Three professions ushered Black former slaves from poverty to the American dream: preacher, teacher, and undertaker. Discovering that Black funeral homes, once cultural staples, are in jeopardy is distressful and impactful to the community. This film could potentially make a difference.
Three professions ushered Black former slaves from poverty to the American dream: preacher, teacher, and undertaker. Discovering that Black funeral homes, once cultural staples, are in jeopardy is distressful and impactful to the community. This film could potentially make a difference.
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Story
Mission Statement
It was important that we have a diverse team of filmmakers and advisors on this project as it is rooted within the African American community. In addition, our multi-generational, multi-racial team includes those from the LGBTQ+ and faith communities, in front of and behind the camera.About The Project
WE ARE FUNDED!!!!!! But it's not over!
Time for the STRETCH GOAL!!!!! We're looking to raise another 2K for music licensing. Please donate today...
When a renowned embalmer puts his faith in a new generation to continue the disappearing legacy of the Black funeral home, he’s met with resistance from his young intern who avoids commitment due to the judgment he feels from the Black community as a queer, Christian man.
Very few know that Black funeral homes, once a staple for economic empowerment for African Americans, are in jeopardy. Using Lewis Funeral Home in San Antonio, TX as a metaphor for this fact, we are seeking to raise awareness before it’s too late.
Even our own Executive Producer, Tamara Tunie’s family business had to wrestle with the decision to give in to the pressure from corporations with more resources and little connection to the community vs. remaining independent. Luckily, her brother was able to take over the business.
Please consider contributing to this film because its themes of working intergenerationally, the impact of gentrification, and the acceptance of those in the queer community are important. We’ve got a final cut from which we need to create various versions for online, theatrical, and broadcast. Some really cool folks have given us deals in order to complete, so here’s where you come in... Please contribute, share, follow the project here, and like on Facebook and Instagram. With you, we can get this done!
Incentives
$5
Updates on the project
We'll give you updates on the project, including behind-the-scenes info during festival screenings.
$10
Digital postcard of the week
We'll send you a downloadable image every week of the beautiful imagery captured in the film.
$25
Repast recipe
Would you like to have some digital recipes in your back pocket for that upcoming repast (gathering following a funeral)? We've got some mouth-watering faves in the tradition of the Black South that'll make you want to "smack your mama."
$50
Thanks in the credits
Here's your 15 minutes of fame! Want to see your name up in lights? Your name will appear in the 'Thank You' section of the credit roll.
$75
Digital download of the film plus above
You'll be able to download the film plus receive the perks of the smaller contributions.
$100
Digital poster and half set of digital postcards plus above
We'll send you 10 downloadable images of the beautifully fascinating world captured in the film plus a digital poster that you can use as wallpaper. This level includes the perks of smaller contributions.
$250
Print poster and full set of digital postcards plus above
We'll send you all 20 downloadable images of this beautifully fascinating world captured in the film, a poster print, plus the perks of smaller contributions.
$500
Double feature!
Nothin' beats a two-fer. You'll be able to download both of Nathan Clarke's features, The Passing On and Wrestling for Jesus.
$1,000
Invite to private screenings
You and a guest will be invited to private screenings with team members taking place in Virginia, North Carolina, or Texas.
$5,000
Key funder credit
Associate baller. You'll be listed in the credits as a key funder for the film.
$10,000
Associate producer
Baller status. You'll be listed in the credits as an associate producer of the film. It's your time to shine!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Updates on the project
We'll give you updates on the project, including behind-the-scenes info during festival screenings.
$10
Digital postcard of the week
We'll send you a downloadable image every week of the beautiful imagery captured in the film.
$25
Repast recipe
Would you like to have some digital recipes in your back pocket for that upcoming repast (gathering following a funeral)? We've got some mouth-watering faves in the tradition of the Black South that'll make you want to "smack your mama."
$50
Thanks in the credits
Here's your 15 minutes of fame! Want to see your name up in lights? Your name will appear in the 'Thank You' section of the credit roll.
$75
Digital download of the film plus above
You'll be able to download the film plus receive the perks of the smaller contributions.
$100
Digital poster and half set of digital postcards plus above
We'll send you 10 downloadable images of the beautifully fascinating world captured in the film plus a digital poster that you can use as wallpaper. This level includes the perks of smaller contributions.
