Shanda: An Interfaith Comedy
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Romantic Comedy
Jewish humor meets Internet satire at an interfaith wedding! Supporting this project helps artists achieve their dreams. Are you hungry for works that unite and uplift us by celebrating our differences? This piece hopes to combat selfish agendas with love, comedy, and understanding.
Shanda: An Interfaith Comedy
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Romantic Comedy
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $2,373 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
22 supporters | followers
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Jewish humor meets Internet satire at an interfaith wedding! Supporting this project helps artists achieve their dreams. Are you hungry for works that unite and uplift us by celebrating our differences? This piece hopes to combat selfish agendas with love, comedy, and understanding.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Huh, what?
“Shanda” is a romantic comedy with just a sprinkle of arthouse--irreverent, ironic, and Jew-ISH, made with a diverse cast and crew in Ridgewood, Queens. We had to ask: What if the non-Jewish partner cares more about the Jewish aspects of a wedding than the actually Jewish one? And what's the worst way someone could object to a wedding in 2026? Cue social media. Because it's extra cringe if obnoxious behavior's being live-streamed.
Oh, Us!
Co-writers Aaron Gold and Christine Stoddard are a real-life romantic couple--actually, we got engaged one week before filming "Shanda"! "Shanda" draws on Aaron and Christine's real life interfaith relationship as inspiration. We love being in love AND making things together, like funny movies :)
Aaron Gold and Christine Stoddard the night of Aaron's marriage proposal to Christine. Watch our real proposal video here.
Story & Style Stuff
"Shanda" is about an interfaith couple attempting to elope, but the past has a way of catching up with them. The charming church they've rented kinda slap-dash isn’t enough to distract from an ex’s uninvited arrival. Did you know this dude has 2 million followers? Yeah. He's definitely livestreaming his objection.
We’re running with the comedic tone and visual style of the last scene in "5 Ways I Didn't Marry You", which was conceived by Christine and directed by Tom Dunn, who we tapped for "Shanda."
Where We're At
Now "Shanda" is in the can! We filmed the movie in February and we're ready to dive into post-production. We brought on the aforementioned Tom Dunn as our director, Carleton King as our director of photography, Davidson Boswell as the ex who tries to ruin it all, Dan Dobransky as the rent-a-rabbi, Disnie Sebastien as the church attendant who's not having it, and other talented folks. We had one INCREDIBLE day of production, filming everything we needed with the chutzpah of indie filmmakers on a budget--and before Christine moved to California for a new job.
Just post-production left to go! But we need your help to finish the movie and get it into film festivals!
Behind-the-scenes set photo by Roman Broszkowski. From left to right: Carleton King, Christine Stoddard, Dan Dobransky, Aaron Gold, Tom Dunn.
More About Our Style & History Of Creation
Aaron, Christine, and Tom first collaborated on the comedy TV show “Don’t Mind If I Don’t.” This is an edutainment show where fans and experts try to convince Aaron to like the things he hates, and Christine plays the role of supportive girlfriend who just wants her boyfriend to grow. Tom directed the first several episodes.
Next, Christine and Tom collaborated on the narrative short film “5 Ways I Didn’t Marry You,” which Aaron co-executive produced with Jacob Serlen. Aaron also acted in two of the short’s scenes. In five parallel universes, none of a young woman’s relationships result in marriage. “5 Ways I Didn’t Marry You” won Best Editing at the iWomanTV/NYWIFT Online Film Festival and had its in-person premiere at the New York International Shorts Film Festival. Moving and grooving!
