The Milk of Life
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
Help "The Milk of Life" reach 100% and even spill over the top to get the Green Light! This powerful film explores IVF and surrogacy, relationships, and breastfeeding, all while shedding light on the health discrepancies affecting the Black community.
The Milk of Life
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,005 for production phase 2. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
83 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Help "The Milk of Life" reach 100% and even spill over the top to get the Green Light! This powerful film explores IVF and surrogacy, relationships, and breastfeeding, all while shedding light on the health discrepancies affecting the Black community.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What follows is a deeply complex journey as The Milk of Life explores pressing issues such as the rising rates of surrogacy among women of color, the profound health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, and the often-overlooked yet vital role of black fathers in the family.
The surrogacy rate among Black and Latina women has surged by an astonishing 400% in recent years amid the ongoing battle for reproductive rights. Meanwhile, the debate over IVF remains heated, as its growing use in the United States raises ethical, legal, and accessibility concerns.
Were you a breastfed baby?
Did you know that Black babies have the lowest breastfeeding rates of any racial group in the U.S., which contributes to higher rates of infant mortality, childhood illnesses, and long-term health problems?
INFANT MORTALITY
Research shows that Black infants in the U.S. are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday than white infants.
Significant health benefits are gained through breastfeeding.
The Milk of Life touches on the history of breastfeeding—shedding light on the legacy of wet nursing and its ties to slavery. Often the enslaver’s baby received the nourishment and nurturing meant for the enslaved baby.
We believe The Milk of Life aligns perfectly with the vision of supporting impactful, message driven, and innovative filmmaking.
This powerful film explores deeply rooted issues, including family dynamics, support for new fathers, geriatric pregnancy*,the role of doulas, societal norms, cultural attitudes, the complexities of surrogacy, systemic health inequities and marital counseling.
*Geriatric pregnancy refers to pregnancy in women who are 35 years of age or older at the estimated time of delivery.
Our talented and dedicated cast is determined to see this project through to the end!
We were privileged to work with the seasoned lead actor Angelica Anderson, who, at six months pregnant, delivered a stunning performance alongside her equally talented love partner, André Lamar. We also had the pleasure of featuring devoted breastfeeding mother/actress Tenéa Miller and her baby boy, J.C. Our cast shines with exceptional performances from rising stars Amer-Marie Woods, Jontavious Johnson and Kamilah Douglas, along with the expertise of drama and technology specialist Tian Covington. A big Shout-out to the two minority female-owned businesses where we have filmed, along with offices of a nonprofit committed to advancing health equity for women and infants. Let’s celebrate talent, community, and purpose!
Designed to both entertain and educate, this film sheds light on vital reproductive health issues while working to normalize breastfeeding within Black families.
While there are documentaries, blogs, and articles on the subject, The Milk of Life has the potential to reach a much broader audience by engaging viewers who might not read a brochure, attend a seminar, or consult a lactation specialist.
THE MILK OF LIFE BUDGET
Our fiscal sponsor is From The Heart Productions, Inc., so your investment will be tax deductible. Once we reach our $15,000 goal, we'll begin production on the 15-minute film this summer. If we far exceed expectations and raise $30,000, we can expand the film to a full 30 minutes! It could be featured at theaters, film festivals and industry events, community outreach and educational screenings, online and streaming platforms, as well as hospitals and medical facilities.
Journalists and media professionals Rawn and Sheila Hairston worked with a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal health in communities of color advocating for breastfeeding's life-changing benefits. Realizing many lacked access to this vital information, they envisioned a feature film, both entertaining and educational. They pitched the idea to the nonprofit ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) where Dr. Kimarie Bugg, chief institutional officer, immediately saw its potential to reach a wider audience. ROSE couldn't provide the full funding, but their strong belief in the project lead them to contribute $10,000 to jumpstart production. Now, we need your support to greenlight The Milk of Life.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Multi-Camera Rental w/Camera Assist
Costs $3,690
Tough getting all the cut shots and angles with just 1 camera! We need a second camera and support gear to do the job more efficiently.
Cast and Crew
Costs $4,290
We can’t just let ‘em eat cake! We need a hand in covering the cost of the cast and crew to compensate them fairly for their talent.
Birthing Center
Costs $875
The birth of a great movie is in our future—if only we can find room in the inn. We’re seeking a birthing facility to bring our film to life
Location Fees & Insurance
Costs $1,780
Shhh, baby’s sleeping! After the birthing center, we’ll need a cozy nursery where the baby could be pampered, along with other locations.
Post-Production
Costs $1,680
A great poster by a talented graphic artist is a powerful draw. A skilled colorist and editor bring the right sauce to make the film sizzle.
