VODOU
New Orleans, Louisiana | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
When BR stays with her Vodou Priestess grandmother before college, she is initially wary and superstitious of her Grann's shunned practices. The two spend time together and after she is exposed to her family's secretive spirituality, BR is compelled to learn more about this missing part of herself.
VODOU
New Orleans, Louisiana | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
1 Campaigns | Louisiana, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,375 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
73 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
When BR stays with her Vodou Priestess grandmother before college, she is initially wary and superstitious of her Grann's shunned practices. The two spend time together and after she is exposed to her family's secretive spirituality, BR is compelled to learn more about this missing part of herself.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
(Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, 2019)
THE THOUGHT CIRCLES BR'S MIND AS SHE EXPLORES HER GRANN'S SPIRITUAL SHOP - EYES TAKING IN THE VODOU DOLLS, GRIS-GRIS BAGS, AND VARIOUS SPIRITUAL WARES. SENSATIOINALIZED IDEAS OF VODOU BEING BLACK MAGIC FRAMES EVERYTHING SHE SEES.
BR's mom left New Orleans, and her spirituality, 20 years ago and never looked back. When she decides to stay in New Orleans with her Grann the summer before her first semester in college, she is finally exposed to her family's shunned esoteric culture.
When Grann realizes that BR's wariness is truly born of ignorance she decides give BR a gift - her culture's history. A book worm herself, by the next morning BR is feening to learn more.
Though Grann is hesistant to teach BR more - knowing her own daughter's spiritual spurning - BR requests the right to choose her religious path for herself just like her own mom did.
Grann acquieses, unwilling to ignore BR's need for a connection with her own culture. The two spend BR's first summer day in New Orleans exploring the Vodou Shop.
(Nightmare Alley, 2021)
(Daughters of the Dust, 1992)
A CHARACTER-DRIVEN STORY THAT EXPLORES CULTURAL IDENTITY, FAMILY DYNAMICS, SPIRITUALITY, AND HOW DOGMA CAN OVERSHADOW THEM ALL.
Unique cultural and spiritual beliefs, like Vodou, are often misjudged or characterized with negative stereotypes. These harmful superstitions create environments where individuals can be isolated and shamed in larger society for practicing their beliefs.
Over time, this can cause many to stray away from their Culture and Spiritual Practices in fear of being ostracized.This rejection, in turn, allows for the disappearance of cultures and practices over time through assimilation.
Younger generations are subsequently cut off from their own traditions, creating a different type of isolation - born from being excluded from one’s own culture.
(American Horror Story: Coven, 2020)
Re-entry requires either a versed member of the diaspora teaching this isolated child of the culture, or for the child to wade through the abundance of misinformation available themselves, with the hopes of eventually reaching the truth.
THROUGH "VODOU" WE WILL EXPLORE HOW CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SHAME CAN LEAD TO ASSIMILATION AND FEELINGS OF ISOLATION IN FUTURE GENERATIONS.
We hope this story can shed light on an often misrepresented religious that is usually steeped in racially-charged superstition. In the end, viewers will be left with the idea that one should keep an open mind when learning about cultures and spiritualities they’re unfamiliar with.
(Fast Color, 2018)
After two years of development, we’ve got an amazing script, lookbook, Producers, Director, Cinematographer, Gaffer, Production Designer, and Composer attached to our project.
"Vodou" is ready to start casting. In order to make our production a reality we must now secure our funding.
Once we've secured financing, we can also book our location, hire crew members, buy and rent equipment, dress our sets, ready our tonics, and give an offering to the Cinema Loa through our production.
(New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum)
April 2022: LOCATION, CAST, & CREW
Once we've secured funding, we will be able to book our location, cast our leads, and hire our crew members!
May 6 & 7 2023: FILMING!
We'll shoot the film in New Orleans in late April (before Jazz Fest!). These funds will allow us to secure our gear and insurance in addition to feeding our cast and crew during production.
May - June 2023: POST PRODUCTION
We'll use our funds to hire an editor, colorist, and audio engineer—ensuring a transcendant final cut!
July - June 2024: FILM FESTIVALS
Our funds will cover application and travel! fees for many prestigous 2023 and 2024 film festivals.
July - June 2024: DISTRIBUTION
After our (hopefully) very sucessful festival run, we will seek distribution for "Vodou" so our project can be seen by a wider audience!
