Unalive
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Family, Drama
Xoe navigates the chaos of family dynamics and personal struggles while grappling with her own mental health. As she faces the pressures of success and the fear of failure, a poignant phone call from her brother Xavier forces her to confront her darkest thoughts, leading to a critical turning point.
Unalive
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Family, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $25,075 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
104 supporters | followers
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Xoe navigates the chaos of family dynamics and personal struggles while grappling with her own mental health. As she faces the pressures of success and the fear of failure, a poignant phone call from her brother Xavier forces her to confront her darkest thoughts, leading to a critical turning point.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In December of 2022, I was shaken by the news that beloved dancer and TV personality, Stephen “twitch” boss, had died by suicide. Like many others, I struggled to understand how such a positive, upbeat, and successful person could come to this fate.
In January of 2023, I was Shaken again, this time by the loss of a friend. Though they were battling a terminal Illness, it appeared that they intentionally stopped taking the medication that was prolonging Their life.
In February of 2023, I was shaken once more by a tearful phone call from a younger family member, Who told me they were considering taking their own life. Luckily, I was able to help them through that difficult Situation, and they have since been in a much better place.
The culmination of these experiences weighed on me heavily and made me face the inconvenient truth that I had been struggling with depressive and suicidal thoughts of my own. I knew that I had to do something about it because I realized that my life wasn’t the only one at stake.
In that instant, I was called to write the script for Unalive - a dark comedy short film about an emerging Hollywood starlet who’s Suicide attempt gets interrupted by her little brother’s suicide attempt.
This film will not only help to raise awareness about the rapidly rising suicide rates in the U.S., it will also be a nuanced depiction of the many ways people deal with depression, and hopefully be a tool of connection for people, especially those of color, who are struggling.
Zoe is a rising Hollywood star who finally gets her big break after ten years of continuous hustle and trying rejection. Her workaholism has left her without any real connections so she has no one to share her big debut with except her distant Jamaican-American family, who are all too caught up in their own antics and dysfunction to give her the presence and emotional connection she so desperately craves.
Burnt out, depressed, and riddled with anxiety, she feels more alone and misunderstood than ever, but she’s an incredible actress - on and off the screen. She engages with her sister, Kole, her brother, Xavier, her grandma, “Nana”, and her mother, Shelly, as though everything is fine. But what the audience doesn’t realize until her family flies back to DC, is that their visit was a secret farewell trip.
A few days after they leave, it’s revealed that Xoe has planned her own suicide - but as she makes the attempt, she’s interrupted by a call from Xavier, who ironically is in a similar predicament. With help from Shelly, she tries to talk her little brother off the ledge, but will saving him be enough to save herself?
Help Us Save Lives Through Film: Support Unalive Now!
Suicide is a growing crisis, and every story that brings hope and understanding can make a difference. This film is about survival, family, and the silent struggles many face daily. By supporting Unalive, you're not just helping us create a film—you’re helping to raise awareness, foster empathy, and save lives. Join us in sharing this urgent message during Suicide Prevention Month. Your donation can be the difference that sparks a conversation, offers hope, and ultimately saves someone’s life.
The Stretch
$5K – Early Development (Day 1-7)
- Goal: Secure the first $5K to cover script revisions, casting, and securing key crew members.
$10K – Pre-Production (Day 8-14)
- Goal: Reaching $10K will allow us to lock in filming locations, rent necessary equipment, and start scheduling.
$15K – Production (Day 15-20)
- Goal: Hitting $15K will secure the bulk of the production costs, allowing us to begin filming.
$20K – Post-Production (Day 21-25)
- Goal: $20K will allow us to start post-production, including editing, sound design, and color correction.
$25K – Marketing & Distribution (Day 26-28)
- Goal: $25K will allow us to build awareness and launch a targeted campaign to get the film seen, especially during Suicide Prevention Month.
$30K – Festival Circuit & Mental Health Outreach (Day 29-30)
- Goal: Reaching $30K will give us the resources to submit the film to festivals and partner with mental health organizations for outreach and screenings.
Although our goal is to reach 30K in 30 days, we understand that sometimes people may accidentally miss campaign deadlines. The last 15 days of this campaign are dedicated to those who wished they could donate in the 30 days, but forgot. So yes, you'll still have one last chance to support! Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Paying Our Cast
Costs $4,380
We'd like to pay our cast fair wages
Paying Our Crew
Costs $16,500
We'd like to pay our crew fair wages!
