Sylvia returns to her Texas hometown for a friend's wedding, escaping her failed ambitions in NYC. By chance, she meets Esteban, an electrifying stranger. On the wedding day, he dares her to join him on a roadtrip through the Deep South. She recklessly agrees, seduced by unknown adventure to come.
Sylvia returns to her Texas hometown for a friend's wedding, escaping her failed ambitions in NYC. By chance, she meets Esteban, an electrifying stranger. On the wedding day, he dares her to join him on a roadtrip through the Deep South. She recklessly agrees, seduced by unknown adventure to come.
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Story
About The Project
We are all bound together by our capacity to dream. Films are an incredible way to for us share those stories in a deeply imtimate manner - stories that are relatable to all humanity. "There is a New World Somewhere" (TIANWS) is a coming of age story of a young woman who has lost her way. Everyone has stood at the cusp of young adulthood, and felt scared yet excited to see where his/her life will take them. Those taking the road less traveled must be brave and rely on their confidence when challenged by others. Sylvia's struggles are that of any risk taker. She struggles to channel her power of creation amidst her own self-doubt and the doubt of others around her. At this stage in life, I feel as close to our heroine as I’ll ever be. Abundant in passion but lacking in ways to manifest it, this story was a way for me to try to understand myself and fight my own self-doubts. This is why I want to make this film, for I feel anyone who has tried to express anything creative can relate to these fears. As Wim Wenders said, “I want to make personal films, not private films."
Although the artistic struggle has been a popular topic in film, there have been very few narratives that focus intimately on a strong female protagonist of color, especially one just starting out on her path of creation. In a way, this story is a hopeful, modern retelling of The Bell Jar, if you will. In this age where immediacy pervades every facet of our lives, it is hard for 20 year olds to gain the patience to nurture their own selfhood. We want to give a voice to that struggle and connect with our generation through the story of our film.
Any artistic endeavor needs the support of strong allies. We’d be honored if you joined us on this journey. We are looking forward to finding new worlds together.
My deepest thanks,
Li Lu
吕丽
Incentives
$5
THANK YOU POST - Supporters will get an individual Thank You shout out on our TIANWS Official Facebook & Twitter page! Make sure to provide us with your handle!
$15
PERSONALIZED DIGITAL POSTCARD - Supporters will have their photo featured on a weekly graphic digital postcard with a personalized thank you for every $15 donation. Also, you’ll get the Facebook/Twitter shout out on our film’s official page!
$25
THANK YOU from AGNES & MAURICE + BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS - Get an exclusive Thank You message from our lovely leads Agnes Bruckner or Maurice Compte! They will post something special about you on their Official Facebook and/or Twitter accounts! In addition, receive a downloadable pack of behind-the-scene photographs snapped while shooting in beautiful New Orleans.
$50
VIDEO MESSAGE from AGNES or MAURICE + STILLS PACK - Get a personalized 'Thank You' video message from Ms. Agnes Bruckner herself or Mr. Maurice Compte! Tell us who you want to hear from! Agnes and Maurice will also repost your video thank you on his/her own Instagram. ALSO, you'll recieve a download of a 6-pack of OFFICIAL STILLS from our film!
$75
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD + POSTER - You get the ultimate reward - a digital download* of the final film. Also included is a high resolution download of our film's poster*. Includes all lower incentives!
*When commercially available.
$100
SIGNED DVD - You'll get a hard copy DVD signed with a message from our lovely lead actors Agnes Bruckner and Maurice Compte and writer/director Li Lu. Includes all lower incentives!
*When commercially avaliable.
$150
GLOSSY SIGNED PRINT + SCORE DOWNLOAD - Get a glossy, still photo from the film signed by writer/director Li Lu and Agnes Bruckner and Maurice Compte. You'll also get an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at our SCORE with a download of one select piece. Includes all lower incentives!
$250
LIMITED EDITION DVD + CALENDAR - This is when things start getting good! Get a digital download of a beautifully crafted 2014/2015 Calendar featuring still photographs pulled from the film. But here's the best part - you'll get a signed 'Limited Edition' DVD*, which will include deleted scenes, behind the scenes photos, and commentary tracks by cast and crew. Includes all lower incentives.
*When commercially available.
