“The 5th Room” is the journey of a woman living with a mental illness that she is unable to acknowledge. We wanted to share this story to give room to discuss mental health in a more mainstream venue and eliminate the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
“The 5th Room” is the journey of a woman living with a mental illness that she is unable to acknowledge. We wanted to share this story to give room to discuss mental health in a more mainstream venue and eliminate the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
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Story
Mission Statement
This film will be brought to screen with a diverse and inclusive cast and crew, specifically giving opportunities for women in film and underrepresented ethnic identities. Our Producer, Director, DP, and AD are all women of color. We also have an all Black cast, led predominately by women.About The Project
The 5th Room follows the journey of Natalie, an agoraphobic woman who has a fear of leaving her home. Natalie's struggle with this anxiety disorder, a condition that affects an estimated 1.8 million U.S. Americans, has caused her to isolate herself inside her home for several years, abandoning a life once filled with love, joy, and family. She has built a community inside her home, but when a young child is in danger right in front of her house, can she overcome her fear to save a life?
Natalie is portrayed by a Black woman, which was an intentional casting decision. Addressing mental health in the Black/African-American and other communities of color can often be a barrier due to stigma, and lack of resources or awareness. Our film aims to touch on all those areas to help break down these barriers.
This script is a Screencraft Film Fund Competition Semifinalist.
One of the main themes of this film, Natalie being “trapped” inside her home, comes from a personal experience. There have been moments where I’ve felt a great deal of anxiety and depression resulting in me choosing not to leave my home for days. I chose comfort, routine, and perceived safety. Theoretically, I survived just fine, because the technological advances that have been setup for convenience, can be just as detrimental. However, it is not in our nature to live in isolation, so we have to find a way to break free. I wanted to explore how this journey could look for someone living in that mindset.
The 5th Room is about trauma, mental health, and the power of friendship. It’s film about living through PTSD, but then hopefully breaking free of that trauma. Natalie is so dynamic even though she has made her world so small, and many will empathize with her story. With your support we’ll be able to bring Natalie’s story to life and help her break free.The mininmum amount we need to raise to cover producton is $11,000.
- $13,000 will cover all currently budgeted production costs.
- $15,000 will cover post-production costs.
- $16,000 will cover contingency expenses and film festivals.
Please take a look at the Wishlist tab to see a breakdown our our expenses!
Charletta Rozzell
as NatalieNatalie thrives on the love of her family. She is a strong and intelligent woman, supporting a loving husband and raising three children. Natalie, is also a woman who will carry on in the midst of struggle. Quick to encourage others to show vulnerability but slow to allow herself that same emotion, she is often looked as as the “Strong Black Woman.” But when she encounters a significant trauma affecting her entire family, she struggles to allow herself to process her trauma and instead gets trapped in a cycle of reliving her past.
Shakira Reedus
as LexieLexie is the best friend we all need. Becoming besties in college, Lexie and Natalie have shared many groundbreaking life experiences together - marriages, new births, loss, and struggles. But when Natalie experiences the most traumatizing event in her life, Lexie’s support is unwavering and patient. Lexie knows that healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Even if the most she can do is make a simple phone call to ask if Natalie's okay she’ll be there for as long as she needs.
Jarrel Cudjoe
as DevinDevin is the funny and loving husband of Natalie and father of Nicole and twin toddlers. Normally, he is a workaholic who will go above and beyond to support his family of five. However, he knows family comes first and will take a back seat to support Natalie in her dreams and spend time with his children when needed.
Harlem Sophia
as NicoleNicole is the smart and funny five year old daughter of Natalie and Devin, and cheerful big sister to twin baby brothers. She loves swings at playground, cheese pizza, mimicking the fight poses of Okoye and Shuri from Wakanda, and playing with her pet fish.
Jordan Hunter
as IsaiahIsaiah, a savior by birth name, is the compassionate paramedic called to support Natalie during her journey. His goal with every life he encounters is to help and counsel people to good health. He may be the voice Natalie needs to overcome her anxiety.
Tanisha Nicole
Supporting Actress
Incentives
$10
Self Care - Campaign Supporter Badge
Thank you! You will receive a digital Campaign Supporter badge that you can share on social media. Choose from five themed options!
