Our film, inspired by real events, tells the fictional story of Carolyn Kim, a Korean-American student who begins the fight for an Ethnic Studies program on her college campus. Although our film takes place in the late 1960s, it also mirrors recent events in our communities.
Our film, inspired by real events, tells the fictional story of Carolyn Kim, a Korean-American student who begins the fight for an Ethnic Studies program on her college campus. Although our film takes place in the late 1960s, it also mirrors recent events in our communities.
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Story
Mission Statement
We want to create stories that are grounded in history, that inspire activism and racial equality. We hope to highlight an aspect of the 1960s that tends to be forgotten in the midst of so much cultural and political change happening during this decade.About The Project
One day while in quarantine, three actresses met over Zoom for the first time to make a film. We gravitated toward the 1960s because it was a time of so much cultural and political change, when people fought hard for equality and social justice. We had always wanted to make a film that took place in this decade- but we had to ask ourselves - what aspect of the 1960s should we focus on?
We noticed that a lot of important events in the 1960s have already been highlighted in media- recent films such as Selma and The Trial of the Chicago Seven; even classics such as Forrest Gump.
But there was one aspect of the 1960s that we have not seen told in media before. Around the time that Vietnam War protests were at their peak, there was also a rising demand for Ethnic Studies Programs on college campuses, such as at San Francisco State and UC Berkeley.
So that's where the idea for our story came from- we want to tell a fictional story, inspired by historical events, about a Korean American student- Carolyn Kim - who pushes to create tangible change on her campus, despite pushback from her favorite Professor, and her own peers. We created Carolyn's character to embody the spirit of the incredible activists in 1968 and beyond who paved the way for Ethnic Studies and put everything on the line. We are determined to do them justice by honoring them through this character and story.
When we first started writing this script, we were excited to tell a story inspired by historic events. What we didn't realize as we were working on this script, was how eerily similar it would end up being to current events. With the sharp increase in Anti-Asian attacks within the past few months alone, and the terrorist attacks in Atlanta, it reinforced that our story needs to be told, because Asian-American representation in media matters. Our lead actor, Ami, even had her own experience in Los Angeles:
"We came together to share a story about the racism against Asian Americans in the late 1960s. My character actually gets referenced as "Gook" in the script and it is WILD that it was shouted at me in real life two days ago. Circumstances like these are a constant reminder of why we need to keep sharing, whether it's through art, media, or our voices."
Here is what you can do to help!
1. Follow our Seed and Spark page. It's super easy- just scroll to the top of this page and click the blue "Follow" button. You can then log into Seed and Spark using an email address, or through Facebook! The more followers we have, the higher chance that we'll be "Featured" on Seed and Spark and get more eyes on our campaign.
2. If you are able to at this time, a monetary contribution will help us bring this project to life. You can support us financially by scrolling to the top of this page, and clicking the green "Make a Pledge" button.
3. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the campaign and the film!
4. Spread the word! Share our project with friends and family, post on your social media and tag us! This will increase our chances of reaching our fundraising goal!
THANK YOU for your support, it seriously means the world to us!
Incentives
$10
You Make Me Want to (Shout!)
Thanks for your contribution!! We will post and tag you in a customized social media shoutout.
$25
The Times They Are a-Changin'
In addition to a social media shout out, you will receive an exclusive link to the film once it's done!
$50
Straight Shooter
In addition to a Social Media Shoutout and exclusive link to the final product, you will also receive a Special Thanks in the end credits of our film!
$100
Bruce Lee
Thanks for helping kick butt with us! In addition to the previous incentives, you will get a FREE 1-Hour Self Defense class via Zoom with Gavin Teragawa, a self-defense expert/Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt.
You will also get a Special Thanks in the end credits of the film!
$250
What do ya need?
Thanks so much for your contribution! What do ya need? Christine has got you! Whether it be helping you move, nannying, feedback on your script, a chauffeur, organizing, dog-walking, advice on crowdfunding, or reading you stories. She's got you! Open for discussion, up to 4 hours.
You will also receive a personalized thank you video from the producers of the film!
$500
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Wouldn't it be nice...to learn what it's like to work on a film set? What goes into recreating the late 1960s? Shadow our award-winning Production Designer for the day on our shoot (in-person* or over Zoom)
You will also be invited to the Cast and Crew screening* of the film!
*travel and lodging not included
$1,000
Associate Producer
You will be listed as an Associate Producer in the credits of the film, invited to the LA premiere of the film*, as well as attend the cast and crew table read of the script. Additional requests are open for negotiation
*travel and lodging not included
$5,000
Executive Producer!
Congrats! You will be an Executive Producer of our film! Your name will be in the opening credits of the film, and you will be a huge key to our process. You are invited to attend our shoot, and watch each cut of the film in post-production (we would love your feedback!) You will also be invited to attend the premiere of the film in LA (we will cover travel and lodging). Additional requests are open for negotiation.
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
You Make Me Want to (Shout!)
Thanks for your contribution!! We will post and tag you in a customized social media shoutout.
$25
The Times They Are a-Changin'
In addition to a social media shout out, you will receive an exclusive link to the film once it's done!
$50
Straight Shooter
In addition to a Social Media Shoutout and exclusive link to the final product, you will also receive a Special Thanks in the end credits of our film!
$100
Bruce Lee
Thanks for helping kick butt with us! In addition to the previous incentives, you will get a FREE 1-Hour Self Defense class via Zoom with Gavin Teragawa, a self-defense expert/Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt.
You will also get a Special Thanks in the end credits of the film!
$250
What do ya need?
Thanks so much for your contribution! What do ya need? Christine has got you! Whether it be helping you move, nannying, feedback on your script, a chauffeur, organizing, dog-walking, advice on crowdfunding, or reading you stories. She's got you! Open for discussion, up to 4 hours.