$500
DINNER WITH AGNES, MAURICE & LI + EXCLUSIVE SKYPE SESSION - For you lucky supporters living in LA, stars Agnes, Maurice, and director Li will treat you to a night out on the town for dinner! For those not in LA, you will get a private Skype session with Agnes, Maurice and Li. Discuss filmmaking, acting, Maurice's love for the outdoors, Agnes' obsession with Warcraft, or Li's favorite K-Pop groups. All lower incentives included!
Claimed: 0 of 8
$750
CAMPING TRIP WITH MAURICE COMPTE - Love the outdoors? Spend a weekend camping on Catalina Island with no other than our leading actor Maurice Compte! Experience the natural splendors of Catalina with this great guy and talented actor! What more can you ask for? Most expenses covered. Includes all incentives up to the $250 mark.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$1,000
WALK ON ROLE + IMDB SPECIAL THANKS - Be a part of this film - literally! Supporters will be given a Featured Role in a pick-up scene at an art gallery. This scene is crucial to the film, and 3 lucky people will get to interact with Agnes and the rest of the cast and crew while on set! Also, you'll get an official Special Thanks credit, which will be in the credit roll and posted on IMDB. Airfare and lodging not included. Includes incentives up to the $500 mark.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$5,000
ALL INCLUSIVE RED CARPET + LA PREMIERE /AFTERPARTY - Get the total star treatment. We will fly you out and put you up for the LA Premiere of the film! This includes a walk on the Red Carpet and a ticket to the Official After Party! Airfare is included, as is lodging! Your support means so much to us - let us show you our gratitude and share our premiere night with you!
Claimed: 0 of 5
$10,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT - From the film lover to the veteran industry angel, we are thrilled to open our arms to anyone who connects with our story. 10K gets you an official Executive Producer credit to our film. Includes all incentives up to $250. Also Includes dinner with Agnes, Maurice and Li, walk on role + IMDB Special Thanks and all inclusive red carpet + LA Premiere/After Party.
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.
$5
THANK YOU POST - Supporters will get an individual Thank You shout out on our TIANWS Official Facebook & Twitter page! Make sure to provide us with your handle!
$15
PERSONALIZED DIGITAL POSTCARD - Supporters will have their photo featured on a weekly graphic digital postcard with a personalized thank you for every $15 donation. Also, you’ll get the Facebook/Twitter shout out on our film’s official page!
$25
THANK YOU from AGNES & MAURICE + BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS - Get an exclusive Thank You message from our lovely leads Agnes Bruckner or Maurice Compte! They will post something special about you on their Official Facebook and/or Twitter accounts! In addition, receive a downloadable pack of behind-the-scene photographs snapped while shooting in beautiful New Orleans.
$50
VIDEO MESSAGE from AGNES or MAURICE + STILLS PACK - Get a personalized 'Thank You' video message from Ms. Agnes Bruckner herself or Mr. Maurice Compte! Tell us who you want to hear from! Agnes and Maurice will also repost your video thank you on his/her own Instagram. ALSO, you'll recieve a download of a 6-pack of OFFICIAL STILLS from our film!
$75
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD + POSTER - You get the ultimate reward - a digital download* of the final film. Also included is a high resolution download of our film's poster*. Includes all lower incentives!
*When commercially available.
$100
SIGNED DVD - You'll get a hard copy DVD signed with a message from our lovely lead actors Agnes Bruckner and Maurice Compte and writer/director Li Lu. Includes all lower incentives!
*When commercially avaliable.
$150
GLOSSY SIGNED PRINT + SCORE DOWNLOAD - Get a glossy, still photo from the film signed by writer/director Li Lu and Agnes Bruckner and Maurice Compte. You'll also get an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at our SCORE with a download of one select piece. Includes all lower incentives!
$250
LIMITED EDITION DVD + CALENDAR - This is when things start getting good! Get a digital download of a beautifully crafted 2014/2015 Calendar featuring still photographs pulled from the film. But here's the best part - you'll get a signed 'Limited Edition' DVD*, which will include deleted scenes, behind the scenes photos, and commentary tracks by cast and crew. Includes all lower incentives.
*When commercially available.