(Eve's Bayou, 1997)
We want "Vodou" to reach audiences far and wide—so we're heading to the festival circuit. We've set our sights on Oscar-Qualifying festivals - New Orleans Film Festival, SXSW, Sundance Film Festival, etc.
We also plan to apply to culture-specific festivals - American Black Film Festival, Reel Sister's of the Diaspora Film Festival, and The Pan African Film & Arts Festival, etc.
"Vodou" is a short film that will truly encompass the difference between a film and a movie. Our major goal is to make a cinematically rich film that will also have a real chance at prestigious festivals. We truly believe that "Vodou" could be a special project for everyone who gets involved.
Film Festivals are also incredible opportunities for networking and exposure. With your help, we will create a high-level yet authentic film that will show the world what our Cast & Crew can offer our industry!
Want to become a Child of the House? Here's how you can help create "Vodou":
Contribute to our Campaign!
We need to raise 80% of our $15,000 goal to get the green light!
Loan or Donate Items, Services, or Locations!
Got a Vodou Shop or Patio we could film in? Catering skillz or extra snacks to feed our cast and crew? A clawfoot tub for our Spiritual Bath? Help us out and we'll credit you or offer advertising for your business!
Share our Campaign!
Social Media Posts, DMs, Texts, and Emails— whichever method you prefer!
Click “follow this project” on our campaign page to boost our visibility on the Seed & Spark website.
Follow us on Social Media!
We will be posting casting and production updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and more! Find us on Instagram at @VodouShortFilm
COPY, PASTE + POST TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY GROW:
Assimilation is isolation - let's make a film about cultural acceptance! Follow @VodouShortFilm and support the film on Seed&Spark at www.seedandspark.com/fund/vodou
* We will adhere to the most current Return to Work Agreement in compliance with IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, PGA, and Teamsters. Our specific guidlines can be found at - (https://www.ht399.org/app/uploads/2023/01/Return-to-Work-02.01.2023.pdf) *
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Vodou Shop
Costs $1,000
Without our titular Vodou shop the film won't be the same. Your support would allow us secure it.
Sound!
Costs $800
Our project knows the value of clean tracks. Your donation would help us stitch together our sound.
Set Dressing & Props
Costs $2,000
We dreamt up some beautiful settings and our Production Designer will use these funds to craft them.
Picture Lock!
Costs $2,000
Like Florida Water, our editor can breathe new life into our film in post with these funds!
CREW
Costs $3,000
We would be Zombies without our amazing Crew. This will allow us to pay them the rates they deserve!
CAST
Costs $1,000
Our cast will bring our story to life. These funds will pay for their offerings to this film.
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,700
Our cast will look pretty pretty but we will need that Hair & Makeup yaya for continuity's sake.
COVID Compliance
Costs $500
We'll adhere to the RTWA - (https://www.ht399.org/app/uploads/2023/01/Return-to-Work-02.01.2023.pdf)
Share this update!
About This Team
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER: DEMI ANAIS
Demi Anais is a New Orleans-based Director, Writer, and Producer with a passion for telling rich, character-driven, Fantasy and Sci-Fi stories. Demi began her filmmaking career at The Willow High School. It was there that she got her formal introduction to the craft of cinema and began creating her own short films.
After High School, Demi took a step away from filmmaking to focus on earning her Finance degree at Tulane University. During her Junior year a movie production came to campus - and being an extra reignited her passion for cinematic storytelling. After graduating in 2017, Demi began working on Film and Television sets in the camera department - eventually joining IATSE Local 600 in 2021.
In 2022, after 4 years of on-set camera work and self-study, Demi pivoted to working as a Director’s Assistant on "Interview with the Vampire". This position allowed her to get a close up view of large productions from prep to post. This show also gave Demi her first opportunity as a Stunt Performer - a position she has gladly continued at every opportunity.
Currently, Demi is preparing to tackle her next short film, “VODOU” (2023). This project will mark the official start of her professional directing career. She hopes that her years of real world experience, combined with her dedication to independent study, will aid her in her myth making journey.
Over all else, Demi is committed to creating a safe and collaborative working environment where diverse voices and perspectives are afforded equity. Aside from her work as a filmmaker, Demi enjoys reading, snorkeling, horseback riding, traveling, and exploring new cultures through food.
CO-PRODUCER: JOURDAN BAZLEY
Jourdan Bazley is an experienced Camera Operator, DP, Producer, and Podcaster with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. She is skilled in Production Management, Television, Media Production, Office Administration, and Stationery. She also has experience in Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, After Effects and Photoshop.
