The Family Tree
South San Francisco, California | Film Short
Drama
After the death of his wife, Shelton is left as a struggling single parent and searches for acceptance of his new life through prayer. He believes he's found an answer after his Mother-in-law prepares to move back to the Philippines and gifts him with a family heirloom, a sacred bonsai tree.
The Family Tree
South San Francisco, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $25,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
151 supporters | followers
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After the death of his wife, Shelton is left as a struggling single parent and searches for acceptance of his new life through prayer. He believes he's found an answer after his Mother-in-law prepares to move back to the Philippines and gifts him with a family heirloom, a sacred bonsai tree.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After the death of his wife, Shelton is left to be a struggling single parent. In the midst of finding acceptance of his newlife he turns to religion. He believes he's found an answer after his Mother-in-law prepares to move back to the Philippines and gifts him with a family heirloom, a sacred bonsai tree.
Artwork by Jon Sun
This film has taken many different shapes and forms within the past 5 years. What started as an ode to my Tita turned into a tribute to my cousin Stas, who passed away late 2023 due to brain cancer. In many ways, this film reflects my personal life and at times I felt like I was writing things into existence. This thought scared me and stalled me from going further within the filmmaking process for a while, as at the same time I was grieving multiple family members.
Originally this film was supposed to be a horror film, but I've decided to tell the stories of hope instead. "The Family Tree" was my not only my way of grieving, but also a way to explore different layers of the Filipino-American experience fixating on cultural differences and religion. I hope this film helps others with their grieving process and gives them a sense of hope. Mahal kita.
Director Cedric Crisologo on set
The film's tone is inspired by auteurs such as Jordan Peele and Bong Joon-Ho who've mastered the art of genre blending thus creating a more immersive cinematic experience.
The Family Tree is a Filipino American story touching on grief through the culture’s own superstitions with a modern twist, blending genres to create a film like no other. Not only entertaining but contains layers of depth, diving into the filipino American experience, and asian folklore.
There's a lot that goes into making a film, from renting expensive camera gear to buying food for crew and everything else in between. With your donations you'll be helping us cover the costs of production!
Aside from financial contributions you can really help us out by:
- Spread the word!
- Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytreeshortfilm/
- Donate any amount. Everything helps!
Thank you in advance for helping us reach our goal and bringing this film to life.
-The Family Tree Crew
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera, Light and Grip Equipment
Costs $5,500
This money will be used to achieve cinematic visual style for The Family Tree, through the use of lights, camera and lenses.
Production Design/Props
Costs $5,000
These funds will be used for prop rentals, set decorating costs, and the construction of the Bonsai Tree.
Meals/Food
Costs $1,500
In order to make the production run smoothly the crew and cast need to eat well throughout the day. This will help us cover the costs.
Cast
Costs $4,000
This will cover the costs of paying our amazing cast.
Post Production
Costs $5,000
This portion will help cover the costs editing, color grading, and sound design of The Family Tree.
Miscellaneous Costs
Costs $2,000
This will cover costs such as festival submissions and insurance costs.
Location/Permits
Costs $2,000
This portion will help us cover the cost of renting the perfect location that help bring the visuals to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Cedric Crisologo
Director/Writer
Based in the Bay Area, Cedric's work includes a wide variety of narrative projects and music videos which often intertwine many genres.
George Almanza
Producer
As a Producer George has also worked on a wide variety of music videos, short films and commercial work often working with Cedric.
Edward Tran
Director of Photography
Kwesi Salman-Bailey
Assistant Director
Kwesi is an Assistant Director located in the greater Los Angeles Area.
Whether it’s stills, motion, or both, Kwesi is highly experienced in running a set smoothly, efficiently, & safely. Whatever your production may be in search of, his expertise and skillset can ensure that your project’s needs are met.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After the death of his wife, Shelton is left to be a struggling single parent. In the midst of finding acceptance of his newlife he turns to religion. He believes he's found an answer after his Mother-in-law prepares to move back to the Philippines and gifts him with a family heirloom, a sacred bonsai tree.
Artwork by Jon Sun
This film has taken many different shapes and forms within the past 5 years. What started as an ode to my Tita turned into a tribute to my cousin Stas, who passed away late 2023 due to brain cancer. In many ways, this film reflects my personal life and at times I felt like I was writing things into existence. This thought scared me and stalled me from going further within the filmmaking process for a while, as at the same time I was grieving multiple family members.
Originally this film was supposed to be a horror film, but I've decided to tell the stories of hope instead. "The Family Tree" was my not only my way of grieving, but also a way to explore different layers of the Filipino-American experience fixating on cultural differences and religion. I hope this film helps others with their grieving process and gives them a sense of hope. Mahal kita.
Director Cedric Crisologo on set
The film's tone is inspired by auteurs such as Jordan Peele and Bong Joon-Ho who've mastered the art of genre blending thus creating a more immersive cinematic experience.
The Family Tree is a Filipino American story touching on grief through the culture’s own superstitions with a modern twist, blending genres to create a film like no other. Not only entertaining but contains layers of depth, diving into the filipino American experience, and asian folklore.
There's a lot that goes into making a film, from renting expensive camera gear to buying food for crew and everything else in between. With your donations you'll be helping us cover the costs of production!
Aside from financial contributions you can really help us out by:
- Spread the word!
- Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytreeshortfilm/
- Donate any amount. Everything helps!
Thank you in advance for helping us reach our goal and bringing this film to life.
-The Family Tree Crew
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera, Light and Grip Equipment
Costs $5,500
This money will be used to achieve cinematic visual style for The Family Tree, through the use of lights, camera and lenses.
Production Design/Props
Costs $5,000
These funds will be used for prop rentals, set decorating costs, and the construction of the Bonsai Tree.
Meals/Food
Costs $1,500
In order to make the production run smoothly the crew and cast need to eat well throughout the day. This will help us cover the costs.
Cast
Costs $4,000
This will cover the costs of paying our amazing cast.
Post Production
Costs $5,000
This portion will help cover the costs editing, color grading, and sound design of The Family Tree.
Miscellaneous Costs
Costs $2,000
This will cover costs such as festival submissions and insurance costs.
Location/Permits
Costs $2,000
This portion will help us cover the cost of renting the perfect location that help bring the visuals to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Cedric Crisologo
Director/Writer
Based in the Bay Area, Cedric's work includes a wide variety of narrative projects and music videos which often intertwine many genres.
George Almanza
Producer
As a Producer George has also worked on a wide variety of music videos, short films and commercial work often working with Cedric.
Edward Tran
Director of Photography
Kwesi Salman-Bailey
Assistant Director
Kwesi is an Assistant Director located in the greater Los Angeles Area.
Whether it’s stills, motion, or both, Kwesi is highly experienced in running a set smoothly, efficiently, & safely. Whatever your production may be in search of, his expertise and skillset can ensure that your project’s needs are met.