Til Death Do Us Part is about a 77 year old retired factory worker whose husband passes away. The landlord raises her rent, which she cannot afford. Unable to cope with his death and rising economic concerns, she believes that he's still alive until an unlikely stranger helps her to face reality.
Til Death Do Us Part is about a 77 year old retired factory worker whose husband passes away. The landlord raises her rent, which she cannot afford. Unable to cope with his death and rising economic concerns, she believes that he's still alive until an unlikely stranger helps her to face reality.
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Story
Mission Statement
This is an important film about senior citizens, economic pressures, losing a loved one and mental illness. Senior citizens are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The goal is to bring more resources and attention to this growing population and these topics.About The Project
Greetings from the Rue Morgue
'Til Death Do Us Part is a short film about a 77 year old retired factory worker whose husband passes away. Meanwhile, the landlord raises her rent, which she cannot afford. As his body decays inside of their apartment, she believes that he's still alive until an unlikely stranger helps her to face reality.
Mary Anne wakes up like it’s any other morning. A regular conversation goes awry when she realizes that her husband of forty years, Frank, has passed away in the middle of the night. In a fit of panic, she loses her wits and believes that he’s still alive. When she steps out of her apartment, her landlord tells her that he has raised her rent, which she cannot afford. In the following days, she cooks dinner for him – his favorite meatloaf, kisses him before bed, buys him french fries, and takes him for a jaunt, without ever realizing that he is dead. Or does she? Alone and grasping for connection, she meets a bouncer who lights her appetite to dance. Going out to a nightclub by herself, at the ripe age of 77, she meets a strange child who reminds her a lot of her younger self.
Director's Statement
I love senior citizens. They're wise, funny, honest, and sometimes, a bit steely. I was raised by my grandparents, so I have always seen the elderly as superheroes. My 60-year-old grandmother was as spritely as any teenager. It wasn't until I grew older that I realized just how vulnerable senior citizens can be. When my grandmother passed away, I was overcome with grief. I felt angry, sad, guilty, and overwhelmed. More than anything, I wished that I could sit next to her again. I didn't know how to honor her memory and move on with my life. This is the genesis of 'Til Death Do Us Part.
As a filmmaker, I am constantly making films about characters who are on the margins of society. Having grown up in China and Texas, I've felt like a leper for most of my life. It's important to me that senior citizens are taken care of and that there are resources to help them to thrive within our society. As such, I believe that there should be more films and tv shows about senior citizens. In the 80's and 90's, there were progressive tv shows like The Golden Girls and Matlock. But as the baby boomer generation ages, there are less tv shows about them! 'Til Death Do Us Part is my way of increasing representation for a group of people that are not represented in mainstream media.
The style references and tones for my short film are a mix of the grittiness in Requiem for a Dream, Enter the Void, and Ash is Purest White mixed with the otherworldliness and dreaminess of Twin Peaks topped with the sweetness and heart of the short documentary Edith + Eddie.
A Different Path
I can tell you what it's like to change career paths! I began my career as an aviation engineer working on jet engines at Pratt and Whitney. I moved to NYC to become a writer, and I can tell you for real the up's and down's of pursuing a career without the support of family. I am a Sundance Writer's Lab and Sundance Sloan Foundation semifinalist. My short film, Cowboy Joe, a coming of age story about a Chinese cowboy has been featured in Paper Magazine, AM New York, High Country News, and screened at film festivals across the country such as the Seattle Asian American Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, Bentonville Film Festival, Way Down Film Festival, and more. I love making films about outsiders.
Why Should You Contribute?
We, as a society, need to learn how to deal with loneliness, loss and how to grieve. Sometimes it's easier to see someone do something extreme in order to accept our own feelings. I want to remove the stigma of mental illness.
The money raised for this film will go to production to shoot the film! This includes rehearsals, cast and crew, 3 to 4 days of shooting, wardrobe, locations, set design, a camera package, external hard drives, catering, transportation, union fees, and so much more.
The short film will be completed by the end of the year for festivals in early 2020.
