The Fatherless Generation – Phase I
La Mirada, California | Film Feature
Sci-Fi, Drama
In six alternate futures, fathers strive to raise the same son to thrive in a hostile world. Our mission is to reach the lost, neglected, and the fatherless, while raising fathers who are sacrificial, faithful, unwavering in love and mercy, giving clarity to man's greatest desires.
The Fatherless Generation – Phase I
La Mirada, California | Film Feature
Sci-Fi, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,850 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
45 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
In six alternate futures, fathers strive to raise the same son to thrive in a hostile world. Our mission is to reach the lost, neglected, and the fatherless, while raising fathers who are sacrificial, faithful, unwavering in love and mercy, giving clarity to man's greatest desires.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Fatherless Generation delves into six alternate futures where six different father-figures raise the same boy, each using extreme methods of parenting in order that the boy would prosper amid a hostile world.
Right now, we are fundraising for Phase I (Phase 1) of this two-part project. In this first phase, we will focus on pre-production and production for the first three stories, each centered around a unique father figure. These stories lay the foundation for the full six-story anthology, which we hope to complete all principal photography for in Phase II (Phase 2) next year.
Our anthology begins in a white abyss where five generations of men line up next to each other. Together they hum and sing the Song of the Fatherless.
Then steps forth one dressed in all-white — The Deliverer. In this abstract realm, he commissions six women with the task of choosing a father for their son. In each of their dimensions, they will have the same son, Ransom — the difference being how they raise him. Therefore, they must make their choices wisely.
Story #1 - The Rock
A hard father demands high scores from his sons on an important nationwide test, their sonship depending on whether or not they succeed.
SOUNDTRACK INSPIRATION
“SELAH III (Fruits of the Spirit)”
by Hillsong Young & Free
Story #2 - The Rage
A single mother goes from boyfriend to boyfriend as her son fights his uncontrollable anger towards the insolent father figures in his life.
SOUNDTRACK INSPIRATION
“Jerusalem” by Young C
Story #3 - The Giver
An orphan is brought to a distant relative who takes him in as a son, but when food becomes scarce, he runs off and joins a bank robbing crew.
SOUNDTRACK INSPIRATION
“Psalm 144 (A Fortress Is My Lord)”
by Brian Sauvé
PHASE II Stories - #4, #5, and #6:
The anthology will be completed with the stories coming in Phase II: The Warrior, The Lover, and The Cog. Each capturing different stories and childhoods of the fatherless generation.
O
ur anthology ends with The Deliverer watching as every father, mother, and son from each story stand before him. Ransom (from The Giver) now holds a baby boy. All the characters from every story walk over and put their hands on the baby, honoring him.
The last shot is Ransom, cradling his baby boy, and singing the Song of the Fatherless to him.
There are 17.6 million children who are fatherless in the United States (United States Census Bureau).
Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin all had either a father that was abusive, disciplinarian, or who died early in the child's life (Psychology Today, Oradour, World Biography, Mao [Chang], Britannica, The Psych Persepctive via Issuu).
A study of 75 juvenile delinquents revealed 66% had experienced fatherlessness, 20% had never lived with their father, and 25% had alcoholic fathers (Sage Publications).
In a random sample of 930 adult women in San Francisco, 1 out of approximately every 6 women with a stepfather who was a principle figure in their childhood years, was sexually abused by him (PubMed).
Approximately 1 in 4 children experience neglect or child abuse in their lifetime and of those maltreated: 18% are physically abused, 78% are neglected, and 9% are sexually abused. Additionally, child maltreatment has a fatality rate of 2.2/1000 children annually, this makes homicide the second leading cause of death in children that are younger than one (National Library of Medicine).
This is The Fatherless Generation.
Hello, this is GTYjordan, I am the writer and director of The Fatherless Generation and these are some of the many statistics that motivate me to make this film. I believe now is the time to tell the story of the lost, the distracted, the neglected, and the fatherless of this generation, generations prior, and those to come.