About Christine, who came up with the idea for "Shanda" and co-wrote it with Aaron. She's also the female lead: Christine Stoddard is an artist and journalist working across digital media, known for projects such as Art B*tch!; Don't Mind If I Don't; Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares; Heaven Is a Photograph (CLASH Books); and Desert Fox By the Sea (Hoot 'n; Waddle). Named one of Brooklyn Magazine's Top 50 Most Fascinating People, she produces via her storytelling studio, Quail Bell. Her films have won awards and been selected for the Philadelphia Latino Arts and Film Festival, JCAL 10-Minute Film Festival, the New York Long Island Film Festival, the Newark Reel Stories Challenge, and other festivals. Her feature-length art film, Sirena’s Gallery, is distributed by Summer Hill Entertainment and streaming on Amazon, Tubi, and other platforms. Stoddard graduated from Columbia Journalism School, where she directed a documentary on the Village Halloween Parade, and The City College of New York-CUNY, where she won the Sydney and Helen Jacoff Scholarship for video and photography.
About Aaron, who co-wrote "Shanda" and is the male lead: Aaron Gold is a comedian, actor, writer, and host. He has appeared on Disney+, Netflix, Mtv, Nickelodeon, TNT, and NBC, as well as lent his voice to several Disney cartoons. Aaron is the host of "Don't Mind If I Don't," a podcast-turned-TV show where fans and experts of things he doesn't like convince him why he is wrong. His mental health comedy show, "You Are Not Alone: An Uplifting Show About Depression" has been enjoying monthly performances at the Magnet Theater for over 10 years now, and has partnered with NAMI NYC to combat the stigma associated with mental health. He is a two-time Silver Telly award winner, recently made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Daredevil: Born Again, appears in the sequel comedy fan film, “The Mask: Gone Viral,” and recently played several dark and disturbing roles in "Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares" at The Tank. He co-starred in the limited podcast, "Bad Guys & B-Sides," playing an angsty teenage guitarist turned magical sorcerer.
Behind-the-scenes set photo by Roman Broszkowski. From left to right: Davidson Boswell, Tom Dunn, Christine Stoddard.
About Tom Dunn, the director on "Shanda": Tom Dunn is a New York City filmmaker. A writer for more than 15 years, his most recent feature length script has placed in the Script Pipeline competition and was a finalist in the 2023 Coverfly Golden Script Competition. He helped start the TV show “Don’t Mind If I Don’t” with Christine Stoddard and Aaron Gold in 2023. Tom likes to spend his free time teaching his toddler to play the drums and taking blurry photographs. He received his bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College’s Park School. He formed his production company No, Seriously Films with Jacob Serlen in 2021.
Jewish Stuff
On the Jewish aspect of "Shanda," from Jewish co-creator Aaron Gold:
Aaron participating in Birthright Israel at age 24.
"As a Jew in America witnessing Israel perpetuating war crimes, I wanted to contribute some art that reminded people that Judaism does not necessarily mean Zionism. There’s a lot of beauty and wisdom in Jewish traditions, and it breaks my heart to see atrocities being carried out in the name of “Jewish safety.” There’s no justification for starving a civilian population, and no justification for murdering children. What adds to the tragedy is that due to Israel’s actions, antisemitism is on the rise. Even more innocents will be hurt due to this ongoing genocide.
So we wanted to share some uplifting Jewish traditions and explore the deeper meanings behind them, as many of my fellow Jews seem to be so focused on traditions that they’ve forgotten the lessons they teach."
Behind-the-scenes set photo by Roman Broszkowski.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Editing services
Costs $250
We're hiring a talented editor who believes in our very funny movie.
Sound mixing services
Costs $250
We're hiring a talented sound mixer who wants to make our mix our sound for maximum entertainment.
Coloring services
Costs $250
We're hiring a talented colorist to make our film's color a thing of beauty.
Music rights
Costs $150
We're buying the rights to music from a talented indie musician.