Equipment
Costs $9,120
Camera, Lights, Locations, Props, Hair & Make-up, Costumes, Miscellaneous, Festival Submissions, and Insurance
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kwanza Nicole Gooden
Kwanza Nicole Gooden is a Caribbean American writer- director based in Los Angeles. She is called to share nuanced, evocative, and thought-provoking stories through narrative and documentary filmmaking.
In 2022, she directed her first major studio project - a 3-part doc-series for ComcastNBCU called “The Black Beauty Effect”, which chronicles and celebrates the contributions made to the beauty industry by black communities. Kwanza also produced and edited the series
which was acquired by netflix in 2023 and is now streaming.
In 2021, Kwanza was approached by Ventureland, Indeed, and Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad to direct the Rising Voices impact film, a short documentary that journeys with 10 BIPOC filmmakers through the inaugural Rising Voices program, and highlights the necessity for diversity and inclusion within the film industry. It was showcased at Tribeca 2021 and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Kwanza joined 14 other female filmmakers to direct short film, Ultra Woman, as part of the Los Angeles anthology series in 2019. Los Angeless premiered in 2020 at Idyllwild International Film Festival and won the Indie Spirit Award.
In 2018, Kwanza co-wrote and directed “Token”, a short film about a young black girl struggling to fit in with her white surroundings, loosely based off Kwanza’s own childhood. That same year, “Token” was screened in Nyc and won Best Director at the Oscar-qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. Token was also a semifinalist at Los Angeles Cinefest, an official selection at Brooklyn Women’s Film Festival, and in 2019, it was awarded Best Drama Short at the Windy City Film Festival in Chicago.
As a multi-hyphenate filmmaker, Kwanza has created a vast catalog of work, collaboratingwith companies like BuzzFeed, BET Networks, Merry Jane, Complex, Color of Change, Black Love Inc, and indeed. and in 2022, she founded her own production company, GoodEntertainment, llc. Her favorite color is red.
Ambi Rachelle
Ambi Rachelle is a Master of Fine Arts student at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, specializing in Film and Television Production. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Ambi's passion for the entertainment industry began at the age of 12 when she attended Stivers School for the Arts, focusing on Theatre and Creative Writing. Her early involvement in the arts included performing in numerous plays and musicals in Dayton and narrating a documentary about the historic Victoria Theatre.
Ambi pursued her passion further by earning two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatre and Creative Writing from the University of Southern California. During her undergraduate years, she actively participated in the student film scene in Los Angeles, gaining valuable experience as both an actor and crew member on numerous projects. Her ultimate ambition is to use her platform to amplify the voices of underserved communities, creating impactful films that resonate with diverse audiences. Ambi is grateful for the unwavering support of her family and friends and dreams of sharing her work with a global audience.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ambi has accumulated significant producorial experience, working on a variety of short films. She has produced films that tackle important social issues, including a film about an abused woman confronting her boyfriend’s infidelity, and another about a girl escaping from sex trafficking. Her role as a producer extends to overseeing all aspects of production, from coordinating logistics to managing budgets and ensuring the creative vision is realized. Ambi's work in film production is complemented by her skills in directing, writing, sound design, cinematography, and editing, making her a versatile and effective producer.
Ambi's dedication to the craft of filmmaking is evident in her hands-on approach and her commitment to telling meaningful stories. Her diverse experience and strong academic background make her a formidable force in the film industry. As she continues her studies, Ambi looks forward to creating more films that not only entertain but also inspire and provoke thought.
Gretel Truong
Gretel Truong is an award-winning producer and impact strategist. She has spent nearly 20 years working at the intersection of social issues, production and programming. She has created content seen by millions of people all around the world on TV, social platforms,
and at film festivals. Originally from the DC Area, she spent her first professional years helping digitize political coverage and producing content and events for clients such as HBO, Google, Newsweek, The Washington Post and billionaire T. Boone Pickens. She then moved to New York to help establish organizations and offices for former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah Brown. Through this, she developed campaigns and content to help get every child learning around the world.
She produced Malala’s first public speech after surviving a terrorist attack for wanting to go to school, where she said, “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” She then worked with Malala around the release of her documentary, He Named Me Malala, ensuring it reached influencers and communities all around the world while also capturing the stories of young leaders making their own local change. In 2019 Gretel moved to Los Angeles to launch the impact campaign for Warner Bros.’ film Just Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan. In 2020 she then went on to help establish Represent Justice as a full time storytelling non-profit elevating and producing stories of people impacted by the justice system.