As generations have passed, families in the United States have become more and more broken and rooted with confusion and betrayal. Gen X, the generation that came after the Baby Boomers, was the first in which it seemed normal to have divorced parents. Most Millennials, in turn, found it best to live with their partners instead of getting married — a way to "test the waters" before committing. This has led to Gen Z becoming the generation of confusion. What does a family look like? A father? A mother? What does commitment look like? What even is the point of marriage?
Instead of understanding these questions, they go unanswered. Gen Z seems to be a part of a global experiment to see what happens when the family is broken apart, when technology takes over, and when escapism feels like the only answer. Drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, endless scrolling, suicide... doing anything and everything except face the reality of their hurt and brokenness.
Fatherlessness and broken families affects everyone.
As a Christian and a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord, I have been deeply impacted by the role of fatherly love, for I believe God is not only a Father, but also Love Himself. Now, I want to be clear, if you hold to other beliefs or theologies, you are just as deeply welcome in this conversation. This story is about all of us.
I first came upon this topic and its widespread impact through much prayer and fasting. I was calling out to God, asking Him what story He wanted me to tell. As I did, I felt this call to reach the lost in my generation, Gen Z. But what exactly did my generation need to hear?
One night at a worship event, a message was shared concerning those in the room with impatient fathers and how those fathers have skewed the image of God the Father. It was at that moment, I heard these words ring through my head: "The Fatherless Generation". It suddenly all made sense to me. I began spewing out words into my notebook, writing a story about a loving father giving up his life for his adopted son. That was 3 years ago, and the project has since then developed significantly into this six-story anthology feature film.
This film is my response. It is an offering to the fatherless, the hurting, the disconnected, to reveal what happens when men choose to love, to stay, to lead, and to reflect the heart of the Father in Heaven. Because ultimately, even the best earthly fathers will fail. But God the Father never will. If the fatherless generation knew this love, they would never, ever be satisfied with anything less than Love Himself.
First off, I want to be transparent. I did NOT grow up fatherless. I grew up with a deeply loving father, and for that I am grateful. But I also knew many around me did not share this same sentiment. So I listened. I gathered stories through interviews, conversations, books, articles, and pulled together real voices and lived experiences that have shaped this film. I believe the stories of the people are what is going to truly shape this initiative and continually make it the most authentic it can be.
The Fatherless Generation: Stories of Hope is the beginnings of a documentary that will strive to dive deeper into the message and themes of the TFG anthology. This documentary will tackle the issue of fatherlessness from a Christian worldview and hope in God the Father.
We believe that each of these different stories, based on different real experiences, call for different and new ways of storytelling. Our goal with each story is to innovate, to tell them creatively, with the ultimate hope of expanding the medium of film as a total art form.
THE ROCK
Subgenre: Utopia, Coming of Age
Style: Clean, Modernist, Orderly
Visual Comps: Parasite (Bong, 2019), Skeleton Crew (The Daniels, Lowery, et al., 2024).
THE RAGE
Subgenre: Distopia, Coming of Age, Hood Film
Style: Mixed-Media, Chaotic, Dutch Tilt
Visual Comps: Moonlight (Jenkins, 2016), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Rowe, 2023).
THE GIVER
Subgenre: Distopia, Coming of Age, Scifi-Western, Heist Film
Style: In the action, Weathered, Landscapes
Visual Comps: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Coen brothers, 2018), Mad Max: Fury Road (Miller, 2015).
You can help bring The Fatherless Generation to the life.
We would appreciate your support in helping us bring these first stories to life, where every dollar brings us closer to inviting others into the healing, hope, and restoration found in unified and loving families and ultimately, in the true Father in Heaven.
For this phase, donations will help us with:
- Locations
- Transportation Costs
- Set Design, Props, Wardrobe
- Craft Services
- Casting Fees
- Contingency Fees
If you're not able to support us financially at the moment, we understand! Even just sharing this campaign, sending it to a friend, or posting it on your socials helps us more than you know. You can follow us here on Seed&Spark, or on Instagram or Facebook. It only takes a few people who believe in this mission to help carry it forward to the world. Thank you for reading and supporting.
Delve into the worlds of The Fatherless Generation through our Spotify Playlist!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Craft Services
Costs $2,800
You know what they say: a happy crew leads to a happy set.