Film festival fees
Costs $1,100
Film festivals are expensive! And highly competitive. Help us increase our chances of getting into as many quality festivals as we can.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Christine Stoddard (co-writer/principal on "Shanda") is an American-Salvadoran filmmaker, actress, and artist named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s Top 50 Most Fascinating People. She’s known for projects like Art Bitch; Badass Lady-Folk; Heaven Is a Photograph; and more. Her arthouse feature film, "Sirena's Gallery," is distributed by Summer Hill Entertainment and streaming on Amazon, Tubi, and elsewhere. Featured in The Brooklyn Rail, "Sirena's Gallery" had a screening at The Byrd Theatre, a historic movie palace in Richmond, VA, and Stuart Cinema in Brooklyn, NY. Christine's short film "De Colores (Chorus of Melancholy)" won Best Experimental Project at the Latino Film Market and her short "Bottled" was nominated for Best 'Short' Short at the New York Long Island Film Festival. Her films have shown at the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, New York Shorts International Film Festival, Native Lens, Southern Arizona Independent Film Festival, and beyond. She was a Tank Core Production Grant Winner for her play "Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares," which also won national recognition from Table Work Press and Fulton Theater in Lancaster, PA. Christine has received support from the Brooklyn Arts Council, IndieSpace, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Queens Botanical Garden, The Puffin Foundation, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, and other fine organizations.
Aaron Gold (co-writer/principal on "Shanda") is a comedian, actor, writer, and host. He has appeared on Disney+, Netflix, Mtv, Nickelodeon, TNT, and NBC, as well as lent his voice to several Disney cartoons. Aaron is the host of "Don't Mind If I Don't," a podcast-turned-TV show where fans and experts of things he doesn't like convince him why he is wrong. His mental health comedy show, "You Are Not Alone: An Uplifting Show About Depression" has been enjoying monthly performances at the Magnet Theater for over 11 years now, and has partnered with NAMI NYC to combat the stigma associated with mental health. He is a two-time Silver Telly award winner, recently made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Daredevil: Born Again, appears in the sequel comedy fan film, “The Mask: Gone Viral,” and recently played several dark and disturbing roles in "Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares" at The Tank. He co-starred in the limited podcast, "Bad Guys & B-Sides," playing an angsty teenage guitarist turned magical sorcerer.
Tom Dunn (director of "Shanda") is a New York City filmmaker. A writer for more than 15 years, his most recent feature length script has placed in the Script Pipeline competition and was a finalist in the 2023 Coverfly Golden Script Competition. He helped start the TV show “Don’t Mind If I Don’t” with Christine Stoddard and Aaron Gold in 2023. Tom likes to spend his free time teaching his toddler to play the drums and taking blurry photographs. He received his bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College’s Park School. He formed his production company No, Seriously Films with Jacob Serlen in 2021.
Carleton King (director of photography on "Shanda") is a proud New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. With over 60 Theater, TV, and Film productions under his belt; King continues to broaden his storytelling skillset. King is an Actor, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Sound recordist, Gaffer and more! He also does it live for concerts, plays and stand up shows. King's credits are numerous. He's worked with Netflix, Marvel, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and more. His pride in wearing multiple hats is like his crown. His production company Tru Luv Ent. has made Indie Filmmaking more accessible for many in NYC and works that he's released have garnered several awards and accolades. King credits Jesus Christ as the source of his gifts and desires nothing more that to make a difference through his art. Why? Because that's what he was put here to do.
Davidson Boswell (supporting actor in "Shanda"): Organizer and Creator for @climatedefiance; Instagram @davidsonboswell
Dan Dobransky (supporting actor in "Shanda") is a performer/writer/director/designer based in Brooklyn, New York. He started taking classes and performing soon after he moved to the city after attaining a BFA in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University. He's trained with more teachers then he'd like to mention through the Upright Citizens Brigade, The PIT and Magnet Theater.
Disnie Sebastien (supporting actress in "Shanda"): New York- based Actress & TV Host from the Caribbean island of Dominica.
Quail Bell is a storytelling studio for fiction and non-fiction stories. Founded by Christine Stoddard, Quail Bell produces playful, poetic, and investigative films, videos, and multimedia projects. In fiction, Quail Bell has distinguished itself for comedic and poetic cinema and performance with strong female characters and attention to social issues. In non-fiction, Quail Bell is known for voice-driven, energetic, and informative content that engages audiences through storytelling, original reporting, and a sense of humor and history.
