YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN
San Diego, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
This film provides a compassionate view of a reality LGBTQIA+ people continue to face, “What do you do when you’re out, but your partner isn’t? (or vice versa?)”... This short love story is set to AJ Rafael’s legendary song, “When We Say (Juicebox)”– just reimagined from a queer woman’s perspective.
YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN
San Diego, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,860 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
155 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This film provides a compassionate view of a reality LGBTQIA+ people continue to face, “What do you do when you’re out, but your partner isn’t? (or vice versa?)”... This short love story is set to AJ Rafael’s legendary song, “When We Say (Juicebox)”– just reimagined from a queer woman’s perspective.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
LOGLINE | After a star-crossed romance, Maya + Sam, two Filipinas in their late 20s, struggle to truly let each other go.
YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN is a short love story set to AJ Rafael’s legendary song, “When We Say (Juicebox)”– just reimagined from a queer woman’s perspective.
AJ Rafael + our director, Marissa Roxas – The meeting where AJ gave us his full blessing <3
This film follows two female leads through various moments of their intimate relationship. There’s Sam– an aspiring film director + veteran queer who knows what she wants. For her, Maya is the one. Then there’s Maya– who’s at many crossroads in her life, navigating her Saturn Return. She’s happily partnered to Sam, but is not out in all areas of her life.
This story explores identity + acceptance, and provides a compassionate view of a reality LGBTQIA+ people continue to face, “What do you do when you’re out, but your partner isn’t? (or vice versa?)”...
Ultimately, this film is about love, loss, + letting go.
"YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN” is a film inspired by the ending of my last relationship. It is a story that is told through the lens of both my Filipino-American + queer identities– but above all else, it is a love story.
I wrote this script as I was still very much processing + healing from my breakup– and though it was difficult, I am grateful to have been able to transmute that grief + loss into something I believe will help other hearts heal too.
I’m making this film only from a place of love + compassion for the past versions of myself + former partner and anyone who has gone through a similar situation. So there are no heroes or villains in this story, only humans... experiencing the most human things– love, loss, + letting go.
with love,
Marissa Roxas
Director
These films are not only similar in tone / theme to YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN, but have also helped my heart heal. So I hope by making this film, I can do that for others too.
Visually, I am taking inspiration from NIKI’s “Oceans & Engines” music video and my favorite movie of 2023, Past Lives.
San Diego Filipino Cinema serves as our project's Fiscal Sponsor. Donations to this project can receive tax deductions as applicable by law. For questions about this, please email SDFC directly at [email protected] with the subject line "You+Me Film Project".
Seed&Spark requires that we raise at least 80% of our goal for the project to be funded.
We must reach this goal in 30 days or we won’t receive any funds at all.
Every dollar donated to this campaign will help this film reach its full potential– and that all starts with investing in the people behind the project.
The $18,500 that you are helping us raise will go towards (in order of priority):
- Hiring local cast + crew in San Diego
- Ensuring our cast + crew are fed nourishing meals during production
- Securing locations + permits
- Purchasing items for production design + wardrobe
- Renting necessary film equipment
While $18,500 is the minimum amount of funding we need to complete this film, this is what any additional funds raised will be used towards at various stretch goals:
- At $20,000 - We will be able to hire a colorist to ensure a more efficient, post-production process.
- At $25,000 - We will be able to pay our cast + crew higher rates, invest more into production design, and have money for contingencies.
- At $30,000 - We will be able to pay our cast + crew even higher rates, rent vintage lenses, and submit the film to more festivals.
- Conception | Oct. 16th, 2022 – This all started when I wrote this in my notes app…
- First Draft | June 2023 – Since I was still healing from + processing my breakup, it took me 9 months to complete the 1st draft of the script.
- First Pitch | Nov. 2023 – I finally found the courage to “pitch” the script to my closest friends + collaborators.
- Pre-Production | Nov. 2023 – Apr. 2024
- Casting | Nov. 2023 – Jan. 2024 – As of Jan. 2024, we are casted! Stay updated with our campaign to find out who our stars are! IG | @always.filamfilm
- Rehearsals | Jan. – Apr. 2024 – I am grateful to have weeks prior to filming to work + prepare with my actors… and train them in Filipino Martial Arts…
- Seed&Spark Campaign | Feb. – Mar. 2024 – Where we are now– thank you so much for being here, and helping us bring this film to life!
- Principal Photography | April 4-6th, 2024 – We will be filming for 3 days in April, on location in San Diego, CA. Our whole cast + crew are locals :).
- Post-Production | April – June 2024 – When the final pass of magic will be made– through editing, coloring, sound design, and final score will be added.
- Distribution | Summer – Fall 2024 + Beyond… – We hope to submit this film to as many festivals as we can... especially those that amplify Filipino, AAPI, and queer voices + stories ... and eventually, if everyone at WongFu Productions are on board, we feel it’s only right that this film lives on forever on their YouTube channel.
From our Director–
I can’t count how many times I almost let this script die… but something in me urged me not to. I realized that though this is a very personal story– it is much greater than that.
This story is for anyone who’s ever had to love someone in secret. This story is for anyone who may even be grieving such a love in isolation.
This film is for all the queer loves that have lived in the shadows or never had a chance to even begin... making this film is my way of honoring those stories– by bringing them to light.
If you are unable to donate at this time– no worries!