Aside from Co-Producing, Jourdan will also serve as our Marketing Director. She has a strong media and marketing background and currently independently shoots and produces marketing materials for her commercial clients. Jourdan will plan, produce and capture documentary and ad style videos during the filming of “Vodou” to be used for an aggressive marketing campaign.
CO-PRODUCER: BRITTANY FALLOW
Brittany Fallow is a California native that discovered her love for filmmaking in high school. She started her journey by making "Oscar Worthy" videos for the pep rallys in her small town school. She then went on to work as an assistant to a lead Actress in 2012, where she learned how to work on set, write and edit scripts, and run a production company.
She graduated from Arizona State University in 2017 with a Major in Family & Human Development and a Minor in Film. After moving to New Orleans in 2019, she began working as an assistant to Producers, Line Producers, and UPMs - where she was mentored on high budget films and television series.
She has now worked as a Producer, Line Producer, and UPM on multiple shorts and recently completed her first feature film. Her ultimate goal is to continue to work alongside and meet people with the same passion for creation, and support incredible filmmakers as they bring their stories to life.
CINEMATOGRAPHER: BRON MOYI
Bron is a story driven cinematographer who approaches each project with the intention of not only serving but also elevating the director's vision. He gets the most excited when he works with heart-centered artists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of convention. Bron prioritizes fostering a collaborative and creative environment on set by actively working to bring a positive energy and attitude to every project.
Bron maintains a healthy balance between fiction and non- fiction work. He is most proud of his work for the feature documentary “Silent Beauty” which premiered at Hot Docs in 2022 and for Jon Batiste's "FREEDOM," which won the Grammy for Best Music Video in 2022.
Bron has worked with clients such as HBO, Amazon, The New York Times, OWN, REI, and The Ad Council. Aside from his work as a cinematographer, Bron enjoys all forms of travel, scuba diving and cooking for friends. He brings a unique energy and perspective to every project he works on, with a creative and passionate approach to everything he does.
COMPOSER / CULTURAL CONSULTANT: JORDAN OBA LORRIUS
Jordan is teacher, entrepreneur, and composer in New Orleans. Jordan is a musician, educator, philanthropist, composer, activist and businessman. He attended Eastern State Connecticut State University and received a Bachelor degree in Communication Psychology.
Jordan Lorrius tells stories in the form of song and film. Guided and nurtured by Haitian parents who are missionaries, Lorrius has the inherent desire to work with inspiring people around the globe who wish to share their talents and experiences for the betterment of society on a global scale.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
(Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, 2019)
THE THOUGHT CIRCLES BR'S MIND AS SHE EXPLORES HER GRANN'S SPIRITUAL SHOP - EYES TAKING IN THE VODOU DOLLS, GRIS-GRIS BAGS, AND VARIOUS SPIRITUAL WARES. SENSATIOINALIZED IDEAS OF VODOU BEING BLACK MAGIC FRAMES EVERYTHING SHE SEES.
BR's mom left New Orleans, and her spirituality, 20 years ago and never looked back. When she decides to stay in New Orleans with her Grann the summer before her first semester in college, she is finally exposed to her family's shunned esoteric culture.
When Grann realizes that BR's wariness is truly born of ignorance she decides give BR a gift - her culture's history. A book worm herself, by the next morning BR is feening to learn more.
Though Grann is hesistant to teach BR more - knowing her own daughter's spiritual spurning - BR requests the right to choose her religious path for herself just like her own mom did.
Grann acquieses, unwilling to ignore BR's need for a connection with her own culture. The two spend BR's first summer day in New Orleans exploring the Vodou Shop.
(Nightmare Alley, 2021)
(Daughters of the Dust, 1992)
A CHARACTER-DRIVEN STORY THAT EXPLORES CULTURAL IDENTITY, FAMILY DYNAMICS, SPIRITUALITY, AND HOW DOGMA CAN OVERSHADOW THEM ALL.
Unique cultural and spiritual beliefs, like Vodou, are often misjudged or characterized with negative stereotypes. These harmful superstitions create environments where individuals can be isolated and shamed in larger society for practicing their beliefs.
Over time, this can cause many to stray away from their Culture and Spiritual Practices in fear of being ostracized.This rejection, in turn, allows for the disappearance of cultures and practices over time through assimilation.
Younger generations are subsequently cut off from their own traditions, creating a different type of isolation - born from being excluded from one’s own culture.