$15
Empowerment
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Receive a private link to playlist inspired by the film.
$25
Self Love - Private Viewing Link
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Receive a private link to the completed film, which you can watch in the comfort of your home! (Link will be availble after our festival run.)
Claimed: 21 of 500
$75
Health & Wellness
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Have your name listed under Special Thanks in film credits.
$150
Mental Health Ally
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Receive a special thank you shout out in our Instagram Story!
Claimed: 1 of 20
$500
Mental Health Advocate
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Digital Copy of a Signed Cast and Crew Photo 8x10
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Mental Health Activist
Includes all previous perks, plus:
You will be credited as an Associate Producer in the film credits and you are invited to join us for one day on set! (Does not include travel or lodging expenses.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$3,000
Mental Health Gamechanger
Includes all previous perks, plus:
You will be credited as an Executive Producer in the film credits and you will recieve a copy of the original screenplay signed by the writer and you will receive a ticket* to our Los Angeles film festival premiere! (*Does not include travel or lodging expenses.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Self Care - Campaign Supporter Badge
Thank you! You will receive a digital Campaign Supporter badge that you can share on social media. Choose from five themed options!
$15
Empowerment
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Receive a private link to playlist inspired by the film.
$25
Self Love - Private Viewing Link
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Receive a private link to the completed film, which you can watch in the comfort of your home! (Link will be availble after our festival run.)
Claimed: 21 of 500
$75
Health & Wellness
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Have your name listed under Special Thanks in film credits.
$150
Mental Health Ally
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Receive a special thank you shout out in our Instagram Story!
Claimed: 1 of 20
$500
Mental Health Advocate
Includes all previous perks, plus:
Digital Copy of a Signed Cast and Crew Photo 8x10
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Mental Health Activist
Includes all previous perks, plus:
You will be credited as an Associate Producer in the film credits and you are invited to join us for one day on set! (Does not include travel or lodging expenses.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$3,000
Mental Health Gamechanger
Includes all previous perks, plus:
You will be credited as an Executive Producer in the film credits and you will recieve a copy of the original screenplay signed by the writer and you will receive a ticket* to our Los Angeles film festival premiere! (*Does not include travel or lodging expenses.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Candace Patrick
Writer, Director, Producer
Candace Patrick is a Los Angeles native who grew passionate about screenwriting for Film and TV in her late teens. She earned her B.A. degree from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television where she was able to hone her storytelling abilities. Many of Candace’s projects center around the stories of Black women and their paths to show strength through vulnerability and their growth as characters. Candace is passionate in continuing to strengthen her skills as a filmmaker by writing stories and collaborating with cast and crew members that empower women and underrepresented identities in the Film and Television industry. The 5th Room will be the fifth project Candace has written, directed, and produced.
Ash Francis
Producer
Ashley “Ash” Francis is a producer, content creator, and casting connoisseur. A Los Angeles native, she earned her B.A. degree in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University and her M.A. in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco. Ash was able to discover her passion for creativity while working in the Game Presentation department for the Los Angeles Kings. Working with this diverse and unique organization exposed her to multiple perspectives and strengthened her interest the power of competent storytelling, which led her to explore a career in Film and Television.
Ash has worked as a casting associate and producer on several prominent shows including CBS's Undercover Boss and FOX's Love Connection. She has also worked on projects with E!, Bravo, VH1, and WEtv. Ash continues to refine her passion by developing stories that empower her community and inspire building genuine connections.
Natalia Moscoso
Director of Photography
Natalia Moscoso, a San Diego native, moved to Los Angeles to expand her film network and earn her B.A. in Cinema and Television Arts from Cal. State University, Northridge. Natalia is now a freelance cinematographer based in LA, focusing her work on narratives and music videos. Natalia has grown as an assistant camera-woman, camera operator, and gaffer. She continues to strive to become a great cinematographer, aiming to work with stories that portray diversity and impactful messages.
Brittany Cooper
Assistant Director
Brittany Cooper is a Los Angeles Native, who since a young child, always innately had a love and passion for the Arts. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film & Television in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting. She is passionate about authentic Black representation in the media, and loves bringing our stories, from our perspective to life. She loves integrating her faith in all that she does, in hopes to inspire and impact positive change through the Arts.
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