Together As Fools: A Short Film About Brotherhood
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
In TOGETHER AS FOOLS, a straight-laced older brother returns home after his aloof younger brother gets arrested. The two struggle to mend their relationship and navigate their different outlooks on life.
Together As Fools: A Short Film About Brotherhood
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $20,461 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
167 supporters | followers
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In TOGETHER AS FOOLS, a straight-laced older brother returns home after his aloof younger brother gets arrested. The two struggle to mend their relationship and navigate their different outlooks on life.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
TOGETHER AS FOOLS:
A straight-laced older brother returns home after his aloof younger brother gets arrested. The two struggle to mend their bond and navigate their different outlook on life.
Anthony is a dedicated college student on the brink of graduation when he receives a distressing call from his mother. His younger brother, Scotty, has been arrested, shattering the peace that their family has maintained. Upon returning home, Anthony finds himself thrown back into a world he thought he had left behind.
As he grapples with the reality of his brother's arrest, Anthony is compelled to confront not only Scotty’s troubled past but also the unresolved issues within his own family. With emotions running high, he must navigate a minefield of feelings and decisions.
Throughout the story, Anthony’s journey becomes a profound exploration of family dynamics, forgiveness, and the complex ties that bind us. Ultimately, he discovers that through both the biggest and smallest challenges, family bonds can either make or break you.
This film is based on a true story, inspired by my relationship with my real-life brother. After he went through some serious legal struggles, I unfortunately let that strain our relationship. Over time and through personal growth, I've come to realize that, as an older brother, it's my job to allow my siblings to grow into who they are, no matter what.
As a Black man, it can be tough to be vulnerable with another Black male, and I regret turning my back on my brother when he was at his most vulnerable. Writing this script has been a way for me to confront those feelings and say the things I wish I could have said to him back then. I also want this film to show that one mistake doesn’t define anyone — we all deserve the chance to grow. My hope is that this short film provides some catharsis for me, but also serves as a reminder for siblings everywhere about the importance of understanding and supporting each other, even through tough times.
– Kaelen Williams, Writer of Together As Fools
When Kaelen first approached me to direct Together As Fools, I felt compelled to tell this story. Brotherhood has played a significant role in my life. I was a firsthand witness to the tumultuous relationship between my dad and his brother, and although I don’t have a biological brother, my relationship with my sister has greatly shaped who I am. I’ve learned that the bond between siblings is sacred, thriving on faithfulness and patience. I believe that your relationship with your siblings has a profound impact on the person you ultimately become.
In my work, I aim to highlight the importance of community and strong interpersonal relationships, or the lack thereof. I saw Together As Fools as an excellent continuation of that journey. Upon my initial read of the script, I felt a strong desire to connect deeply with the audience while maintaining a lighthearted tone that still drives home the message. My sense of humor is an essential tool in my storytelling, and I chose to use it to amplify the themes of this story. Although the subject matter is serious, I truly believe that laughter is a necessary part of healing. I’m excited to help Kaelen tell this story and infuse it with a playful, comedic tone to add a touch of levity and joy to such an important narrative.
– Eddie Musa, Director of Together As Fools
We are raising $25,000 to bring Together As Fools to life. Here’s how we plan to allocate the funds:
- Crew Fees – 51% | Fair wages for our talented crew—the backbone of this production.
- Equipment & Locations – 16% | Essential gear and authentic locations to support the film’s visual and emotional integrity.
- Cast Fees – 13% | Honoring the talent and dedication of our actors with fair compensation.
- Post-Production – 8% | Editing, sound, and color correction to make the final product shine.
- Film Festivals – 7% | Submission fees to share the film widely and unlock future opportunities.
- Misc Expenses – 5% | Production necessities like food, water, and safety supplies.
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Stretch Goal: $35,000 – Post-Production & Festivals
Reaching our stretch goal of $35,000 would allow us to fully cover post-production and festival expenses. This means investing in top-tier editing, sound design, original music, and color grading to make the film shine. Additionally, it would help us submit to major film festivals and cover travel costs so our team can represent the film in person. Your support would help us bring this story to life at the highest level.