Locations
Costs $7,000
These funds will allow us to film in a range of locations that bring the three distinct worlds of each father’s story to life.
Production Design
Costs $800
These funds will go toward crafting the visual language of each story through props, wardrobe, hair and makeup.
Gas
Costs $400
These will go toward reimbursing our actors and crew for gas as they make their way to the different filming locations.
Casting
Costs $500
These will help cover casting fees as we secure key actors with an aim to complete the full anthology.
Contingency Fees
Costs $500
Anything can happen on set! These funds will help us cover unexpected costs, helping us stay on track if sudden issues arise during filming.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is built on collaboration, creativity, and calling. Composed of emerging filmmakers and experienced creatives from both academic and professional backgrounds, we’re assembling three specialized crews to bring each film in this phase to life. Every story will be approached with a distinct creative language (think Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse meets Parasite), allowing us to harness the unique strengths of our collaborators while tailoring the production to the tone and vision of each short. This structure not only brings out the best in every story but also ensures an intentional and effective use of time, resources, and talent.
Meet our director!
GTYjordan
GTYjordan is a filmmaker, writer, and founder of The Calder Initiative, a creative initiative grounded in his love for Jesus Christ. As a Christian artist, Jordan believes storytelling is a powerful tool to reveal truth, hope, and the heart of God. His short films, many of which can be found on YouTube through GTYjordan and Calder Initiative, are designed to glorify the Lord and stir reflection across cultures and beliefs. Through The Fatherless Generation and beyond, he seeks to tell stories that reach the lost, encourage the faithful, and invite all into a greater conversation.
Meet our head producers!
Christa Pierik
Christa is a dynamic filmmaker known for her creative storytelling and international perspective. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she has produced several projects, including Seijin no Hi, a foreign film shot on location in Tokyo, Japan. Beyond filmmaking, Christa is passionate about movement and performance. She spends her free time outdoors and dancing, and has led and choreographed various dance groups. Among her standout creative works is an award-winning lip sync battle portrayal of Narnia, showcasing her flair for blending choreography with imaginative themes.
Joanna Boroh
Joanna is an Indonesian creative producer and media strategist, born and raised in Singapore. With hands-on experience across narrative film, documentary, and promotional content, she has produced independent projects and marketed feature films, designing visual assets and leading digital outreach, as well as spearheading media and marketing strategies for universities' global programs. Her approach is shaped by a deep understanding of the audience, strong visual intuition, and a commitment to stories that reflect underrepresented perspectives.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Fatherless Generation delves into six alternate futures where six different father-figures raise the same boy, each using extreme methods of parenting in order that the boy would prosper amid a hostile world.
Right now, we are fundraising for Phase I (Phase 1) of this two-part project. In this first phase, we will focus on pre-production and production for the first three stories, each centered around a unique father figure. These stories lay the foundation for the full six-story anthology, which we hope to complete all principal photography for in Phase II (Phase 2) next year.
Our anthology begins in a white abyss where five generations of men line up next to each other. Together they hum and sing the Song of the Fatherless.
Then steps forth one dressed in all-white — The Deliverer. In this abstract realm, he commissions six women with the task of choosing a father for their son. In each of their dimensions, they will have the same son, Ransom — the difference being how they raise him. Therefore, they must make their choices wisely.
Story #1 - The Rock
A hard father demands high scores from his sons on an important nationwide test, their sonship depending on whether or not they succeed.
SOUNDTRACK INSPIRATION
“SELAH III (Fruits of the Spirit)”
by Hillsong Young & Free
Story #2 - The Rage
A single mother goes from boyfriend to boyfriend as her son fights his uncontrollable anger towards the insolent father figures in his life.
SOUNDTRACK INSPIRATION
“Jerusalem” by Young C
Story #3 - The Giver
An orphan is brought to a distant relative who takes him in as a son, but when food becomes scarce, he runs off and joins a bank robbing crew.
SOUNDTRACK INSPIRATION
“Psalm 144 (A Fortress Is My Lord)”
by Brian Sauvé
PHASE II Stories - #4, #5, and #6:
The anthology will be completed with the stories coming in Phase II: The Warrior, The Lover, and The Cog. Each capturing different stories and childhoods of the fatherless generation.