Gretel has produced or directed three music videos: I Dont Konform’s F**k Your Face (2022), Tim Be Told’s Gravity’s Hold (2008), Sparrow Village’s Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu (2011). She has also produced several scripted and documentary shorts: Finding the Light (2023), Little April (2022), Paradise Boys (2011), By God’s Grace (2009).
For her content and campaign work, Gretel has been awarded 6 Telly Awards, 2 Anthem Awards, and 4 Pollie Awards and featured in over 30 film festivals. She is a distinguished graduate of the University of Virginia, and resides in Los Angeles, California.
Jaryn Peirce
Jaryn Pierce is a passionate filmmaker who began his creative journey in the cornfields of the Midwest and now calls Los Angeles home. He is drawn to challenging subjects and stories that provoke thought, utilizing cinematic mediums to explore narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
In 2023, Jaryn made the bold move to Los Angeles, entering the film industry without the traditional route of film school. He began as a production assistant on commercial sets, contributing to projects for brands like Vagisil and Just for Men. This initial experience equipped him with invaluable insights into the inner workings of a set and the intricacies of navigating the industry.
Later in 2023, Jaryn shifted his focus to scripted film, taking on production assistant roles for short films. In July 2024, he accepted the position of production coordinator for LUX MACHINA Consulting, where he honed his skills in building relationships and collaborating with a team of engineers to design and create a new office space. He also gained experience in camera VFX production and assisted in assembling LED volumes, igniting his passion for guiding others in realizing their creative visions.
As he continues to learn and evolve within the industry, Jaryn is dedicated to carving out his own path in filmmaking. He embraces every aspect of the creative process, relishing the opportunity to help others bring their visions to life on screen.
Ming Jue Hu
MING JUE HU (he/him) is an Asian-American cinematographer with a diverse portfolio spanning commercials, features, and music videos. His passion for filmmaking led him to study film production at NYU Tisch School of the Arts before pursuing cinematography at the American Film Institute.
He was recognized as one of the "Rising Stars of Cinematography" by American Cinematographer Magazine in 2018.
In 2019, Ming traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to shoot the eight-episode TV series, Detective Chinatown, which received rave reviews on the Asian streaming platform. IQIYI. Recently, the feature film LaRoy, Texas, featuring John Magaro, Steve Zahn, and Dylan Baker, premiered at Tribeca International Film Festival 2023.
Ming is based in LA and NYC and is a member of the International Cinematographer’s Guild IATSE Local 600.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In December of 2022, I was shaken by the news that beloved dancer and TV personality, Stephen “twitch” boss, had died by suicide. Like many others, I struggled to understand how such a positive, upbeat, and successful person could come to this fate.
In January of 2023, I was Shaken again, this time by the loss of a friend. Though they were battling a terminal Illness, it appeared that they intentionally stopped taking the medication that was prolonging Their life.
In February of 2023, I was shaken once more by a tearful phone call from a younger family member, Who told me they were considering taking their own life. Luckily, I was able to help them through that difficult Situation, and they have since been in a much better place.
The culmination of these experiences weighed on me heavily and made me face the inconvenient truth that I had been struggling with depressive and suicidal thoughts of my own. I knew that I had to do something about it because I realized that my life wasn’t the only one at stake.
In that instant, I was called to write the script for Unalive - a dark comedy short film about an emerging Hollywood starlet who’s Suicide attempt gets interrupted by her little brother’s suicide attempt.
This film will not only help to raise awareness about the rapidly rising suicide rates in the U.S., it will also be a nuanced depiction of the many ways people deal with depression, and hopefully be a tool of connection for people, especially those of color, who are struggling.
Zoe is a rising Hollywood star who finally gets her big break after ten years of continuous hustle and trying rejection. Her workaholism has left her without any real connections so she has no one to share her big debut with except her distant Jamaican-American family, who are all too caught up in their own antics and dysfunction to give her the presence and emotional connection she so desperately craves.
Burnt out, depressed, and riddled with anxiety, she feels more alone and misunderstood than ever, but she’s an incredible actress - on and off the screen. She engages with her sister, Kole, her brother, Xavier, her grandma, “Nana”, and her mother, Shelly, as though everything is fine. But what the audience doesn’t realize until her family flies back to DC, is that their visit was a secret farewell trip.