Our project has been in the works for nearly a year. Here is a breakdown of our timeline:
- Development (August 2024 – May 2025): We’ve been refining the script, building out the story world, and laying the creative foundation for the film.
- Pre-Production (May – June 2025): Currently underway as we finalize casting, secure locations, and prep for shoot.
- Production (July 2025): Principal photography is scheduled to take place this summer in Atlanta, GA.
- Post-Production (July 2025 – October 2025): Editing, sound design, color correction, and scoring will bring the final film to life.
- Release (2026): We’ll begin festival submissions and rollout as soon as post is complete.
We’re excited to move through each phase with care, creativity, and intention.
We’re building something special, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Whether you’re supporting as a backer, sharing our campaign, or cheering us on from afar, your presence makes a difference. Help us bring this story to life by making a donation today!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Fees
Costs $14,500
We believe in paying our talented crew fair wages. They’re the backbone of bringing this film to life.
Equipment and Locations
Costs $5,500
Quality gear and authentic locations are essential to making the film look and feel true to its story.
Actor Rates
Costs $5,000
Cast Fees: $5,000 Our actors bring the heart and humor to the film, and fair compensation honors their dedication and talent.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Growing a successful team is a tall order, but gathering the crew is always worth it. Director, Eddie and Writer, Kalen first met while working on the Ultimate Rap League (URL). They quickly formed a bond over their mutual love of cinema. Eddie then met Jordan, an independent producer at Oracle Media, whose leadership skills and tenacity he admired. Knowing she had an interest in narrative films sparked the decision to bring her onto the team. Haley, who is a co-producer at Oracle Media, came onto the project along with Jordan. Her competency and knowledge of the festival and feature film logistics have been a huge asset on the team. Each one of these producers tonally represents the essence of this film.
Eddie Musa | Director
Creating visual pieces has been a dream of Eddie's since a youth. Growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, afforded Eddie the opportunity to see and interact with a diverse outlook on the world. A child of Sierra Leonean immigrants Eddie has utilized the framework of community building and maintaining relationships to amplify and secure work as a film multi- hyphenate. Those relationships and community coupled with his work ethic and hard skills have presented opportunities for Eddie to work on numerous projects with clients such as Paramount, NBC Universal, and BET, just to name a few. Upon graduating from Morgan State University, Eddie and his partners created Musa Majic TV; a creative agency that produces innovative black visual stories. He draws inspiration from 90's black cinema, Italian neo-realism of the 1940’s, and early 2000's hip-hop and R&B music videos. Eddie is married to his lovely wife of three years and enjoys traveling, watching films, and spending time with family.
Kaelen Williams | Writer
Kaelen's journey into the film world began during college, where he earned an undergraduate degree in TV and Film Production from Old Dominion University. This is where he found his passion for screenwriting and was given the inspiration to write the script for Together As Fools. Post-college, he gained experience and honed his skills in the production world through an internship with Blaq Market Media and Ultimate Rap League. Concurrently, his roles as an assistant and judge with the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) and Creative World Awards Screenwriting Competition (CWA) helped further develop his script evaluation and film industry knowledge. Kaelen has also written and produced his own web series, The Worst, which has been featured in multiple film festivals and distributed for streaming on watchmamu.com.
Haley Poole | Producer
Haley Poole is a passionate storyteller, music producer, and performing artist from Seattle, Washington. After earning her Screenwriting BA from New York University and The New School, Haley spent her early career working in the live sports industry with the New York Rangers, the NFL, and Olympic athletes at Creative Artists Agency. Before making the transition back to her creative aspirations, championing underrepresented stories in film and television at The Oracle Media and Bee Hive Productions.
Jordan Benston | Line Producer
Jordan Benston also known as JB, owner/founder of “Oracle Media,” a Black female owned full-service production company, responsible for custom curated digital, linear, and editorial content. Oracle Media prides itself on results through its team of professional, dedicated, and established crew members. During her internship at BET, JB caught the production bug. Graduating with a major in Pre-Law and a minor in Philosophy from North Carolina A&T. JB learned early on that “No matter how you start your life, you can always change your future. No matter how low you start, you can rise above it all if you believe in yourself and strive to be better.”