Wardrobe and MU
Costs $1,500
Gimme me that dewy look! We need wardrobe and makeup pros to make sure our characters line up with the film’s vision.
Catering
Costs $1,185
We all crave great cinema, and filmmaking works up an appetite! Help fuel our hardworking cast and crew by pitching in for meals.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
The juice behind The Milk of Life are journalists and media professionals Rawn & Sheila Hairston. After years of working for national and local news companies, they decided to embark on their own venture, Broadcast Quality Productions, Inc—a company dedicated to producing special features, documentaries, and inspirational content.
Their passion for impactful storytelling deepened while collaborating with Dr. Kimarie Bugg (DNP, MPH, FAAN, IBCLC) head of the nonprofits ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) and ROBE (Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere), committed to addressing health imbalances in communities of color and promoting the vital benefits of breastfeeding. With support from ROSE, Sheila began crafting the script, with insights from Vernon Clark, a successful executive film producer and professor at Clark Atlanta University. They refined the story into a gripping cinematic recipe— blending drama, a dash of humor, and vital information.
Rawn (formerly of KABC-TV, KOVR-TV, WMAR-TV, and WCNC-TV) juggled roles as director, cinematographer, lighting/audio technician, and editor on The Milk of Life, bringing expertise from projects like the 2023 Birth Justice Summit-Tulsa and Strings of the Diaspora (Ghana, 2022). Plus, his accolades include an Emmy Award for L.A. Olympics coverage, Atlanta Black Journalists Award for the Crescent Over America documentary and a National Black Journalists Award for The Jackson Victory Tour.
Sheila (formerly of CNN, KNBC-TV, KCAL-TV, WSOC-TV, Maryland Public TV) earned an AIB-TV award for Unspeakable Joy (deaf documentary) and also produced New Orleans Rebuilding and Black Circus. On The Milk of Life, she served as producer, casting director, catering manager, and assistant editor.
In order to obtain the funding needed to complete the project, Producer Amer-Marie Woods—a healthcare professional turned acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and actress—recommended crowdfunding via Seed & Spark. Our oustanding team includes Emmy Award-winning Associate Producer Maya Nesbit, (Paige Turner Press CEO, KGO-TV and WSPA-TV), Casting Associate Lisa Anderson (Emory Clinic, personal trainer) and still photographer Brayden Harris, (a junior at Atlanta's Drew Charter High School). When we are ready to shoot in the "delivery room", we are excited to be able to consult with Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Miranda Blais of Emory University Hospital.
Seeking to help bridge the healthcare gap through film is the goal of The Milk of Life—a compelling and transformative dramedy designed to inform, inspire, and spark change.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What follows is a deeply complex journey as The Milk of Life explores pressing issues such as the rising rates of surrogacy among women of color, the profound health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, and the often-overlooked yet vital role of black fathers in the family.
The surrogacy rate among Black and Latina women has surged by an astonishing 400% in recent years amid the ongoing battle for reproductive rights. Meanwhile, the debate over IVF remains heated, as its growing use in the United States raises ethical, legal, and accessibility concerns.
Were you a breastfed baby?
Did you know that Black babies have the lowest breastfeeding rates of any racial group in the U.S., which contributes to higher rates of infant mortality, childhood illnesses, and long-term health problems?
INFANT MORTALITY
Research shows that Black infants in the U.S. are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday than white infants.
Significant health benefits are gained through breastfeeding.
The Milk of Life touches on the history of breastfeeding—shedding light on the legacy of wet nursing and its ties to slavery. Often the enslaver’s baby received the nourishment and nurturing meant for the enslaved baby.
We believe The Milk of Life aligns perfectly with the vision of supporting impactful, message driven, and innovative filmmaking.
This powerful film explores deeply rooted issues, including family dynamics, support for new fathers, geriatric pregnancy*,the role of doulas, societal norms, cultural attitudes, the complexities of surrogacy, systemic health inequities and marital counseling.
*Geriatric pregnancy refers to pregnancy in women who are 35 years of age or older at the estimated time of delivery.
Our talented and dedicated cast is determined to see this project through to the end!
We were privileged to work with the seasoned lead actor Angelica Anderson, who, at six months pregnant, delivered a stunning performance alongside her equally talented love partner, André Lamar. We also had the pleasure of featuring devoted breastfeeding mother/actress Tenéa Miller and her baby boy, J.C. Our cast shines with exceptional performances from rising stars Amer-Marie Woods, Jontavious Johnson and Kamilah Douglas, along with the expertise of drama and technology specialist Tian Covington. A big Shout-out to the two minority female-owned businesses where we have filmed, along with offices of a nonprofit committed to advancing health equity for women and infants. Let’s celebrate talent, community, and purpose!