$500
DINNER WITH AGNES, MAURICE & LI + EXCLUSIVE SKYPE SESSION - For you lucky supporters living in LA, stars Agnes, Maurice, and director Li will treat you to a night out on the town for dinner! For those not in LA, you will get a private Skype session with Agnes, Maurice and Li. Discuss filmmaking, acting, Maurice's love for the outdoors, Agnes' obsession with Warcraft, or Li's favorite K-Pop groups. All lower incentives included!
Claimed: 0 of 8
$750
CAMPING TRIP WITH MAURICE COMPTE - Love the outdoors? Spend a weekend camping on Catalina Island with no other than our leading actor Maurice Compte! Experience the natural splendors of Catalina with this great guy and talented actor! What more can you ask for? Most expenses covered. Includes all incentives up to the $250 mark.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$1,000
WALK ON ROLE + IMDB SPECIAL THANKS - Be a part of this film - literally! Supporters will be given a Featured Role in a pick-up scene at an art gallery. This scene is crucial to the film, and 3 lucky people will get to interact with Agnes and the rest of the cast and crew while on set! Also, you'll get an official Special Thanks credit, which will be in the credit roll and posted on IMDB. Airfare and lodging not included. Includes incentives up to the $500 mark.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$5,000
ALL INCLUSIVE RED CARPET + LA PREMIERE /AFTERPARTY - Get the total star treatment. We will fly you out and put you up for the LA Premiere of the film! This includes a walk on the Red Carpet and a ticket to the Official After Party! Airfare is included, as is lodging! Your support means so much to us - let us show you our gratitude and share our premiere night with you!
Claimed: 0 of 5
$10,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT - From the film lover to the veteran industry angel, we are thrilled to open our arms to anyone who connects with our story. 10K gets you an official Executive Producer credit to our film. Includes all incentives up to $250. Also Includes dinner with Agnes, Maurice and Li, walk on role + IMDB Special Thanks and all inclusive red carpet + LA Premiere/After Party.
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
CAST
AGNES BRUCKNER, SYLVIA
Agnes was born in Hollywood, California, to a Hungarian father and a Russian mother. Bruckner broke out in the Sundance film Blue Car with David Strathairn, in which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead. She captured the title role of Anna Nicole in the critically acclaimed The Anna Nicole Story for Lifetime, alongside Marin Landau, Virginia Madsen, and Adam Goldberg.
Bruckner most recently starred in the A&E pilot, The Occult, opposite Josh Lucas. Her feature film credits include Murder By Numbers opposite Sandra Bullock, Ryan Gosling, Michael Pitt, A Bit of Bad Luck opposite Cary Elwes, The Baytown Outlaws opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Eva Longoria, Breaking the Girls, Blood & Chocolate opposite Hugh Dancy, and The Pact. Her TV credits include recurring roles on 24, Private Practice, Covert Affairs, and Hawaii Five-O.MAURICE COMPTE, ESTEBAN
Maurice Compte is a Cuban-American actor. Born in New Orleans and raised in Miami, Compte attended SUNY Purchase and began his career with the feature filmThe Dream Catcher, an indie hit and the winner of over 21 awards. His next role was in Julian Schnabel’s critically acclaimed Before Night Falls. Compte went on to appear in hit films such as All The Real Girls starring Paul Schneider and Zooey Deschanel, and Showtime, starring Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy.
Compte’s career in television includes a series regular in Jerry Bruckheimer’s E-Ring on NBC. He has also starred and recurred on shows such as CSI, 24, Burn Notice, Lie to Me, & Southland. His latest TV appearance was a story arch on AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad. Compte was seen in David Ayers’ box office smashEnd of Watch, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Anna Kendrick and Michael Peña. He will be seen in the upcoming Universal films Search Party, Scott Frank’s A Walk Among The Tombstones starring Liam Neeson, David Ayers' Sabotage starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and indie Echo Park opposite Mamie Gummer.ASHLEY BELL, SAMANTHA
Bell made her debut in Lionsgate''s thriller, The Last Exorcism. Her performance garnered her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and an MTV Movie Award, while the film grossed $70 million worldwide. Bell also starred in the thriller, The Day,which premiered at the Toronto Int’l Film Fest.