You will also receive a personalized thank you video from the producers of the film!
$500
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Wouldn't it be nice...to learn what it's like to work on a film set? What goes into recreating the late 1960s? Shadow our award-winning Production Designer for the day on our shoot (in-person* or over Zoom)
You will also be invited to the Cast and Crew screening* of the film!
*travel and lodging not included
$1,000
Associate Producer
You will be listed as an Associate Producer in the credits of the film, invited to the LA premiere of the film*, as well as attend the cast and crew table read of the script. Additional requests are open for negotiation
*travel and lodging not included
$5,000
Executive Producer!
Congrats! You will be an Executive Producer of our film! Your name will be in the opening credits of the film, and you will be a huge key to our process. You are invited to attend our shoot, and watch each cut of the film in post-production (we would love your feedback!) You will also be invited to attend the premiere of the film in LA (we will cover travel and lodging). Additional requests are open for negotiation.
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Ami Park | Actor
Ami Park is a Korean-American actress best known for her recurring role as "Soo" in the award winning Drama television series 'This is Us' along with ABC’s 'The Middle' and Amazon’s 'Fractured.'
Park was born in Manhattan, New York and spent most of her childhood in the east coast pursuing acting. She graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Boston University in Theatre Arts, immediately moving to Los Angeles thereafter. During her first year in Los Angeles, Park was a host for Kore Asian Media (now Character Media) and ISATv, where both platforms focus on highlighting Asian American experiences and continues to tell stories based on Asian American cultures and experiences. Her other passions include life coaching through her program, Awakened Joy. You can find her spinning her double nunchucks while sharing tips on joy and abundance on her Instagram
Christine Hughes | Writer/Producer/Actor
Christine Hughes is an actress from the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently working in Los Angeles. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Chapman University, and has also studied with the BGB, American Conservatory Theater, Playhouse West, The Groundlings, and UCB. Her most recent acting credits include the horror anthology DEATHCEMBER, which screened at festivals all over the world, and the role of Sam in a film adaptation of the novel LEAVING WISHVILLE. This is Christine's writing debut- her favorite decade musically is the 1960s, and she has always had an interest in historical fiction stories that inspire change. Growing up, she was involved in Debate club, and was most recently a volunteer for the Biden/Harris campaign.
Elizabeth Hales | Producer/Actor
Elizabeth Hales is an award-winning actress and producer known for Devil May Cry 5 (2019), Yellowstone (2019) and Christmas Oranges with Ed Herrmann (2013). Her voice can be heard in video games, national commercials, and narrations. Her film "Disclosure" won Best Drama at the Oregon Short Film Festival and is touring the festival circuit. A Utah native, she grew up around the antique car hobby, traveling all over the country in her family's 1913 Model T and 1912 EMF Studebaker where she developed a love for history, historical clothing, and preserving the past.
Alle Hsu | Director
Alexandra (Alle) Hsu is a Chinese-American director/producer, born and raised in Southern California. She received her MFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in Film Directing and Production. Prior to Tisch, Alle earned her BA from Scripps College, double majoring in Media Studies and Asian Studies. Her undergraduate thesis documentary, WOMEN: CULTURAL REVOLUTION TO CAPITALIST REVOLUTION, was part of the Pomona College Museum of Art’s “China Insights” Exhibit and received a museum grant in 2011.
In graduate school, Alle co-wrote, directed, and produced the short film, SOPHIE in Hong Kong. SOPHIE had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival (FF), and its international premiere at the Foyle FF. The film went on to screen at over 15 film festivals around the world. Alle also directed another short, a 1960s period film, OUR WAY HOME, in Long Island, N.Y. The film premiered at HollyShorts FF in 2018. Alle is starting her festival run on two other short films: POP! her NYU thesis film, starring Emmy-nominated actress, Michelle Ang, and RENCONTRES PAYSANNES (“FARMERS DATING”). Most recently, she directed a short film, UNREAD, for the non-profit, SafeBAE, in the inaugural CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge.
Alle was named the Kearny Street Workshop APAture Featured Artist in Film, and was a Directing Mentee in the Women in Film (WIF) Mentoring Program. Committed to truthful and authentic storytelling, Alle is developing projects all inspired by true stories. This includes a narrative limited series about the Vincent Chin case and movement. Alle was selected to be a resident in the SFFILM FilmHouse Residency (2019-2020), to support the development of her feature, QUEENS. This year, Alle was a participant in the Cine Qua Non Lab Storylines Lab, developing the feature treatment for a story about her great-grandmother, a role model for women in China, Zhang Youyi.
Alle is looking forward to being a part of the “Unwavering” Team, and ensuring that this story gets told!
Sarah Reddy l Director of Photography
Sarah Reddy is a cinematographer who recently received her MFA in Film Production, Cinematography Emphasis in May 2020. Before Chapman, she majored in Visual Arts at the University of British Columbia. During quarantine, Sarah has been busy shooting short films, music videos, and a PBS documentary that celebrates the 50th anniversary of SDSU's women's studies department. Sarah is most excited to help tell stories that are based on true historical events.
Zekun Mao | Editor
Zekun "Zoe" Mao grew up in Beijing, and graduated from the American Film Institute. Mao started her career working with several documentary filmmakers, including Louisa Wei. Mao’s work has been accepted into multiple Oscar-qualifying festivals, including Palm Springs International ShortFest, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Festival, Cannes, and HollyShorts. She has won three Best Editing awards for her work on "Jie Jie", which won second place at the HBO Asian Pacific American Visionaries competition and is currently streaming on all HBO platforms.
We are grateful to have her on our team as our editor!
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