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
TOGETHER AS FOOLS:
A straight-laced older brother returns home after his aloof younger brother gets arrested. The two struggle to mend their bond and navigate their different outlook on life.
Anthony is a dedicated college student on the brink of graduation when he receives a distressing call from his mother. His younger brother, Scotty, has been arrested, shattering the peace that their family has maintained. Upon returning home, Anthony finds himself thrown back into a world he thought he had left behind.
As he grapples with the reality of his brother's arrest, Anthony is compelled to confront not only Scotty’s troubled past but also the unresolved issues within his own family. With emotions running high, he must navigate a minefield of feelings and decisions.
Throughout the story, Anthony’s journey becomes a profound exploration of family dynamics, forgiveness, and the complex ties that bind us. Ultimately, he discovers that through both the biggest and smallest challenges, family bonds can either make or break you.
This film is based on a true story, inspired by my relationship with my real-life brother. After he went through some serious legal struggles, I unfortunately let that strain our relationship. Over time and through personal growth, I've come to realize that, as an older brother, it's my job to allow my siblings to grow into who they are, no matter what.
As a Black man, it can be tough to be vulnerable with another Black male, and I regret turning my back on my brother when he was at his most vulnerable. Writing this script has been a way for me to confront those feelings and say the things I wish I could have said to him back then. I also want this film to show that one mistake doesn’t define anyone — we all deserve the chance to grow. My hope is that this short film provides some catharsis for me, but also serves as a reminder for siblings everywhere about the importance of understanding and supporting each other, even through tough times.
– Kaelen Williams, Writer of Together As Fools
When Kaelen first approached me to direct Together As Fools, I felt compelled to tell this story. Brotherhood has played a significant role in my life. I was a firsthand witness to the tumultuous relationship between my dad and his brother, and although I don’t have a biological brother, my relationship with my sister has greatly shaped who I am. I’ve learned that the bond between siblings is sacred, thriving on faithfulness and patience. I believe that your relationship with your siblings has a profound impact on the person you ultimately become.
In my work, I aim to highlight the importance of community and strong interpersonal relationships, or the lack thereof. I saw Together As Fools as an excellent continuation of that journey. Upon my initial read of the script, I felt a strong desire to connect deeply with the audience while maintaining a lighthearted tone that still drives home the message. My sense of humor is an essential tool in my storytelling, and I chose to use it to amplify the themes of this story. Although the subject matter is serious, I truly believe that laughter is a necessary part of healing. I’m excited to help Kaelen tell this story and infuse it with a playful, comedic tone to add a touch of levity and joy to such an important narrative.
– Eddie Musa, Director of Together As Fools
We are raising $25,000 to bring Together As Fools to life. Here’s how we plan to allocate the funds:
- Crew Fees – 51% | Fair wages for our talented crew—the backbone of this production.
- Equipment & Locations – 16% | Essential gear and authentic locations to support the film’s visual and emotional integrity.
- Cast Fees – 13% | Honoring the talent and dedication of our actors with fair compensation.
- Post-Production – 8% | Editing, sound, and color correction to make the final product shine.
- Film Festivals – 7% | Submission fees to share the film widely and unlock future opportunities.
- Misc Expenses – 5% | Production necessities like food, water, and safety supplies.
Stretch Goal: $35,000 – Post-Production & Festivals
Reaching our stretch goal of $35,000 would allow us to fully cover post-production and festival expenses. This means investing in top-tier editing, sound design, original music, and color grading to make the film shine. Additionally, it would help us submit to major film festivals and cover travel costs so our team can represent the film in person. Your support would help us bring this story to life at the highest level.
Our project has been in the works for nearly a year. Here is a breakdown of our timeline:
- Development (August 2024 – May 2025): We’ve been refining the script, building out the story world, and laying the creative foundation for the film.