$250
Print poster and full set of digital postcards plus above
We'll send you all 20 downloadable images of this beautifully fascinating world captured in the film, a poster print, plus the perks of smaller contributions.
$500
Double feature!
Nothin' beats a two-fer. You'll be able to download both of Nathan Clarke's features, The Passing On and Wrestling for Jesus.
$1,000
Invite to private screenings
You and a guest will be invited to private screenings with team members taking place in Virginia, North Carolina, or Texas.
$5,000
Key funder credit
Associate baller. You'll be listed in the credits as a key funder for the film.
$10,000
Associate producer
Baller status. You'll be listed in the credits as an associate producer of the film. It's your time to shine!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Nathan Clarke: Director
Nathan Clarke is a filmmaker living in Richmond, VA. His documentary work has been featured in the New York Times (NEIGHBORS, 2009), The Washington Post (THE PSALMS, 2016), and Paste Magazine (WRESTLING FOR JESUS, 2011). His feature documentary, WRESTLING FOR JESUS, premiered at the Wisconsin Film Festival and won best doc at the Virginia Film Festival. He is also the co-creator of THE BOX CANYON, a music and story experiment filmed entirely in a remote canyon in the Texas Hill Country.
Lana Garland: Producer
Lana Garland has worked as a Creative Director, Director, and Writer/Producer in television and film in the US and Europe. Her work has included creating content for HBO and BET in America, and TV2 in Denmark. In documentary film, she has freelanced on films such as BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE and HBO’s UNCHAINED MEMORIES: READINGS FROM THE SLAVE NARRATIVES. Lana is a Gordon Parks IFP screenwriting finalist, a Worldfest Houston finalist, a Telly Award winner, and a NATPE fellow. As a Fulbright Specialist, she taught film at Makerere University in Uganda. As the curator of the Hayti Heritage Film Festival, Lana is focused on developing a Black & Southern film ecosystem. She is the recipient of the Ella Fountain Pratt Emerging Artists Award from the Durham Arts Council and was recognized by the state of North Carolina for her contributions to art and culture.
Tyler Trumbo: Producer / Editor
Tyler Trumbo is a Virginia-based documentary filmmaker and editor born and raised along the Blue Ridge Mountains. His work has been featured on The Atlantic and shown around the world including screenings at Sheffield Doc/Fest, Slamdance Film Festival, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, and the Virginia Film Festival. He holds an M.F.A in Documentary Film and Video from Stanford University and is currently an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tamara Tunie: Executive Producer
Tamara Tunie is an award-winning actor, director and producer whose body of work has garnered international acclaim and brings to light important social issues. She starred for 18 seasons as Medical Examiner Dr. Melinda Warner LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT. Tunie, also, starred in Sundance TV’s THE RED ROAD, AMC’s new series DIETLAND, and the BBC/Netflix political drama BLACK EARTH RISING. In film, Ms. Tunie has worked with some of the most respected directors of the screen, including Taylor Hackford, Brian De Palma, Mimi Leder, Harold Becker and Oliver Stone. She most recently worked with legendary director Robert Zemekis, opposite Denzel Washington, in FLIGHT. Ms. Tunie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Carnegie-Mellon University. She is a Pittsburgh native, who resides in Harlem, NYC.
Tim Grant: Cinematographer / Producer
Tim Grant's documentary work includes television, short and feature films. Tim co-produced FINDERS KEEPERS, a film he helped complete after production had stalled for three years. FINDERS KEEPERS premiered at the 2015 Sundance film festival and gained universal critical acclaim. It would go on to SxSW, Hot Docs, and Traverse City, where it won 'best comedy'. FINDERS KEEPERS is currently playing on Netflix. Tim produced J. Cole’s 4 YOUR EYEZ ONLY and 'J. COLE FOREST HILLS DRIVE: HOMECOMING, both upon completion were acquired by HBO and have been well received by critics and fans alike. His short documentary film THE ARIA OF BABY FACE CAULIFLOWER BROWN premiered at Hot Docs 2017 and was published as a New York Times OpDoc. Tim currently lives in Los Angeles, California where he develops, produces, and directs documentary feature films, TV shows and docu-style commercials.
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