Designed to both entertain and educate, this film sheds light on vital reproductive health issues while working to normalize breastfeeding within Black families.
While there are documentaries, blogs, and articles on the subject, The Milk of Life has the potential to reach a much broader audience by engaging viewers who might not read a brochure, attend a seminar, or consult a lactation specialist.
THE MILK OF LIFE BUDGET
Our fiscal sponsor is From The Heart Productions, Inc., so your investment will be tax deductible. Once we reach our $15,000 goal, we'll begin production on the 15-minute film this summer. If we far exceed expectations and raise $30,000, we can expand the film to a full 30 minutes! It could be featured at theaters, film festivals and industry events, community outreach and educational screenings, online and streaming platforms, as well as hospitals and medical facilities.
Journalists and media professionals Rawn and Sheila Hairston worked with a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal health in communities of color advocating for breastfeeding's life-changing benefits. Realizing many lacked access to this vital information, they envisioned a feature film, both entertaining and educational. They pitched the idea to the nonprofit ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) where Dr. Kimarie Bugg, chief institutional officer, immediately saw its potential to reach a wider audience. ROSE couldn't provide the full funding, but their strong belief in the project lead them to contribute $10,000 to jumpstart production. Now, we need your support to greenlight The Milk of Life.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Multi-Camera Rental w/Camera Assist
Costs $3,690
Tough getting all the cut shots and angles with just 1 camera! We need a second camera and support gear to do the job more efficiently.
Cast and Crew
Costs $4,290
We can’t just let ‘em eat cake! We need a hand in covering the cost of the cast and crew to compensate them fairly for their talent.
Birthing Center
Costs $875
The birth of a great movie is in our future—if only we can find room in the inn. We’re seeking a birthing facility to bring our film to life
Location Fees & Insurance
Costs $1,780
Shhh, baby’s sleeping! After the birthing center, we’ll need a cozy nursery where the baby could be pampered, along with other locations.
Post-Production
Costs $1,680
A great poster by a talented graphic artist is a powerful draw. A skilled colorist and editor bring the right sauce to make the film sizzle.
Wardrobe and MU
Costs $1,500
Gimme me that dewy look! We need wardrobe and makeup pros to make sure our characters line up with the film’s vision.
Catering
Costs $1,185
We all crave great cinema, and filmmaking works up an appetite! Help fuel our hardworking cast and crew by pitching in for meals.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
The juice behind The Milk of Life are journalists and media professionals Rawn & Sheila Hairston. After years of working for national and local news companies, they decided to embark on their own venture, Broadcast Quality Productions, Inc—a company dedicated to producing special features, documentaries, and inspirational content.
Their passion for impactful storytelling deepened while collaborating with Dr. Kimarie Bugg (DNP, MPH, FAAN, IBCLC) head of the nonprofits ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) and ROBE (Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere), committed to addressing health imbalances in communities of color and promoting the vital benefits of breastfeeding. With support from ROSE, Sheila began crafting the script, with insights from Vernon Clark, a successful executive film producer and professor at Clark Atlanta University. They refined the story into a gripping cinematic recipe— blending drama, a dash of humor, and vital information.
Rawn (formerly of KABC-TV, KOVR-TV, WMAR-TV, and WCNC-TV) juggled roles as director, cinematographer, lighting/audio technician, and editor on The Milk of Life, bringing expertise from projects like the 2023 Birth Justice Summit-Tulsa and Strings of the Diaspora (Ghana, 2022). Plus, his accolades include an Emmy Award for L.A. Olympics coverage, Atlanta Black Journalists Award for the Crescent Over America documentary and a National Black Journalists Award for The Jackson Victory Tour.
Sheila (formerly of CNN, KNBC-TV, KCAL-TV, WSOC-TV, Maryland Public TV) earned an AIB-TV award for Unspeakable Joy (deaf documentary) and also produced New Orleans Rebuilding and Black Circus. On The Milk of Life, she served as producer, casting director, catering manager, and assistant editor.
In order to obtain the funding needed to complete the project, Producer Amer-Marie Woods—a healthcare professional turned acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and actress—recommended crowdfunding via Seed & Spark. Our oustanding team includes Emmy Award-winning Associate Producer Maya Nesbit, (Paige Turner Press CEO, KGO-TV and WSPA-TV), Casting Associate Lisa Anderson (Emory Clinic, personal trainer) and still photographer Brayden Harris, (a junior at Atlanta's Drew Charter High School). When we are ready to shoot in the "delivery room", we are excited to be able to consult with Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Miranda Blais of Emory University Hospital.
Seeking to help bridge the healthcare gap through film is the goal of The Milk of Life—a compelling and transformative dramedy designed to inform, inspire, and spark change.