- Pre-Production (May – June 2025): Currently underway as we finalize casting, secure locations, and prep for shoot.
- Production (July 2025): Principal photography is scheduled to take place this summer in Atlanta, GA.
- Post-Production (July 2025 – October 2025): Editing, sound design, color correction, and scoring will bring the final film to life.
- Release (2026): We’ll begin festival submissions and rollout as soon as post is complete.
We’re excited to move through each phase with care, creativity, and intention.
We’re building something special, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Whether you’re supporting as a backer, sharing our campaign, or cheering us on from afar, your presence makes a difference. Help us bring this story to life by making a donation today!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Fees
Costs $14,500
We believe in paying our talented crew fair wages. They’re the backbone of bringing this film to life.
Equipment and Locations
Costs $5,500
Quality gear and authentic locations are essential to making the film look and feel true to its story.
Actor Rates
Costs $5,000
Cast Fees: $5,000 Our actors bring the heart and humor to the film, and fair compensation honors their dedication and talent.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Growing a successful team is a tall order, but gathering the crew is always worth it. Director, Eddie and Writer, Kalen first met while working on the Ultimate Rap League (URL). They quickly formed a bond over their mutual love of cinema. Eddie then met Jordan, an independent producer at Oracle Media, whose leadership skills and tenacity he admired. Knowing she had an interest in narrative films sparked the decision to bring her onto the team. Haley, who is a co-producer at Oracle Media, came onto the project along with Jordan. Her competency and knowledge of the festival and feature film logistics have been a huge asset on the team. Each one of these producers tonally represents the essence of this film.
Eddie Musa | Director
Creating visual pieces has been a dream of Eddie's since a youth. Growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, afforded Eddie the opportunity to see and interact with a diverse outlook on the world. A child of Sierra Leonean immigrants Eddie has utilized the framework of community building and maintaining relationships to amplify and secure work as a film multi- hyphenate. Those relationships and community coupled with his work ethic and hard skills have presented opportunities for Eddie to work on numerous projects with clients such as Paramount, NBC Universal, and BET, just to name a few. Upon graduating from Morgan State University, Eddie and his partners created Musa Majic TV; a creative agency that produces innovative black visual stories. He draws inspiration from 90's black cinema, Italian neo-realism of the 1940’s, and early 2000's hip-hop and R&B music videos. Eddie is married to his lovely wife of three years and enjoys traveling, watching films, and spending time with family.
Kaelen Williams | Writer
Kaelen's journey into the film world began during college, where he earned an undergraduate degree in TV and Film Production from Old Dominion University. This is where he found his passion for screenwriting and was given the inspiration to write the script for Together As Fools. Post-college, he gained experience and honed his skills in the production world through an internship with Blaq Market Media and Ultimate Rap League. Concurrently, his roles as an assistant and judge with the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) and Creative World Awards Screenwriting Competition (CWA) helped further develop his script evaluation and film industry knowledge. Kaelen has also written and produced his own web series, The Worst, which has been featured in multiple film festivals and distributed for streaming on watchmamu.com.
Haley Poole | Producer
Haley Poole is a passionate storyteller, music producer, and performing artist from Seattle, Washington. After earning her Screenwriting BA from New York University and The New School, Haley spent her early career working in the live sports industry with the New York Rangers, the NFL, and Olympic athletes at Creative Artists Agency. Before making the transition back to her creative aspirations, championing underrepresented stories in film and television at The Oracle Media and Bee Hive Productions.
Jordan Benston | Line Producer
Jordan Benston also known as JB, owner/founder of “Oracle Media,” a Black female owned full-service production company, responsible for custom curated digital, linear, and editorial content. Oracle Media prides itself on results through its team of professional, dedicated, and established crew members. During her internship at BET, JB caught the production bug. Graduating with a major in Pre-Law and a minor in Philosophy from North Carolina A&T. JB learned early on that “No matter how you start your life, you can always change your future. No matter how low you start, you can rise above it all if you believe in yourself and strive to be better.”