Our anthology ends with The Deliverer watching as every father, mother, and son from each story stand before him. Ransom (from The Giver) now holds a baby boy. All the characters from every story walk over and put their hands on the baby, honoring him.
The last shot is Ransom, cradling his baby boy, and singing the Song of the Fatherless to him.
There are 17.6 million children who are fatherless in the United States (United States Census Bureau).
Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin all had either a father that was abusive, disciplinarian, or who died early in the child's life (Psychology Today, Oradour, World Biography, Mao [Chang], Britannica, The Psych Persepctive via Issuu).
A study of 75 juvenile delinquents revealed 66% had experienced fatherlessness, 20% had never lived with their father, and 25% had alcoholic fathers (Sage Publications).
In a random sample of 930 adult women in San Francisco, 1 out of approximately every 6 women with a stepfather who was a principle figure in their childhood years, was sexually abused by him (PubMed).
Approximately 1 in 4 children experience neglect or child abuse in their lifetime and of those maltreated: 18% are physically abused, 78% are neglected, and 9% are sexually abused. Additionally, child maltreatment has a fatality rate of 2.2/1000 children annually, this makes homicide the second leading cause of death in children that are younger than one (National Library of Medicine).
This is The Fatherless Generation.
Hello, this is GTYjordan, I am the writer and director of The Fatherless Generation and these are some of the many statistics that motivate me to make this film. I believe now is the time to tell the story of the lost, the distracted, the neglected, and the fatherless of this generation, generations prior, and those to come.
As generations have passed, families in the United States have become more and more broken and rooted with confusion and betrayal. Gen X, the generation that came after the Baby Boomers, was the first in which it seemed normal to have divorced parents. Most Millennials, in turn, found it best to live with their partners instead of getting married — a way to "test the waters" before committing. This has led to Gen Z becoming the generation of confusion. What does a family look like? A father? A mother? What does commitment look like? What even is the point of marriage?
Instead of understanding these questions, they go unanswered. Gen Z seems to be a part of a global experiment to see what happens when the family is broken apart, when technology takes over, and when escapism feels like the only answer. Drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, endless scrolling, suicide... doing anything and everything except face the reality of their hurt and brokenness.
Fatherlessness and broken families affects everyone.
As a Christian and a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord, I have been deeply impacted by the role of fatherly love, for I believe God is not only a Father, but also Love Himself. Now, I want to be clear, if you hold to other beliefs or theologies, you are just as deeply welcome in this conversation. This story is about all of us.
I first came upon this topic and its widespread impact through much prayer and fasting. I was calling out to God, asking Him what story He wanted me to tell. As I did, I felt this call to reach the lost in my generation, Gen Z. But what exactly did my generation need to hear?
One night at a worship event, a message was shared concerning those in the room with impatient fathers and how those fathers have skewed the image of God the Father. It was at that moment, I heard these words ring through my head: "The Fatherless Generation". It suddenly all made sense to me. I began spewing out words into my notebook, writing a story about a loving father giving up his life for his adopted son. That was 3 years ago, and the project has since then developed significantly into this six-story anthology feature film.
This film is my response. It is an offering to the fatherless, the hurting, the disconnected, to reveal what happens when men choose to love, to stay, to lead, and to reflect the heart of the Father in Heaven. Because ultimately, even the best earthly fathers will fail. But God the Father never will. If the fatherless generation knew this love, they would never, ever be satisfied with anything less than Love Himself.
First off, I want to be transparent. I did NOT grow up fatherless. I grew up with a deeply loving father, and for that I am grateful. But I also knew many around me did not share this same sentiment. So I listened. I gathered stories through interviews, conversations, books, articles, and pulled together real voices and lived experiences that have shaped this film. I believe the stories of the people are what is going to truly shape this initiative and continually make it the most authentic it can be.
The Fatherless Generation: Stories of Hope is the beginnings of a documentary that will strive to dive deeper into the message and themes of the TFG anthology. This documentary will tackle the issue of fatherlessness from a Christian worldview and hope in God the Father.