Born and raised in LA, Bell is the daughter of actor Michael Bell and actress/Groundlings co-founder Victoria Carroll. She studied acting and directing at Cambridge University, where she was awarded "Best Actress" for her portrayal of "Ophelia". Bell later graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with honors, and was mentored by Oscar nominee Kathleen Turner. Bell is passionately involved with "Elephants in Crisis", and is in pre-production to produce and direct a documentary depicting the capture of two Asian elephants from a logging facility in Cambodia, and their subsequent release into the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary.JOHN ROBINSON, ETHAN
John Robinson made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed film Elephant directed by Gus Van Sant, following this film Stacy Peralta personally selected John to play himself in Lords of Dogtown directed by Catherine Hardwicke. John has worked on several films, including Asia Argento's The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things, Seraphim Falls starring opposite Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson, Michael Bay's Transformers, and Wendy and Lucy starring opposite Michelle Williams. John's most recent work includes: Big Sur directed by Michael Polish and starring opposite Kate Bosworth, Josh Lucas, Rhada Mitchell and Jean Mar Barr which premiered at Sundance this year, Hot Bot directed by Michael Polish and starring opposite Kirby Bliss Blanton and Zack Pearlman, Untitled Michael Lannan Comedy for HBO starring opposite Jonathan Groff, Squirrels to the Nuts written and directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring opposite Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston and Lucy Punch. Later this year he will star in Larry Moss' directorial debut Relative Insanity starring opposite Helen Hunt, David Duchovny, Maggie Grace and Joan Chen.
CREW
LI LU, WRITER/DIRECTOR
Li Lu was born in Suzhou, China and her family moved to the United States when she was five. Daughter of two physicists, Li discovered her passion in visual mediums - first through photography, then ultimately into filmmaking. Raised on all three coasts and graduating high school in Sugar Land, TX, Li received her BA from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, graduating cum laude. Her short films AUTUMN and BEFORE THE FLOOD have played festivals around the world such as New York’s Anthology Film Archives, Hong Kong Film Festival, and indieVIXENS at SXSW. Her music videos have been shown Nickelodeon, MTV Asia, and Channel V. Some have surpassed 1 million views on YouTube. Besides film, Li creates video/installation art. Her latest video piece is currently on tour with musician Benoit Pioulard. This is her first feature film.
More info: www.ulil-lilu.com
LI LU, WRITER/DIRECTOR
Li Lu was born in Suzhou, China and her family moved to the United States when she was five. Daughter of two physicists, Li discovered her passion in visual mediums - first through photography, then ultimately into filmmaking. Raised on all three coasts and graduating high school in Sugar Land, TX, Li received her BA from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, graduating cum laude. Her short films AUTUMN and BEFORE THE FLOOD have played festivals around the world such as New York’s Anthology Film Archives, Hong Kong Film Festival, and indieVIXENS at SXSW. Her music videos have been shown Nickelodeon, MTV Asia, and Channel V. Some have surpassed 1 million views on YouTube. Besides film, Li creates video/installation art. Her latest video piece is currently on tour with musician Benoit Pioulard. This is her first feature film.
More info: www.ulil-lilu.com
More info: www.ulil-lilu.com
导演吕丽个人简介:吕丽出生于中国苏州的书香门第,父母都是物理学博士。五岁时随家人移居美国。丽在美国东西南三个海岸长大,高中毕业于德州糖城,以优异成绩毕业于南加州大学电影艺术学院并获得学士学位。吕丽对艺术的兴趣开始于舞蹈,摄影,随后进入电影制作。 她的短片,《秋天的花》,《洪水之前》在世界各地的电影节上放映,例如纽约文集电影资料馆电影节,香港电影节,和indieVIXENS/SXSW电影节。她的音乐片已在Nickelodeon ,亚洲MTV,和Channel V频道上映,在YouTube上的观众已经超过了100万。吕丽还致力于影像艺术和装设艺术。她至今已导演了共15部影片包括故事片,音乐片以及广告片和艺术片,并制作和助理导演了100多部片子。她的最新影像片正随音乐家Benoit Pioulard全球巡回演出。迄今,她对自己的电影生涯感到欣慰, 但是她真正的理想是更多的创作和导演故事片。网站: www.ulil-lilu.comELIZABETH AI, EXEC PRODUCER