(American Horror Story: Coven, 2020)
Re-entry requires either a versed member of the diaspora teaching this isolated child of the culture, or for the child to wade through the abundance of misinformation available themselves, with the hopes of eventually reaching the truth.
THROUGH "VODOU" WE WILL EXPLORE HOW CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SHAME CAN LEAD TO ASSIMILATION AND FEELINGS OF ISOLATION IN FUTURE GENERATIONS.
We hope this story can shed light on an often misrepresented religious that is usually steeped in racially-charged superstition. In the end, viewers will be left with the idea that one should keep an open mind when learning about cultures and spiritualities they’re unfamiliar with.
(Fast Color, 2018)
After two years of development, we’ve got an amazing script, lookbook, Producers, Director, Cinematographer, Gaffer, Production Designer, and Composer attached to our project.
"Vodou" is ready to start casting. In order to make our production a reality we must now secure our funding.
Once we've secured financing, we can also book our location, hire crew members, buy and rent equipment, dress our sets, ready our tonics, and give an offering to the Cinema Loa through our production.
(New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum)
April 2022: LOCATION, CAST, & CREW
Once we've secured funding, we will be able to book our location, cast our leads, and hire our crew members!
May 6 & 7 2023: FILMING!
We'll shoot the film in New Orleans in late April (before Jazz Fest!). These funds will allow us to secure our gear and insurance in addition to feeding our cast and crew during production.
May - June 2023: POST PRODUCTION
We'll use our funds to hire an editor, colorist, and audio engineer—ensuring a transcendant final cut!
July - June 2024: FILM FESTIVALS
Our funds will cover application and travel! fees for many prestigous 2023 and 2024 film festivals.
July - June 2024: DISTRIBUTION
After our (hopefully) very sucessful festival run, we will seek distribution for "Vodou" so our project can be seen by a wider audience!
(Eve's Bayou, 1997)
We want "Vodou" to reach audiences far and wide—so we're heading to the festival circuit. We've set our sights on Oscar-Qualifying festivals - New Orleans Film Festival, SXSW, Sundance Film Festival, etc.
We also plan to apply to culture-specific festivals - American Black Film Festival, Reel Sister's of the Diaspora Film Festival, and The Pan African Film & Arts Festival, etc.
"Vodou" is a short film that will truly encompass the difference between a film and a movie. Our major goal is to make a cinematically rich film that will also have a real chance at prestigious festivals. We truly believe that "Vodou" could be a special project for everyone who gets involved.
Film Festivals are also incredible opportunities for networking and exposure. With your help, we will create a high-level yet authentic film that will show the world what our Cast & Crew can offer our industry!
Want to become a Child of the House? Here's how you can help create "Vodou":
Contribute to our Campaign!
We need to raise 80% of our $15,000 goal to get the green light!
Loan or Donate Items, Services, or Locations!
Got a Vodou Shop or Patio we could film in? Catering skillz or extra snacks to feed our cast and crew? A clawfoot tub for our Spiritual Bath? Help us out and we'll credit you or offer advertising for your business!
Share our Campaign!
Social Media Posts, DMs, Texts, and Emails— whichever method you prefer!
Click “follow this project” on our campaign page to boost our visibility on the Seed & Spark website.
Follow us on Social Media!
We will be posting casting and production updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and more! Find us on Instagram at @VodouShortFilm
COPY, PASTE + POST TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY GROW:
Assimilation is isolation - let's make a film about cultural acceptance! Follow @VodouShortFilm and support the film on Seed&Spark at www.seedandspark.com/fund/vodou
* We will adhere to the most current Return to Work Agreement in compliance with IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, PGA, and Teamsters. Our specific guidlines can be found at - (https://www.ht399.org/app/uploads/2023/01/Return-to-Work-02.01.2023.pdf) *
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Vodou Shop
Costs $1,000
Without our titular Vodou shop the film won't be the same. Your support would allow us secure it.
Sound!
Costs $800
Our project knows the value of clean tracks. Your donation would help us stitch together our sound.
Set Dressing & Props
Costs $2,000
We dreamt up some beautiful settings and our Production Designer will use these funds to craft them.
Picture Lock!
Costs $2,000
Like Florida Water, our editor can breathe new life into our film in post with these funds!
CREW
Costs $3,000
We would be Zombies without our amazing Crew. This will allow us to pay them the rates they deserve!
CAST
Costs $1,000
Our cast will bring our story to life. These funds will pay for their offerings to this film.
