SALTWATER
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
A poignant short film about two Caribbean American children grappling with their identity, belonging and culture.
SALTWATER
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family

1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $16,193 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
57 supporters | followers
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A poignant short film about two Caribbean American children grappling with their identity, belonging and culture.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
SYNOPSIS
After the death of their mother and wife, the Brathwaite family embarks on a weekend trip to Barbados to mourn with family. Tensions simmer beneath the surface as 18-year-old Kam grapples with her mother's absence, her father's emotional distance, and the pressures from her grandmother Martine, and her traditional values. Through encounters with local DJ Anthony, she finds solace in dance and music, while discovering new connections with the island's vibrant culture. Meanwhile, her younger brother Tashawn seeks understanding and recognition from his father amidst family conflicts; he leans on his grandfather Michael, for support, which in turn negatively alters their relationship. Against the backdrop of the island's beauty, the children navigate their own journey of self-discovery, connection and are forever changed by their time in Barbados.
(AI GENERATATED MAIN CHARACTERS)
Why Barbados?
We will be filming Saltwater on the island of Barbados. One of the goals we have is to keep everything authentic, the culture and environment is an integral part of the story we want to tell. We can't do it justice without being there.
Community Impact:
Our production isn't just about creating art; it's about creating opportunities for the local community. By filming in Barbados, we're able to collaborate with local talent, businesses, and artisans, injecting vital resources and support into the island's economy. From hiring local actors and crew members to sourcing props and locations from Bajan vendors, every aspect of our production contributes to the growth and prosperity of the community.
Environmental Responsibility:
Barbados is not only a cultural gem but also an ecological treasure. By filming responsibly and minimizing our environmental footprint, we're committed to preserving the natural beauty of the island for generations to come. From eco-friendly production practices to supporting local conservation efforts, we're dedicated to ensuring that Barbados remains a paradise both on and off-screen.
Emerging film director Dexcee has made a bold decision to prioritize representation in her latest project, 'Saltwater.' As her final graduate film, Dexcee has seized the opportunity to shed light on an often overlooked aspect of Caribbean culture in the cinematic landscape.
'The need for representation has always been a driving force for me,' Dexcee shares. 'Growing up, I rarely saw characters on screen who reflected my experiences or the culture I came from.'
This lack of visibility has fueled Dexcee's determination to create stories that resonate deeply with Caribbean audiences and challenge the narrow narratives that have dominated mainstream cinema. 'Saltwater' is a testament to her commitment to disrupting these stereotypes.
With 'Saltwater,' Dexcee not only marks her graduation from film school but also establishes herself as a rising voice in contemporary cinema. Her unwavering commitment to representation is a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities and a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling.
If you've been brought to our campaign it means you have a personal connection to the members of this project, or it sparked your interest after seeing it online. By aligning with us you're not just investing in a film; you'll be supporting independent filmmaking that celebrates the richness of culture and heritage. Together, we have the power to elevate stories that matter and make a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. We encourage you to help us bring our vision of Saltwater to the big screen.
SHORT TERM GOALS
Our short-term goals for Saltwater are aimed at securing the resources necessary to bring our vision to life. In the immediate future, we aim to fund the production phase, covering expenses such as equipment rental, location fees, and crew salaries. Additionally, we seek to engage talented actors and secure a skilled production team to ensure the highest quality of storytelling and cinematic execution. Through the support of our backers, we aim to reach our funding goal swiftly, allowing us to focus on crafting a captivating narrative and bringing our creative vision to fruition on screen.
LONG TERM GOALS
Our long-term goals extend beyond the completion of our short film; they encompass the broader impact and potential of our project. With the successful realization of our short film, we aspire to garner recognition at film festivals, attract attention from industry professionals, and potentially secure distribution deals. Moreover, we aim to leverage the success of our short film as a springboard for future projects, building a reputation for compelling storytelling and innovative filmmaking. Establishing a loyal audience base and forging meaningful connections within the film community are key objectives that will enable us to continue creating impactful and relatable content in the years to come. Ultimately, our long-term vision is to establish ourselves as a prominent voice in the world of independent cinema, inspiring and entertaining audiences worldwide with our unique perspective and storytelling prowess.
OUR IMPACT
Our impact will extend far beyond the screen, as our short film endeavors to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ignite conversations on important social and cultural issues. Through our storytelling, we aim to shed light on underrepresented voices, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy and understanding among diverse audiences. By captivating viewers with our narrative, we seek to inspire action and drive positive change in the world, whether it be advocating for social justice, promoting environmental awareness, or championing the human spirit. Beyond entertainment, our film aims to leave a lasting imprint on hearts and minds. We aspire to cultivate a community of engaged individuals who are empowered to make a difference, one scene at a time.
Because we are producing this project alongside New York Women in Film & Television a 501(c)(3), your support serves as both a compassionate contribution and a tax-deductible donation.