"Shanda" is a co-production between Quail Bell and Some Gold Pun LLC.
Christine and Aaron in real life...as a real-life couple
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Huh, what?
“Shanda” is a romantic comedy with just a sprinkle of arthouse--irreverent, ironic, and Jew-ISH, made with a diverse cast and crew in Ridgewood, Queens. We had to ask: What if the non-Jewish partner cares more about the Jewish aspects of a wedding than the actually Jewish one? And what's the worst way someone could object to a wedding in 2026? Cue social media. Because it's extra cringe if obnoxious behavior's being live-streamed.
Oh, Us!
Co-writers Aaron Gold and Christine Stoddard are a real-life romantic couple--actually, we got engaged one week before filming "Shanda"! "Shanda" draws on Aaron and Christine's real life interfaith relationship as inspiration. We love being in love AND making things together, like funny movies :)
Aaron Gold and Christine Stoddard the night of Aaron's marriage proposal to Christine. Watch our real proposal video here.
Story & Style Stuff
"Shanda" is about an interfaith couple attempting to elope, but the past has a way of catching up with them. The charming church they've rented kinda slap-dash isn’t enough to distract from an ex’s uninvited arrival. Did you know this dude has 2 million followers? Yeah. He's definitely livestreaming his objection.
We’re running with the comedic tone and visual style of the last scene in "5 Ways I Didn't Marry You", which was conceived by Christine and directed by Tom Dunn, who we tapped for "Shanda."
Where We're At
Now "Shanda" is in the can! We filmed the movie in February and we're ready to dive into post-production. We brought on the aforementioned Tom Dunn as our director, Carleton King as our director of photography, Davidson Boswell as the ex who tries to ruin it all, Dan Dobransky as the rent-a-rabbi, Disnie Sebastien as the church attendant who's not having it, and other talented folks. We had one INCREDIBLE day of production, filming everything we needed with the chutzpah of indie filmmakers on a budget--and before Christine moved to California for a new job.
Just post-production left to go! But we need your help to finish the movie and get it into film festivals!
Behind-the-scenes set photo by Roman Broszkowski. From left to right: Carleton King, Christine Stoddard, Dan Dobransky, Aaron Gold, Tom Dunn.
More About Our Style & History Of Creation
Aaron, Christine, and Tom first collaborated on the comedy TV show “Don’t Mind If I Don’t.” This is an edutainment show where fans and experts try to convince Aaron to like the things he hates, and Christine plays the role of supportive girlfriend who just wants her boyfriend to grow. Tom directed the first several episodes.
Next, Christine and Tom collaborated on the narrative short film “5 Ways I Didn’t Marry You,” which Aaron co-executive produced with Jacob Serlen. Aaron also acted in two of the short’s scenes. In five parallel universes, none of a young woman’s relationships result in marriage. “5 Ways I Didn’t Marry You” won Best Editing at the iWomanTV/NYWIFT Online Film Festival and had its in-person premiere at the New York International Shorts Film Festival. Moving and grooving!
About Christine, who came up with the idea for "Shanda" and co-wrote it with Aaron. She's also the female lead: Christine Stoddard is an artist and journalist working across digital media, known for projects such as Art B*tch!; Don't Mind If I Don't; Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares; Heaven Is a Photograph (CLASH Books); and Desert Fox By the Sea (Hoot 'n; Waddle). Named one of Brooklyn Magazine's Top 50 Most Fascinating People, she produces via her storytelling studio, Quail Bell. Her films have won awards and been selected for the Philadelphia Latino Arts and Film Festival, JCAL 10-Minute Film Festival, the New York Long Island Film Festival, the Newark Reel Stories Challenge, and other festivals. Her feature-length art film, Sirena’s Gallery, is distributed by Summer Hill Entertainment and streaming on Amazon, Tubi, and other platforms. Stoddard graduated from Columbia Journalism School, where she directed a documentary on the Village Halloween Parade, and The City College of New York-CUNY, where she won the Sydney and Helen Jacoff Scholarship for video and photography.