We believe that each of these different stories, based on different real experiences, call for different and new ways of storytelling. Our goal with each story is to innovate, to tell them creatively, with the ultimate hope of expanding the medium of film as a total art form.
THE ROCK
Subgenre: Utopia, Coming of Age
Style: Clean, Modernist, Orderly
Visual Comps: Parasite (Bong, 2019), Skeleton Crew (The Daniels, Lowery, et al., 2024).
THE RAGE
Subgenre: Distopia, Coming of Age, Hood Film
Style: Mixed-Media, Chaotic, Dutch Tilt
Visual Comps: Moonlight (Jenkins, 2016), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Rowe, 2023).
THE GIVER
Subgenre: Distopia, Coming of Age, Scifi-Western, Heist Film
Style: In the action, Weathered, Landscapes
Visual Comps: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Coen brothers, 2018), Mad Max: Fury Road (Miller, 2015).
You can help bring The Fatherless Generation to the life.
We would appreciate your support in helping us bring these first stories to life, where every dollar brings us closer to inviting others into the healing, hope, and restoration found in unified and loving families and ultimately, in the true Father in Heaven.
For this phase, donations will help us with:
- Locations
- Transportation Costs
- Set Design, Props, Wardrobe
- Craft Services
- Casting Fees
- Contingency Fees
If you're not able to support us financially at the moment, we understand! Even just sharing this campaign, sending it to a friend, or posting it on your socials helps us more than you know. You can follow us here on Seed&Spark, or on Instagram or Facebook. It only takes a few people who believe in this mission to help carry it forward to the world. Thank you for reading and supporting.
Delve into the worlds of The Fatherless Generation through our Spotify Playlist!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Craft Services
Costs $2,800
You know what they say: a happy crew leads to a happy set.
Locations
Costs $7,000
These funds will allow us to film in a range of locations that bring the three distinct worlds of each father’s story to life.
Production Design
Costs $800
These funds will go toward crafting the visual language of each story through props, wardrobe, hair and makeup.
Gas
Costs $400
These will go toward reimbursing our actors and crew for gas as they make their way to the different filming locations.
Casting
Costs $500
These will help cover casting fees as we secure key actors with an aim to complete the full anthology.
Contingency Fees
Costs $500
Anything can happen on set! These funds will help us cover unexpected costs, helping us stay on track if sudden issues arise during filming.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is built on collaboration, creativity, and calling. Composed of emerging filmmakers and experienced creatives from both academic and professional backgrounds, we’re assembling three specialized crews to bring each film in this phase to life. Every story will be approached with a distinct creative language (think Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse meets Parasite), allowing us to harness the unique strengths of our collaborators while tailoring the production to the tone and vision of each short. This structure not only brings out the best in every story but also ensures an intentional and effective use of time, resources, and talent.
Meet our director!
GTYjordan
GTYjordan is a filmmaker, writer, and founder of The Calder Initiative, a creative initiative grounded in his love for Jesus Christ. As a Christian artist, Jordan believes storytelling is a powerful tool to reveal truth, hope, and the heart of God. His short films, many of which can be found on YouTube through GTYjordan and Calder Initiative, are designed to glorify the Lord and stir reflection across cultures and beliefs. Through The Fatherless Generation and beyond, he seeks to tell stories that reach the lost, encourage the faithful, and invite all into a greater conversation.
Meet our head producers!
Christa Pierik
Christa is a dynamic filmmaker known for her creative storytelling and international perspective. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she has produced several projects, including Seijin no Hi, a foreign film shot on location in Tokyo, Japan. Beyond filmmaking, Christa is passionate about movement and performance. She spends her free time outdoors and dancing, and has led and choreographed various dance groups. Among her standout creative works is an award-winning lip sync battle portrayal of Narnia, showcasing her flair for blending choreography with imaginative themes.
Joanna Boroh
Joanna is an Indonesian creative producer and media strategist, born and raised in Singapore. With hands-on experience across narrative film, documentary, and promotional content, she has produced independent projects and marketed feature films, designing visual assets and leading digital outreach, as well as spearheading media and marketing strategies for universities' global programs. Her approach is shaped by a deep understanding of the audience, strong visual intuition, and a commitment to stories that reflect underrepresented perspectives.