INSTAGRAM: @saltwatertheshortfilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Wardrobe
Costs $500
Help our wardrobe team and receive a Assistant Buyer/Wardrobe Credit.
About This Team
.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
SYNOPSIS
After the death of their mother and wife, the Brathwaite family embarks on a weekend trip to Barbados to mourn with family. Tensions simmer beneath the surface as 18-year-old Kam grapples with her mother's absence, her father's emotional distance, and the pressures from her grandmother Martine, and her traditional values. Through encounters with local DJ Anthony, she finds solace in dance and music, while discovering new connections with the island's vibrant culture. Meanwhile, her younger brother Tashawn seeks understanding and recognition from his father amidst family conflicts; he leans on his grandfather Michael, for support, which in turn negatively alters their relationship. Against the backdrop of the island's beauty, the children navigate their own journey of self-discovery, connection and are forever changed by their time in Barbados.
(AI GENERATATED MAIN CHARACTERS)
Why Barbados?
We will be filming Saltwater on the island of Barbados. One of the goals we have is to keep everything authentic, the culture and environment is an integral part of the story we want to tell. We can't do it justice without being there.
Community Impact:
Our production isn't just about creating art; it's about creating opportunities for the local community. By filming in Barbados, we're able to collaborate with local talent, businesses, and artisans, injecting vital resources and support into the island's economy. From hiring local actors and crew members to sourcing props and locations from Bajan vendors, every aspect of our production contributes to the growth and prosperity of the community.
Environmental Responsibility:
Barbados is not only a cultural gem but also an ecological treasure. By filming responsibly and minimizing our environmental footprint, we're committed to preserving the natural beauty of the island for generations to come. From eco-friendly production practices to supporting local conservation efforts, we're dedicated to ensuring that Barbados remains a paradise both on and off-screen.
Emerging film director Dexcee has made a bold decision to prioritize representation in her latest project, 'Saltwater.' As her final graduate film, Dexcee has seized the opportunity to shed light on an often overlooked aspect of Caribbean culture in the cinematic landscape.
'The need for representation has always been a driving force for me,' Dexcee shares. 'Growing up, I rarely saw characters on screen who reflected my experiences or the culture I came from.'
This lack of visibility has fueled Dexcee's determination to create stories that resonate deeply with Caribbean audiences and challenge the narrow narratives that have dominated mainstream cinema. 'Saltwater' is a testament to her commitment to disrupting these stereotypes.
With 'Saltwater,' Dexcee not only marks her graduation from film school but also establishes herself as a rising voice in contemporary cinema. Her unwavering commitment to representation is a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities and a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling.
If you've been brought to our campaign it means you have a personal connection to the members of this project, or it sparked your interest after seeing it online. By aligning with us you're not just investing in a film; you'll be supporting independent filmmaking that celebrates the richness of culture and heritage. Together, we have the power to elevate stories that matter and make a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. We encourage you to help us bring our vision of Saltwater to the big screen.
SHORT TERM GOALS
Our short-term goals for Saltwater are aimed at securing the resources necessary to bring our vision to life. In the immediate future, we aim to fund the production phase, covering expenses such as equipment rental, location fees, and crew salaries. Additionally, we seek to engage talented actors and secure a skilled production team to ensure the highest quality of storytelling and cinematic execution. Through the support of our backers, we aim to reach our funding goal swiftly, allowing us to focus on crafting a captivating narrative and bringing our creative vision to fruition on screen.
LONG TERM GOALS
Our long-term goals extend beyond the completion of our short film; they encompass the broader impact and potential of our project. With the successful realization of our short film, we aspire to garner recognition at film festivals, attract attention from industry professionals, and potentially secure distribution deals. Moreover, we aim to leverage the success of our short film as a springboard for future projects, building a reputation for compelling storytelling and innovative filmmaking. Establishing a loyal audience base and forging meaningful connections within the film community are key objectives that will enable us to continue creating impactful and relatable content in the years to come. Ultimately, our long-term vision is to establish ourselves as a prominent voice in the world of independent cinema, inspiring and entertaining audiences worldwide with our unique perspective and storytelling prowess.
OUR IMPACT
Our impact will extend far beyond the screen, as our short film endeavors to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ignite conversations on important social and cultural issues. Through our storytelling, we aim to shed light on underrepresented voices, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy and understanding among diverse audiences. By captivating viewers with our narrative, we seek to inspire action and drive positive change in the world, whether it be advocating for social justice, promoting environmental awareness, or championing the human spirit. Beyond entertainment, our film aims to leave a lasting imprint on hearts and minds. We aspire to cultivate a community of engaged individuals who are empowered to make a difference, one scene at a time.
Because we are producing this project alongside New York Women in Film & Television a 501(c)(3), your support serves as both a compassionate contribution and a tax-deductible donation.
INSTAGRAM: @saltwatertheshortfilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Wardrobe
Costs $500
Help our wardrobe team and receive a Assistant Buyer/Wardrobe Credit.
About This Team
.