A few days after they leave, it’s revealed that Xoe has planned her own suicide - but as she makes the attempt, she’s interrupted by a call from Xavier, who ironically is in a similar predicament. With help from Shelly, she tries to talk her little brother off the ledge, but will saving him be enough to save herself?
Help Us Save Lives Through Film: Support Unalive Now!
Suicide is a growing crisis, and every story that brings hope and understanding can make a difference. This film is about survival, family, and the silent struggles many face daily. By supporting Unalive, you're not just helping us create a film—you’re helping to raise awareness, foster empathy, and save lives. Join us in sharing this urgent message during Suicide Prevention Month. Your donation can be the difference that sparks a conversation, offers hope, and ultimately saves someone’s life.
The Stretch
$5K – Early Development (Day 1-7)
- Goal: Secure the first $5K to cover script revisions, casting, and securing key crew members.
$10K – Pre-Production (Day 8-14)
- Goal: Reaching $10K will allow us to lock in filming locations, rent necessary equipment, and start scheduling.
$15K – Production (Day 15-20)
- Goal: Hitting $15K will secure the bulk of the production costs, allowing us to begin filming.
$20K – Post-Production (Day 21-25)
- Goal: $20K will allow us to start post-production, including editing, sound design, and color correction.
$25K – Marketing & Distribution (Day 26-28)
- Goal: $25K will allow us to build awareness and launch a targeted campaign to get the film seen, especially during Suicide Prevention Month.
$30K – Festival Circuit & Mental Health Outreach (Day 29-30)
- Goal: Reaching $30K will give us the resources to submit the film to festivals and partner with mental health organizations for outreach and screenings.
Although our goal is to reach 30K in 30 days, we understand that sometimes people may accidentally miss campaign deadlines. The last 15 days of this campaign are dedicated to those who wished they could donate in the 30 days, but forgot. So yes, you'll still have one last chance to support! Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Paying Our Cast
Costs $4,380
We'd like to pay our cast fair wages
Paying Our Crew
Costs $16,500
We'd like to pay our crew fair wages!
Equipment
Costs $9,120
Camera, Lights, Locations, Props, Hair & Make-up, Costumes, Miscellaneous, Festival Submissions, and Insurance
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kwanza Nicole Gooden
Kwanza Nicole Gooden is a Caribbean American writer- director based in Los Angeles. She is called to share nuanced, evocative, and thought-provoking stories through narrative and documentary filmmaking.
In 2022, she directed her first major studio project - a 3-part doc-series for ComcastNBCU called “The Black Beauty Effect”, which chronicles and celebrates the contributions made to the beauty industry by black communities. Kwanza also produced and edited the series
which was acquired by netflix in 2023 and is now streaming.
In 2021, Kwanza was approached by Ventureland, Indeed, and Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad to direct the Rising Voices impact film, a short documentary that journeys with 10 BIPOC filmmakers through the inaugural Rising Voices program, and highlights the necessity for diversity and inclusion within the film industry. It was showcased at Tribeca 2021 and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Kwanza joined 14 other female filmmakers to direct short film, Ultra Woman, as part of the Los Angeles anthology series in 2019. Los Angeless premiered in 2020 at Idyllwild International Film Festival and won the Indie Spirit Award.
In 2018, Kwanza co-wrote and directed “Token”, a short film about a young black girl struggling to fit in with her white surroundings, loosely based off Kwanza’s own childhood. That same year, “Token” was screened in Nyc and won Best Director at the Oscar-qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. Token was also a semifinalist at Los Angeles Cinefest, an official selection at Brooklyn Women’s Film Festival, and in 2019, it was awarded Best Drama Short at the Windy City Film Festival in Chicago.
As a multi-hyphenate filmmaker, Kwanza has created a vast catalog of work, collaboratingwith companies like BuzzFeed, BET Networks, Merry Jane, Complex, Color of Change, Black Love Inc, and indeed. and in 2022, she founded her own production company, GoodEntertainment, llc. Her favorite color is red.
Ambi Rachelle
Ambi Rachelle is a Master of Fine Arts student at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, specializing in Film and Television Production. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Ambi's passion for the entertainment industry began at the age of 12 when she attended Stivers School for the Arts, focusing on Theatre and Creative Writing. Her early involvement in the arts included performing in numerous plays and musicals in Dayton and narrating a documentary about the historic Victoria Theatre.
