The Forgotten
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Western
Dali and Anne, two women from different worlds, must come together to save an innocent life. But in the Old West, when racial tensions run high, their cooperation could complicate their lives - or cut them short. When everyone else has turned their back, one last hope may rest with The Forgotten.
The Forgotten
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Western
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,015 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
67 supporters | followers
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Dali and Anne, two women from different worlds, must come together to save an innocent life. But in the Old West, when racial tensions run high, their cooperation could complicate their lives - or cut them short. When everyone else has turned their back, one last hope may rest with The Forgotten.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A Word From the Writer

The Forgotten began subconsciously when I was still in high school. I had fallen in love with all things theatre and acting, but was particularly drawn to period dramas. But growing up as a huge movie buff, I never saw women who looked like me in film. On the rare occasion when I would, they'd be in extremely stereotypical roles: the geeky assistant; the masseuse; the nail salon artist. Always the quiet submissive, the fragile porcelain figurine. It seemed to me - even during those formative years - that Asian-Americans were (and many times still are) at the very bottom of the Hollywood food chain. In a recent study of what are generally considered to be the 100 greatest films of all time-only 4% of the roles in those films were Asian.
At the onset of my college career, I was actually a history major with plans to pursue a career in education. However, my passion for acting quickly grew and overpowered my desire for a steady profession, and four years later I graduated with a theatre degree. Still, I was always drawn to this idea of combining the two worlds of history - particularly my history - and theatre. In my studies, I often wondered about the history of Asians coming to America - particularly Filipinos. They are often called "the forgotten Asian Americans" because so little is known about them. They're almost completely neglected in any sort of US historical literature. I'd wager that most people don't know that Filipinos were the first documented Asians in America; arriving in Morro Bay in 1587.

Admittedly, the genesis of what eventually became The Forgotten, was borne of a desire to work. My producing partner (Stephanie Edmonds, "Anne") and I wanted to create roles for ourselves; roles that would not only get us in the right rooms, but that would make us feel proud. Layered, vulnerable, strong female roles that had meaning and purpose. Leading roles are scarce in Hollywood; most especially for Asian-American women. I knew this was the time to bring my love of history into the mix and to tell this story: the plight of Asian-Americans living in the old west, trying their best to make it in an unknown land, during a very divisive time.
Right now, in our current climate, is the best time to be creating content of this nature. No longer will we be invisible in this society. No longer will we serve as the backdrop of someone else's story. Now is the time to tell our story. Because if we don't, who will?
Synopsis and Character Breakdown
The Forgotten is set in the Old West, post Civil-War. It's a story of two women from completely different worlds, coming together. The short in particular, explores their first encounter. Though there is a familiarity there, the scene is wrought with tension due to the loss, abandonment and obstacles they've had to endure up to this moment. But we soon find out why these women need one another, now more than ever.


How Can You Help?
CONTRIBUTE: No contribution is too small! Every little bit makes a HUGE difference!
FOLLOW: Hit the follow button, it's free!!! Also follow us on social media.
SHARE: Share our campaign on social media, email or text it to someone. Help us expand our audience.
Thank you!!
E + S
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Scouting
Costs $1,200
We found the most incredible location! We can't reveal it too soon, but trust us... it's STUNNING!
Cinematography Lenses
Costs $600
We found the most amazing lens package! The lil gems include: zoom lens, follow focus, filters.
Authentic Period Piece Wardrobe
Costs $480
Teaming up with Western Costume Company for our authentic 1870 post-Civil War frontier wardrobe!
RV / Restroom
Costs $500
Our location is primitive! We want to provide a comfortable “break” and makeup/wardrobe area.
Hair + Makeup
Costs $250
We have two brilliant artists working on our authentic period looks throughout the shoot.
Base Camp
Costs $300
Our talent and crew will need shade and a place to sit and eat.
Equipment
Costs $1,500
Monitors, Tripods, Sliders, oh my!
Travel Expenses
Costs $200
Gas for the crew, yo!
Catering
Costs $220
Sustenance! Need we say more? Keeping our team of ten going strong!
Post-Production
Costs $400
Editor, Colorist, VFX Artistry
Permits + Insurance
Costs $1,350
Keeping everyone safe! And making sure our work is supported by FilmLA.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
Elaine Ackles is a film and stage actor living in Los Angeles, CA. This year, she has taken on the vital role of storyteller. Through her upcoming projects, she strives to be a strong voice for the Asian American community; and to continue to seek out and create roles that are cultured, diverse, vulnerable and layered.

Stephanie Edmonds is a film and television actor residing in Los Angeles, CA. She is deeply committed to cultivating projects that explore diversity and the impassioned world-view, and dismantle barriers with strength through vulnerability.
Both, Elaine and Stephanie have studied technique under Gregory Berger-Sobeck (Yale), Desean Terry (Juilliard), and others. Their focus has been on classical training, making imaginitive behavioral choices inspired by the text, and the movement psychology of Yat Malmgren.