Elizabeth produces fiction and documentary content internationally. DIRTY HANDS: THE ART & CRIMES OF DAVID CHOE, a documentary she produced on the graffiti artist, garnered top honors at US film festivals and was curated into the MoMA film archives. SAIGON ELECTRIC, a Vietnamese language feature on breakdancing street teens, was shot in Ho Chi Minh City and had a successful film festival run, winning two GOLDEN KITE awards (Vietnam’s Oscar equivalent) for Best Picture and Actress.YELLOW FACE, a microbudget feature, was adapted from a Pulitizer Prize finalist and Obie Award winning work by Tony Award winning playwright David Henry Hwang. It was executive produced by Justin Lin for his YouTube channel, YOMYOMF. IN THE SHADOW OF THE HILLS, a documentary, exhibits the effects of modernity on an agrarian community in Northern Vietnam, and was granted the 2012 ITVS Diversity Development Fund. She also produces with National Geographic, in which she won a 2012 News & Docs Emmy for Outstanding Promotional Campaign. She is a Berlin Talent Campus, Film Independent, and NALIP fellow. She received her BA in Creative Writing from the University of Southern California.IGOR KROPOTOV, CINEMATOGRAPHER
Igor Kropotov was born in Siberia, Russia. His upbringing in Belgium and Italy has supplemented his acute skills in cinematography with an open and fresh perspective. His lifelong passion for capturing a cinematic viewpoint is reflected in his early years of filming sponsored skateboarding videos and having his film photography displayed at an exhibition in one of Moscow's popular gallery spaces. He received his BA in Film & Television production from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. His most recent work includes a wide range of narrative films, TV series THE GATEKEEPERS for the Discovery Channel, TV series ALIEN DAWN for Nickelodeon, music videos, and commercials. He shot THE PALE OF SETTLEMENT, produced by Jonathan Yaniv. Igor continues bringing his artistic vision to life through his mastery of a key tool: the camera.
More info: www.igorkropotov.comMAXWELL ORGELL, PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Maxwell is a Los Angeles based production designer. With an extensive background in design and painting, Maxwell progressed from art directing for print to designing for narrative film, music video, and commercial work. His recent credits include commercials for Nintendo and Citroën, and music videos for Bob Dylan, Foster the People, JLo, Regina Spektor, and Ryan Adams.
More info: www.wp-a.com/designers/maxwell-orgellTHOMAS A. KRUEGER, EDITOR
Thomas A. Krueger was born in South Carolina and lived his formative years in Berlin, Germany, where he developed a passion for international cinema. A veteran of the USC Film & Television Production Program, he discovered his vocation in university editing suites and began his professional career as a Producer/Editor at the Surf Channel Television Network. He has edited two feature films and 17 television features for such networks as NBC, Spike, SyFy and Hallmark, and his work has been acclaimed in such publications as Entertainment Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter, which praised his “compelling editing.”
More info: www.tak-editorial.comBENOÎT PIOULARD, COMPOSER
Thomas Meluch (aka Benoît Pioulard) is a musician and writer living and working in Seattle, Washington. Since a young age, Thomas Meluch has been fascinated by natural sounds and the textures of decay. He began playing piano before his feet could reach the pedals, and for more than a decade has sought to create a unique sonic environment by combining remnants of pop song structures with the lushness and unpredictability of field recordings. A veteran drummer of a half dozen bands and an avid collector of instruments and analog devices, Meluch relies on guitar and voice as the bases for his work as Benoît Pioulard.
More info: www.pioulard.comZAHID DEWJI, COMPOSER
Zahid Dewji is an artist, musician, and educator of East-African Indian decent based out of Houston, Texas. A graduate of New York University’s Music Education program, Zahid is an up-and-coming multimedia freelancer who has recently been published for his extensive illustration work in “A Simple Rebirth,” a four-volume poetry work by first-time author Samira R. Noorali. Aside from his personal and professional work as a visual artist, Zahid has helped produce and arrange musical projects for several independent artists and composers, and currently teaches piano, guitar, and music theory throughout the greater Houston area. As a composer for “There Is a New World Somewhere,” Zahid plans to bring his inquisitive fascination of well-written instrumental counterpoint combined with a genuine love of old-school southern music in order to provide an appropriate and meaningful musical framework for the film’s narrative. Zahid has recently indulged his Eastern roots through the study of traditional Hindustani classical music by undertaking the tutelage of Sitar-virtuoso Srinivas Koumounduri, and hopes that his diverse taste and appreciation for world music will help to explore greater avenues in the creative process. -
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