Our film increases representation and inclusion both in front of and behind the camera. Our co-writer, director, producer, cinematographer, production designer, and lead actress are all female. In addition, our script is filled with genuine, strong female characters.

Where Black Swan meets The King's Speech, this ambitious project is about so much more than making a compelling piece of cinema. We aim to provide comfort to those struggling from debilitating mental illness in reminding them that they are never alone, as well as empower them to take action. Even individuals without an extremely personal connection to anxiety or depression can relate to being tremendously afraid to face and conquer their deepest, darkest insecurities and fears. Juliana, the film's protagonist, so desperately seeks a career as an actress, however, in order to succeed she must look within herself and battle the beast lurking in her mind. Mental illness can be a topic that many may shy away from, but our goal is to bring it to the forefront and continue a dialogue pertaining to mental and emotional health. 

 

Heavily influenced by her own experiences, Rachel, the co-writer and director of Woman in the Arena, has felt like a solo passenger on a roller coaster ride of emotions her entire life dealing with anxiety. As a creatively driven young woman growing up in southern California, she constantly felt the immense pressures of society and its expectations weighing heavily on her. This presumption of perfection and fear of failure has held her back from taking risks in many areas of her life, despite her deeply rooted desire to be a performer, storyteller, and an artist. Some days are less foggy than others, but the storm is always looming close by.

 

 

The concept for this story was inspired by the famous quote from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic" by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910. An exerpt from that speech, "The Man in the Arena," tells a tale of daring greatly despite the odds and your greatest fears. One Sunday afternoon, when Rachel tuned into Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, she heard "The Man in the Arena" recited by Brene Brown which moved her to tears. Since then, the quote has been a driving force for her to keep pushing herself in her personal life and career despite her over overwhelming fears of failure and anxieties about being "good enough."

 

 

In a patriarchal society that views women as weaker and less capable, this film strives to obliterate that perception and reinstate one of strength, dignity, and empathy. We see, hear, and feel the world through Juliana's eyes which enables us to understand her struggle and allows us to root for her success. Our team hopes that Juliana can provide a shining example of a woman that can feel victimized by the world, her condition, and her circumstances and still make the active decision to rise above it. Juliana is a female superhero in all definitions of the word. As the director, Rachel hopes to take you on a journey resembling Juliana's experiences, treking right there with her throughout the film. She aspires to make you feel something and to kindly force you to look at the world through a unfamiliar, less conventional lens. This will be her most raw, vulnerable and challenging project to date and she's incredibly excited and motived to work with her insanely talented cast & crew to bring it to life.

 

This film is a reminder to all those watching that the things that we love and the passions that ignite us are always worth fighting for! 

 

We need your help! Take the risk and dare greatly. Please join us in this incredible movement. Thank you so much for your support!

 

 

Financial Goals

Even though our crowdfunding goal is set at $3,645, that is our bare minimum to get this film made. In order to fully achieve the potential for this film, our actual funding goal that we're striving for is $5,145. Even once we surpass our initial crowdfunding goal, there is still plenty of work to be done, so don't hesitate to share with family, friends, and coworkers!