Ambi pursued her passion further by earning two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatre and Creative Writing from the University of Southern California. During her undergraduate years, she actively participated in the student film scene in Los Angeles, gaining valuable experience as both an actor and crew member on numerous projects. Her ultimate ambition is to use her platform to amplify the voices of underserved communities, creating impactful films that resonate with diverse audiences. Ambi is grateful for the unwavering support of her family and friends and dreams of sharing her work with a global audience.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ambi has accumulated significant producorial experience, working on a variety of short films. She has produced films that tackle important social issues, including a film about an abused woman confronting her boyfriend’s infidelity, and another about a girl escaping from sex trafficking. Her role as a producer extends to overseeing all aspects of production, from coordinating logistics to managing budgets and ensuring the creative vision is realized. Ambi's work in film production is complemented by her skills in directing, writing, sound design, cinematography, and editing, making her a versatile and effective producer.
Ambi's dedication to the craft of filmmaking is evident in her hands-on approach and her commitment to telling meaningful stories. Her diverse experience and strong academic background make her a formidable force in the film industry. As she continues her studies, Ambi looks forward to creating more films that not only entertain but also inspire and provoke thought.
Gretel Truong
Gretel Truong is an award-winning producer and impact strategist. She has spent nearly 20 years working at the intersection of social issues, production and programming. She has created content seen by millions of people all around the world on TV, social platforms,
and at film festivals. Originally from the DC Area, she spent her first professional years helping digitize political coverage and producing content and events for clients such as HBO, Google, Newsweek, The Washington Post and billionaire T. Boone Pickens. She then moved to New York to help establish organizations and offices for former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah Brown. Through this, she developed campaigns and content to help get every child learning around the world.
She produced Malala’s first public speech after surviving a terrorist attack for wanting to go to school, where she said, “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” She then worked with Malala around the release of her documentary, He Named Me Malala, ensuring it reached influencers and communities all around the world while also capturing the stories of young leaders making their own local change. In 2019 Gretel moved to Los Angeles to launch the impact campaign for Warner Bros.’ film Just Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan. In 2020 she then went on to help establish Represent Justice as a full time storytelling non-profit elevating and producing stories of people impacted by the justice system.
Gretel has produced or directed three music videos: I Dont Konform’s F**k Your Face (2022), Tim Be Told’s Gravity’s Hold (2008), Sparrow Village’s Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu (2011). She has also produced several scripted and documentary shorts: Finding the Light (2023), Little April (2022), Paradise Boys (2011), By God’s Grace (2009).
For her content and campaign work, Gretel has been awarded 6 Telly Awards, 2 Anthem Awards, and 4 Pollie Awards and featured in over 30 film festivals. She is a distinguished graduate of the University of Virginia, and resides in Los Angeles, California.
Jaryn Peirce
Jaryn Pierce is a passionate filmmaker who began his creative journey in the cornfields of the Midwest and now calls Los Angeles home. He is drawn to challenging subjects and stories that provoke thought, utilizing cinematic mediums to explore narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
In 2023, Jaryn made the bold move to Los Angeles, entering the film industry without the traditional route of film school. He began as a production assistant on commercial sets, contributing to projects for brands like Vagisil and Just for Men. This initial experience equipped him with invaluable insights into the inner workings of a set and the intricacies of navigating the industry.
Later in 2023, Jaryn shifted his focus to scripted film, taking on production assistant roles for short films. In July 2024, he accepted the position of production coordinator for LUX MACHINA Consulting, where he honed his skills in building relationships and collaborating with a team of engineers to design and create a new office space. He also gained experience in camera VFX production and assisted in assembling LED volumes, igniting his passion for guiding others in realizing their creative visions.
As he continues to learn and evolve within the industry, Jaryn is dedicated to carving out his own path in filmmaking. He embraces every aspect of the creative process, relishing the opportunity to help others bring their visions to life on screen.
Ming Jue Hu
MING JUE HU (he/him) is an Asian-American cinematographer with a diverse portfolio spanning commercials, features, and music videos. His passion for filmmaking led him to study film production at NYU Tisch School of the Arts before pursuing cinematography at the American Film Institute.
He was recognized as one of the "Rising Stars of Cinematography" by American Cinematographer Magazine in 2018.
In 2019, Ming traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to shoot the eight-episode TV series, Detective Chinatown, which received rave reviews on the Asian streaming platform. IQIYI. Recently, the feature film LaRoy, Texas, featuring John Magaro, Steve Zahn, and Dylan Baker, premiered at Tribeca International Film Festival 2023.
Ming is based in LA and NYC and is a member of the International Cinematographer’s Guild IATSE Local 600.