Lisa Meier and Irene Odotei
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In a lot of ways, Rite of Passage is my love letter to mothers who never wanted to be mothers. This twelve-minute family drama manifests Des’s fears as she searches for identity through--and connection with--her mother, a Ghanaian American immigrant. Through an exploration of motherhood and mental health, we find that both women are complicated. My goal is to weave the nuance of yearning and rejection through gestures lost in translation. What Des discovers as she searches for identity is the power of death to rebirth self.
Rite of Passage balances propriety and impoliteness, and who in the dynamic has the power. Similar to Mother of George, Queen of Glory, and Miss Juneteenth, Rite of Passage investigates the delicate complexities of a mother-child relationship under the weight of cultural dissonance. Core themes are identity and self-determination. The tone is empathetic but raw and unflinching, punctuated by the dynamism of Des’s surroundings as her interior world moves from uncertainty to reality.
We think many people can relate and find a path to healing through this film. The Ghanaian diaspora and other diasporic groups and mental health and wellness supporters are major champions of this film. I'm often reminded that filmmaking is a team sport, which couldn't ring truer. My lauded collaborators have generously brought their brilliance and initiative to this film. As we work to deliver Rite of Passage through its developmental stages, we view our profession as pouring our passions into purpose. The energy flowing into this project is a testament to how seriously we take this story and the desire to bring it to a screen near you. See for yourself as you join us on the journey through our Instagram for bite-sized updates, @ropfilm.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The film’s script was selected for the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Story Lab. As a result, we have:
- Secured 75% of total costs to make this film
- Gained fiscal sponsorship from Women In Film & Video, making your donation tax-deductible
- Collaborating with the Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance to premiere the film in Ghana
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After being supported by these amazing organizations, there is $7,500 remaining to raise to complete post-production and bring this film to audiences worldwide. Every contribution, share, and act of support moves us closer to our goal.
How We'll Use the Post-Production Funds
- Editor Fees – tighten the story, refine pacing
- Sound Design & Mix – polish it for professional release
- Color Grading – bring the footage to life
- Music – afford licensing Ghanaian music to highlight the culture
- Festival Submissions – to get the film out into the world
Share Rite of Passage with your community
- Connect with us on Instagram @ropfilm
- Subscribe to follow updates: https://www.riteofpassagefilm.com/
- As an act of support, share with your community: https://seedandspark.com/fund/rite-of-passage/#story
Our main character finds the strength to break the cycle.
You have the power to help us tell her story.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Editing
Costs $3,000
Assembling the footage is essential to the finished film and with your contribution we can hire the best editor for this film.
Color
Costs $1,500
Color correction and color grading will add to the tone and vibrancy of this film.
Music & Sound Design
Costs $3,000
Incorporating Ghanaian music to highlight the culture and sound mixing.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Katrina Binutu
WRITER-DIRECTOR
Katrina Binutu is a filmmaker and storyteller whose work explores power dynamics, identity, and social transformation. With a background in workers' rights research and union organizing, she delves into nature vs. nurture and the distance within shared identities. Katrina's upcoming project includes expanding Rite of Passage into a feature film, using storytelling and memory to foster dialogue around mental health through generational sagas.
LaTonya Joyce
PRODUCER
LaTonya Joyce, a freelance filmmaker and producer at Six Point Pictures, boasts a decade of experience in accounting and finance, complementing her B.A. in English from Morgan State University. This unique background provides her with profound expertise in production budgeting and operations. Since 2016, LT has been an integral part of Six Point overseeing shoots for major clients such as Under Armour, Netflix, Apple Music, Peloton, PBS, MACRO, & Def Jam. Renowned for her keen eye and collaborative approach, she expertly guides projects from inception to completion, seamlessly blending artistic vision with meticulous execution.
Alexis Chinery
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexis Chinery is a Ghanaian-American Director of Photography who started her career as a producer and then found herself most comfortable composing shots directly behind the camera. Within her 10 years as an independent filmmaker and partner at Six Point Pictures, she has lent her creative eye to many television platforms, including Apple+, Amazon, & BET, as well as some incredible independent works. She continues to produce imagery that sparks change, inspiration, and reveals truth and light for those in marginalized cultures. Some of her accolades include the 'People's Voice Winner' at The Webby Awards, ‘Best in Technical Quality’ at Mosquers Film Festival, & ‘Best Unscripted Series’ at Series Fest.
Wanyu Zhang
MARKETING STRATEGIST
Wanyu Zhang is a brand expert and storyteller devoted to culture, identity, and healing. With over a decade of global marketing experience, she champions purpose-driven projects that spark connection and change. As a daughter shaped by loss and love, she supports the Rite of Passage with her whole heart, honoring stories that remind us: even in grief, there is power, beauty, and the chance to begin again.
Elnatan Amare
MARKETING STRATEGIST
Elnatan Amare is a recent MBA graduate passionate about storytelling, culture, and connection. She has worked across diverse industries including finance, tech, consulting, and CPG. Drawn to the Rite of Passage project, she is excited to contribute to a collective effort that explores mental health within first-generation homes and the balance between preserving cultural roots while letting go of what may no longer serve.
Awura Osei
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Awura Osei is a producer, writer, director, and actress. She has had the pleasure of working on Netflix mini-series’, Dreams and Paramount's original series Lioness. She’s been privileged to serve as the Executive Producer and First Assistant Director for multiple films in the area. Her production company, AshantiGirl TV, has produced two successful seasons of the web-series Undecided and a mini-series Director's Day Off recapping popular hit television shows and highlighting talented local creatives and beacons of change in the DMV! Awura is currently pursuing her Master’s in Fine Arts in Film at the illustrious Howard University in Washington, D.C. This program is currently the only HBCU with a dedicated MFA in Film program and has produced well-known and internationally recognized artists such as Bradford Young, Arthur Jafa, and Jenn Nkiru.