If you can offer a matching grant, or any in-kind services such as location rentals, equipment, or food, please reach out to us separately at [email protected]!
Inclusivity
This is a film made for women by women. More than 50% of the cast and crew will be women. As an Asian American, I am part of a small population that makes less than 2% of directors in the US.
Help Someone Who is Experiencing Grief
If you know someone who is going through grief, below are some resources for complicated grief or Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder:
- Mayo Clinic
- Quiz - Do You Have Complicated Grief?
- Bridge Store Recovery
- Columbia University Center for Complicated Grief
- Psychology Today - Complicated Bereavement Disorder
*Huge thanks to Evergreen Funeral Home in Brooklyn, where I conducted research for the film and where the pitch video was filmed. A family business run by Leslie and John, they bring grace, love, joy, knowledge, and humor to one of the most difficult moments in our lives.
Interview with Directed by Women!
Nicola and I sat down for an interview with Directed by Women. Here it is!
Incentives
$5
Weekend Updates From the Grave!
Exclusive updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the short film during pre-production, production, post-production, festival run, and more!
$10
Shout Out From The Dead!
SHOUT OUT thank you on social media. Plus a chance to win two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home (BOOze included) with VIP Screening of the film - when you share our crowdfunding campaign on social media and TAG three friends. Plus the previous reward!
$15
Personal Thank You Letter from the Afterlife!
A personal thank you letter mailed from the director! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$20
Digital Stills from the Afterlife!
Digital stills from the film! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$25
Thank You Credit in the Film!
A thank you credit in the film credits! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$30
Please Resuscitate!
Surprise! You're ALIVE! Digital copies of the shooting script (please do not share with anyone until the film has been released to the public). Plus all of the previous rewards!
$50
First Peek at the Dead!
A link to the finished film before anyone else sees it! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$88
In Loving Memory. . .
We've added this incentive to honor the happy memories made in this lifetime and celebrate our loved ones who are no longer with us. You will receive a credit in the film for your loved one "In Loving Memory of" - 8 is the luckiest number in Chinese culture, multiples of eight are even better, 88 bears a resemblance to 囍 (shuāng xǐ), meaning “double happiness”. Honor your loved one by celebrating their life and may you move forward with happiness and peace.
$100
Let's PARTY!
Party at Evergreen Funeral Home with VIP Screening of the film and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home. BOOze provided. Plus all the previous rewards.
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
$150
Walk the Red Carpet!
A special invitation to a Festival Screening of the film with the filmmaker! Plus all the previous rewards! No travel costs covered.
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
Sold Out!
$250
Phone Call with the Director!
A 30-minute Skype session with the filmmaker about the process of making 'Til Death Do Us Part and/or council you on the process of making a short film. I'll even give you career advice (I've been an aviation engineer, teacher, start-up founder, and filmmaker!)
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
$300
On Set Visit
An on-set visit for a behind-the-scenes look! Come eat lunch with the cast and crew!
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
$500
Extra Extra!
Come be an extra on set! Observe the film making process!
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
Claimed: 3 of 10
$1,000
Associate Producer Credit on IMDB
Thank YOU so much! You will receive an Associate Producer credit on IMDB as well as in the credits.
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Set visit
$5,000
Executive Producer Credit
YOU RULE and we couldn't be more thankful! You will receive an Executive Producer Credit on IMDB as well as in the film credits and a VIP Red Carpet Screening. Can we call you grandma - because we kinda love you now!
+ MAJOR street cred
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Set visit
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Weekend Updates From the Grave!
Exclusive updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the short film during pre-production, production, post-production, festival run, and more!
$10
Shout Out From The Dead!
SHOUT OUT thank you on social media. Plus a chance to win two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home (BOOze included) with VIP Screening of the film - when you share our crowdfunding campaign on social media and TAG three friends. Plus the previous reward!
$15
Personal Thank You Letter from the Afterlife!
A personal thank you letter mailed from the director! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$20
Digital Stills from the Afterlife!
Digital stills from the film! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$25
Thank You Credit in the Film!
A thank you credit in the film credits! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$30
Please Resuscitate!