About Aaron, who co-wrote "Shanda" and is the male lead: Aaron Gold is a comedian, actor, writer, and host. He has appeared on Disney+, Netflix, Mtv, Nickelodeon, TNT, and NBC, as well as lent his voice to several Disney cartoons. Aaron is the host of "Don't Mind If I Don't," a podcast-turned-TV show where fans and experts of things he doesn't like convince him why he is wrong. His mental health comedy show, "You Are Not Alone: An Uplifting Show About Depression" has been enjoying monthly performances at the Magnet Theater for over 10 years now, and has partnered with NAMI NYC to combat the stigma associated with mental health. He is a two-time Silver Telly award winner, recently made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Daredevil: Born Again, appears in the sequel comedy fan film, “The Mask: Gone Viral,” and recently played several dark and disturbing roles in "Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares" at The Tank. He co-starred in the limited podcast, "Bad Guys & B-Sides," playing an angsty teenage guitarist turned magical sorcerer.
Behind-the-scenes set photo by Roman Broszkowski. From left to right: Davidson Boswell, Tom Dunn, Christine Stoddard.
About Tom Dunn, the director on "Shanda": Tom Dunn is a New York City filmmaker. A writer for more than 15 years, his most recent feature length script has placed in the Script Pipeline competition and was a finalist in the 2023 Coverfly Golden Script Competition. He helped start the TV show “Don’t Mind If I Don’t” with Christine Stoddard and Aaron Gold in 2023. Tom likes to spend his free time teaching his toddler to play the drums and taking blurry photographs. He received his bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College’s Park School. He formed his production company No, Seriously Films with Jacob Serlen in 2021.
Jewish Stuff
On the Jewish aspect of "Shanda," from Jewish co-creator Aaron Gold:
Aaron participating in Birthright Israel at age 24.
"As a Jew in America witnessing Israel perpetuating war crimes, I wanted to contribute some art that reminded people that Judaism does not necessarily mean Zionism. There’s a lot of beauty and wisdom in Jewish traditions, and it breaks my heart to see atrocities being carried out in the name of “Jewish safety.” There’s no justification for starving a civilian population, and no justification for murdering children. What adds to the tragedy is that due to Israel’s actions, antisemitism is on the rise. Even more innocents will be hurt due to this ongoing genocide.
So we wanted to share some uplifting Jewish traditions and explore the deeper meanings behind them, as many of my fellow Jews seem to be so focused on traditions that they’ve forgotten the lessons they teach."
Behind-the-scenes set photo by Roman Broszkowski.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Editing services
Costs $250
We're hiring a talented editor who believes in our very funny movie.
Sound mixing services
Costs $250
We're hiring a talented sound mixer who wants to make our mix our sound for maximum entertainment.
Coloring services
Costs $250
We're hiring a talented colorist to make our film's color a thing of beauty.
Music rights
Costs $150
We're buying the rights to music from a talented indie musician.