Identical twin filmmakers David and James Codeglia have worked with Warner Brothers, Paramount, Disney & Pixar, LucasFilm, and Bad Robot. They've collaborated on hundreds of projects from independent productions to major studio projects like Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. These boys are a force to reckon with, and The Forgotten team is beyond thrilled to have them aboard!
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A Word From the Writer

The Forgotten began subconsciously when I was still in high school. I had fallen in love with all things theatre and acting, but was particularly drawn to period dramas. But growing up as a huge movie buff, I never saw women who looked like me in film. On the rare occasion when I would, they'd be in extremely stereotypical roles: the geeky assistant; the masseuse; the nail salon artist. Always the quiet submissive, the fragile porcelain figurine. It seemed to me - even during those formative years - that Asian-Americans were (and many times still are) at the very bottom of the Hollywood food chain. In a recent study of what are generally considered to be the 100 greatest films of all time-only 4% of the roles in those films were Asian.
At the onset of my college career, I was actually a history major with plans to pursue a career in education. However, my passion for acting quickly grew and overpowered my desire for a steady profession, and four years later I graduated with a theatre degree. Still, I was always drawn to this idea of combining the two worlds of history - particularly my history - and theatre. In my studies, I often wondered about the history of Asians coming to America - particularly Filipinos. They are often called "the forgotten Asian Americans" because so little is known about them. They're almost completely neglected in any sort of US historical literature. I'd wager that most people don't know that Filipinos were the first documented Asians in America; arriving in Morro Bay in 1587.

Admittedly, the genesis of what eventually became The Forgotten, was borne of a desire to work. My producing partner (Stephanie Edmonds, "Anne") and I wanted to create roles for ourselves; roles that would not only get us in the right rooms, but that would make us feel proud. Layered, vulnerable, strong female roles that had meaning and purpose. Leading roles are scarce in Hollywood; most especially for Asian-American women. I knew this was the time to bring my love of history into the mix and to tell this story: the plight of Asian-Americans living in the old west, trying their best to make it in an unknown land, during a very divisive time.
Right now, in our current climate, is the best time to be creating content of this nature. No longer will we be invisible in this society. No longer will we serve as the backdrop of someone else's story. Now is the time to tell our story. Because if we don't, who will?
Synopsis and Character Breakdown
The Forgotten is set in the Old West, post Civil-War. It's a story of two women from completely different worlds, coming together. The short in particular, explores their first encounter. Though there is a familiarity there, the scene is wrought with tension due to the loss, abandonment and obstacles they've had to endure up to this moment. But we soon find out why these women need one another, now more than ever.


How Can You Help?
CONTRIBUTE: No contribution is too small! Every little bit makes a HUGE difference!
FOLLOW: Hit the follow button, it's free!!! Also follow us on social media.
SHARE: Share our campaign on social media, email or text it to someone. Help us expand our audience.
Thank you!!
E + S
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Scouting
Costs $1,200
We found the most incredible location! We can't reveal it too soon, but trust us... it's STUNNING!
Cinematography Lenses
Costs $600
We found the most amazing lens package! The lil gems include: zoom lens, follow focus, filters.
Authentic Period Piece Wardrobe
Costs $480
Teaming up with Western Costume Company for our authentic 1870 post-Civil War frontier wardrobe!
RV / Restroom
Costs $500
Our location is primitive! We want to provide a comfortable “break” and makeup/wardrobe area.
Hair + Makeup
Costs $250
We have two brilliant artists working on our authentic period looks throughout the shoot.
Base Camp
Costs $300
Our talent and crew will need shade and a place to sit and eat.
Equipment
Costs $1,500
Monitors, Tripods, Sliders, oh my!
Travel Expenses
Costs $200
Gas for the crew, yo!
Catering
Costs $220
Sustenance! Need we say more? Keeping our team of ten going strong!
Post-Production
Costs $400
Editor, Colorist, VFX Artistry
Permits + Insurance
Costs $1,350
Keeping everyone safe! And making sure our work is supported by FilmLA.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
Elaine Ackles is a film and stage actor living in Los Angeles, CA. This year, she has taken on the vital role of storyteller. Through her upcoming projects, she strives to be a strong voice for the Asian American community; and to continue to seek out and create roles that are cultured, diverse, vulnerable and layered.

Stephanie Edmonds is a film and television actor residing in Los Angeles, CA. She is deeply committed to cultivating projects that explore diversity and the impassioned world-view, and dismantle barriers with strength through vulnerability.
Both, Elaine and Stephanie have studied technique under Gregory Berger-Sobeck (Yale), Desean Terry (Juilliard), and others. Their focus has been on classical training, making imaginitive behavioral choices inspired by the text, and the movement psychology of Yat Malmgren.

Identical twin filmmakers David and James Codeglia have worked with Warner Brothers, Paramount, Disney & Pixar, LucasFilm, and Bad Robot. They've collaborated on hundreds of projects from independent productions to major studio projects like Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. These boys are a force to reckon with, and The Forgotten team is beyond thrilled to have them aboard!