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,700
Our cast will look pretty pretty but we will need that Hair & Makeup yaya for continuity's sake.
COVID Compliance
Costs $500
We'll adhere to the RTWA - (https://www.ht399.org/app/uploads/2023/01/Return-to-Work-02.01.2023.pdf)
Share this update!
About This Team
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER: DEMI ANAIS
Demi Anais is a New Orleans-based Director, Writer, and Producer with a passion for telling rich, character-driven, Fantasy and Sci-Fi stories. Demi began her filmmaking career at The Willow High School. It was there that she got her formal introduction to the craft of cinema and began creating her own short films.
After High School, Demi took a step away from filmmaking to focus on earning her Finance degree at Tulane University. During her Junior year a movie production came to campus - and being an extra reignited her passion for cinematic storytelling. After graduating in 2017, Demi began working on Film and Television sets in the camera department - eventually joining IATSE Local 600 in 2021.
In 2022, after 4 years of on-set camera work and self-study, Demi pivoted to working as a Director’s Assistant on "Interview with the Vampire". This position allowed her to get a close up view of large productions from prep to post. This show also gave Demi her first opportunity as a Stunt Performer - a position she has gladly continued at every opportunity.
Currently, Demi is preparing to tackle her next short film, “VODOU” (2023). This project will mark the official start of her professional directing career. She hopes that her years of real world experience, combined with her dedication to independent study, will aid her in her myth making journey.
Over all else, Demi is committed to creating a safe and collaborative working environment where diverse voices and perspectives are afforded equity. Aside from her work as a filmmaker, Demi enjoys reading, snorkeling, horseback riding, traveling, and exploring new cultures through food.
CO-PRODUCER: JOURDAN BAZLEY
Jourdan Bazley is an experienced Camera Operator, DP, Producer, and Podcaster with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. She is skilled in Production Management, Television, Media Production, Office Administration, and Stationery. She also has experience in Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, After Effects and Photoshop.
Aside from Co-Producing, Jourdan will also serve as our Marketing Director. She has a strong media and marketing background and currently independently shoots and produces marketing materials for her commercial clients. Jourdan will plan, produce and capture documentary and ad style videos during the filming of “Vodou” to be used for an aggressive marketing campaign.
CO-PRODUCER: BRITTANY FALLOW
Brittany Fallow is a California native that discovered her love for filmmaking in high school. She started her journey by making "Oscar Worthy" videos for the pep rallys in her small town school. She then went on to work as an assistant to a lead Actress in 2012, where she learned how to work on set, write and edit scripts, and run a production company.
She graduated from Arizona State University in 2017 with a Major in Family & Human Development and a Minor in Film. After moving to New Orleans in 2019, she began working as an assistant to Producers, Line Producers, and UPMs - where she was mentored on high budget films and television series.
She has now worked as a Producer, Line Producer, and UPM on multiple shorts and recently completed her first feature film. Her ultimate goal is to continue to work alongside and meet people with the same passion for creation, and support incredible filmmakers as they bring their stories to life.
CINEMATOGRAPHER: BRON MOYI
Bron is a story driven cinematographer who approaches each project with the intention of not only serving but also elevating the director's vision. He gets the most excited when he works with heart-centered artists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of convention. Bron prioritizes fostering a collaborative and creative environment on set by actively working to bring a positive energy and attitude to every project.
Bron maintains a healthy balance between fiction and non- fiction work. He is most proud of his work for the feature documentary “Silent Beauty” which premiered at Hot Docs in 2022 and for Jon Batiste's "FREEDOM," which won the Grammy for Best Music Video in 2022.
Bron has worked with clients such as HBO, Amazon, The New York Times, OWN, REI, and The Ad Council. Aside from his work as a cinematographer, Bron enjoys all forms of travel, scuba diving and cooking for friends. He brings a unique energy and perspective to every project he works on, with a creative and passionate approach to everything he does.
COMPOSER / CULTURAL CONSULTANT: JORDAN OBA LORRIUS
Jordan is teacher, entrepreneur, and composer in New Orleans. Jordan is a musician, educator, philanthropist, composer, activist and businessman. He attended Eastern State Connecticut State University and received a Bachelor degree in Communication Psychology.
Jordan Lorrius tells stories in the form of song and film. Guided and nurtured by Haitian parents who are missionaries, Lorrius has the inherent desire to work with inspiring people around the globe who wish to share their talents and experiences for the betterment of society on a global scale.