Film festival fees
Costs $1,100
Film festivals are expensive! And highly competitive. Help us increase our chances of getting into as many quality festivals as we can.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Christine Stoddard (co-writer/principal on "Shanda") is an American-Salvadoran filmmaker, actress, and artist named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s Top 50 Most Fascinating People. She’s known for projects like Art Bitch; Badass Lady-Folk; Heaven Is a Photograph; and more. Her arthouse feature film, "Sirena's Gallery," is distributed by Summer Hill Entertainment and streaming on Amazon, Tubi, and elsewhere. Featured in The Brooklyn Rail, "Sirena's Gallery" had a screening at The Byrd Theatre, a historic movie palace in Richmond, VA, and Stuart Cinema in Brooklyn, NY. Christine's short film "De Colores (Chorus of Melancholy)" won Best Experimental Project at the Latino Film Market and her short "Bottled" was nominated for Best 'Short' Short at the New York Long Island Film Festival. Her films have shown at the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, New York Shorts International Film Festival, Native Lens, Southern Arizona Independent Film Festival, and beyond. She was a Tank Core Production Grant Winner for her play "Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares," which also won national recognition from Table Work Press and Fulton Theater in Lancaster, PA. Christine has received support from the Brooklyn Arts Council, IndieSpace, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Queens Botanical Garden, The Puffin Foundation, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, and other fine organizations.
Aaron Gold (co-writer/principal on "Shanda") is a comedian, actor, writer, and host. He has appeared on Disney+, Netflix, Mtv, Nickelodeon, TNT, and NBC, as well as lent his voice to several Disney cartoons. Aaron is the host of "Don't Mind If I Don't," a podcast-turned-TV show where fans and experts of things he doesn't like convince him why he is wrong. His mental health comedy show, "You Are Not Alone: An Uplifting Show About Depression" has been enjoying monthly performances at the Magnet Theater for over 11 years now, and has partnered with NAMI NYC to combat the stigma associated with mental health. He is a two-time Silver Telly award winner, recently made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Daredevil: Born Again, appears in the sequel comedy fan film, “The Mask: Gone Viral,” and recently played several dark and disturbing roles in "Mi Abuela, Queen of Nightmares" at The Tank. He co-starred in the limited podcast, "Bad Guys & B-Sides," playing an angsty teenage guitarist turned magical sorcerer.
Tom Dunn (director of "Shanda") is a New York City filmmaker. A writer for more than 15 years, his most recent feature length script has placed in the Script Pipeline competition and was a finalist in the 2023 Coverfly Golden Script Competition. He helped start the TV show “Don’t Mind If I Don’t” with Christine Stoddard and Aaron Gold in 2023. Tom likes to spend his free time teaching his toddler to play the drums and taking blurry photographs. He received his bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College’s Park School. He formed his production company No, Seriously Films with Jacob Serlen in 2021.
Carleton King (director of photography on "Shanda") is a proud New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. With over 60 Theater, TV, and Film productions under his belt; King continues to broaden his storytelling skillset. King is an Actor, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Sound recordist, Gaffer and more! He also does it live for concerts, plays and stand up shows. King's credits are numerous. He's worked with Netflix, Marvel, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and more. His pride in wearing multiple hats is like his crown. His production company Tru Luv Ent. has made Indie Filmmaking more accessible for many in NYC and works that he's released have garnered several awards and accolades. King credits Jesus Christ as the source of his gifts and desires nothing more that to make a difference through his art. Why? Because that's what he was put here to do.
Davidson Boswell (supporting actor in "Shanda"): Organizer and Creator for @climatedefiance; Instagram @davidsonboswell
Dan Dobransky (supporting actor in "Shanda") is a performer/writer/director/designer based in Brooklyn, New York. He started taking classes and performing soon after he moved to the city after attaining a BFA in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University. He's trained with more teachers then he'd like to mention through the Upright Citizens Brigade, The PIT and Magnet Theater.
Disnie Sebastien (supporting actress in "Shanda"): New York- based Actress & TV Host from the Caribbean island of Dominica.
Quail Bell is a storytelling studio for fiction and non-fiction stories. Founded by Christine Stoddard, Quail Bell produces playful, poetic, and investigative films, videos, and multimedia projects. In fiction, Quail Bell has distinguished itself for comedic and poetic cinema and performance with strong female characters and attention to social issues. In non-fiction, Quail Bell is known for voice-driven, energetic, and informative content that engages audiences through storytelling, original reporting, and a sense of humor and history.
"Shanda" is a co-production between Quail Bell and Some Gold Pun LLC.