Surprise! You're ALIVE! Digital copies of the shooting script (please do not share with anyone until the film has been released to the public). Plus all of the previous rewards!
$50
First Peek at the Dead!
A link to the finished film before anyone else sees it! Plus all of the previous rewards!
$88
In Loving Memory. . .
We've added this incentive to honor the happy memories made in this lifetime and celebrate our loved ones who are no longer with us. You will receive a credit in the film for your loved one "In Loving Memory of" - 8 is the luckiest number in Chinese culture, multiples of eight are even better, 88 bears a resemblance to 囍 (shuāng xǐ), meaning “double happiness”. Honor your loved one by celebrating their life and may you move forward with happiness and peace.
$100
Let's PARTY!
Party at Evergreen Funeral Home with VIP Screening of the film and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home. BOOze provided. Plus all the previous rewards.
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
$150
Walk the Red Carpet!
A special invitation to a Festival Screening of the film with the filmmaker! Plus all the previous rewards! No travel costs covered.
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
Sold Out!
$250
Phone Call with the Director!
A 30-minute Skype session with the filmmaker about the process of making 'Til Death Do Us Part and/or council you on the process of making a short film. I'll even give you career advice (I've been an aviation engineer, teacher, start-up founder, and filmmaker!)
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
$300
On Set Visit
An on-set visit for a behind-the-scenes look! Come eat lunch with the cast and crew!
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
$500
Extra Extra!
Come be an extra on set! Observe the film making process!
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Thank You credit in the film
Claimed: 3 of 10
$1,000
Associate Producer Credit on IMDB
Thank YOU so much! You will receive an Associate Producer credit on IMDB as well as in the credits.
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Set visit
$5,000
Executive Producer Credit
YOU RULE and we couldn't be more thankful! You will receive an Executive Producer Credit on IMDB as well as in the film credits and a VIP Red Carpet Screening. Can we call you grandma - because we kinda love you now!
+ MAJOR street cred
+ Two tickets to Party at Evergreen Funeral Home, VIP Screening, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the home
+ Signed postcard by the director
+ Digital copy of the film (when available)
+ Set visit
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Jingjing Tian - Writer + Director
Jingjing Tian is a Chinese American writer-director. She is a Sundance Writer's Lab semifinalist and a Sundance Sloan Foundation semifinalist. She has held fellowships at the New York Public Library and the Middlebury Script Lab, and won best female director, awards in excellence at AT&T, the Princeton Indpt. Film Festival, and more. Her short film Cowboy Joe, a coming of age story about a Chinese cowboy has screened around the world including the Seattle Asian American Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, Bentonville Film Festival, Museum of the Chinese in America and more. Her work has been profiled in Paper Magazine, AM New York, High Country News, and more. She has worked with director Eliza Hittman and DP Helene Louvart.
She has always been a huge fan of Edgar Allen Poe, Flannery O'Connor, and William Faulkner, who write about dark subjects in odd ways. Raised in China and Texas, she has a fondness for the strange, the prophetic, the dreamlike, and the heartfelt in supersize proportions. Her goal is to create more joy, empathy, and opportunities in the world. @mydarlingjingjing
Nicola Quinn - Producer
Nicola Quinn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the South African School of Motion Picture Media, where she graduated top of her class. She was lucky enough to win the green card lottery and moved to New York City where she has furthered her training with Meisner, Method, Anthony Abeson, and UCB Improv. Nicola recently performed in the theatre premiere of Clouds Like Waves and played the leading roles in, The Back Up Singer, Incipient, and No Thinking in the Shower, she is currently filming a web series. Nicola is a Jill of all trades with a "get it done" attitude and team spirit. She is passionate about storytelling and believes deeply in their power. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, working as an actress, producer, and writer. @nicolaqnyc
Troy Dobbertin - DP
Troy Dobbertin is an up and coming director of photography living and working in Brooklyn, New York. He focuses on finding and capturing the moments of natural beauty through his cinematography. @ttdobbertin
For updates on our growing team please follow us on social media!
If you'd like to get involved DM us.
@tildeathdouspart_shortfilm
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