We appreciate anyone who simply spreads the word about our film, and you can do that by sharing the link to our Seed&Spark campaign with your network | bit.ly/always-filamfilm
You can even copy + paste this message to use on social media | " Help a majority Filipino-American cast + crew make @always.filamfilm by making a pledge on @seedandspark! Join them here: bit.ly/always-filamfilm "
You can also follow along on our journey on INSTAGRAM | @always.filamfilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Nourishing Meals for Our Cast + Crew
Costs $1,550
Making a good film starts with taking care of the people behind it– we want to ensure our cast + crew are eating healthy during filming!
Local Cast + Crew
Costs $12,250
The majority of our budget will go towards paying our cast + crew for their time + talent– we couldn't make this film without them!
Post-Production
Costs $2,600
The final movie is made in the edit– these funds will help us mix + master the sound and music and color grade the film.
Production Design, Locations, Gear, Oh My!
Costs $2,100
We're trying to be as scrappy as we can when it comes to the "things" we need to make this film– but we still need some budget for that!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
- WRITER / DIRECTOR – MARISSA ROXAS (she/they) is an award-winning cinematographer based in San Diego, CA. Representation is powerful— which is exactly why she’s decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. She’s returning to the director’s chair after a 7 year hiatus because she feels like she’s finally ready to tell a very personal story from her own voice + perspective. She’s ready to use her 10 years of filmmaking experience, and insight as a cinematographer to bring YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN to the big screen. When she’s not on set, Marissa continues to cultivate a creative community she helped co-found called The FilAm Film Collective. She is also a multi-disciplinary martial artist— training in Kajukenbo, Boxing, and Filipino Martial Arts weekly.
- PRODUCER / 1ST AD – LEAH LOMBOS (she/her) is a San Diego-based Filipino-American film director and producer who creates stories that reflect authentic representation for people of color, especially Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. She specializes in directing and producing narratives, non-narratives, and music videos that capture the aesthetic and beauty of humankind with her unique way of storytelling. In 2020, her short film Kain Na was accepted and featured in the San Diego International Film Festival’s Virtual Local Theater under the A Woman’s Place - Female Shorts Program. Leah was also nominated in the Best First Time Director category at the 2020 San Diego Film Awards.
- PRODUCER – ALYSSA MOPIA (she/her) is a San Diego-based producer, driven by her passion for documenting the inspiring stories of artists and entrepreneurs. As the co- founder of Future's Past, a full-service Video and Film Production studio, she focuses on creating commercial, narrative, and documentary projects that center around human stories through a cinematic and documentarian lens. Her experience extends to roles as an Associate Producer, Story Producer, and Production Coordinator for various commercial and unscripted projects on platforms such as Netflix, Facebook Watch, and VH1. Alyssa's heartfelt mission is to unite and empower talented individuals within our communities to capture storytelling that deeply connects beyond the screen.
- CASTING DIRECTOR / WARDROBE – EARL PAUS (They/He/Siya) is queer Pilipinx-American actor, director & creative collaborator. Earl creates with the motto “acting out the truth so others can live theirs”. They believe entertainment has the power to impact audiences in a personal way to heal cultural wounds, encourage social change and inspire audiences to think more empathically. Earl embodies the underdog, the outcast and the people in the fringes of society that are looked at as less than or irrelevant. They believe stories of resilience and resistance can empower real people to make real change in real life. Earl is a magician that aims to embody real stories, harmonize community voices, and move spirits through the magic of theater, film & television.
- DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY – LAUREN BUMATAY (she/her) is a filmmaker who recently graduated with a degree in Film & Digital Media from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her focus primarily lies in cinematography & videography, however she’s well rounded in other realms of film including editing, color, and producing! Film for her is a beautiful and collaborative genre where she strives to share stories reflecting the universality of human experiences. She creates with the intention to make people feel— it also allows herself to outwardly express her deep inner emotions in an artistic way.
- ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / GAFFER – ALEX LALANGAN (he/him) is a filmmaker and gaffer based in San Diego, CA. He first got into filmmaking by focusing on camera work and lighting for independent, narrative films and music videos. Now, he finds himself emphasizing storytelling as he develops his documentary and live production skills. This past year, Alex has also stepped into creating spaces that can help support creatives, artists, filmmakers and the like in the community. When not on set, Alex likes to take photos and cook with friends and family.
- PRODUCTION DESIGN – EDRIAN PANGILINAN (he/him) is a Filipino-American content creator/filmmaker/photographer + dance artist based in San Diego, CA. He is a co-founder of "The Filam Film Collective" along with Marissa Roxas & Trixi Agiao that aims to amplify fellow AAPI voices into the mainstream media. His work is greatly inspired by his press for representation as a brown, filipino and lgbtq human. He intends on pursuing his dream of becoming a filmmaker focusing on LGBT+ related themes that challenge the status quo AND initiate dialogues necessary for change. Credits include ABS-CBN/TFC, GMA PinoyTV, Goldilocks, San Diego Filipino Cinema, Vogue Italia, and Sundance.
- PRODUCTION DESIGN – MARTHA GATERS (she/her) is a Filipina-American filmmaker based in San Diego, CA. She firmly believes that creativity exists within every one of us and can manifest itself in many different ways. As of late, Martha finds fulfillment and passion in writing slice-of-life Fil-Am stories, gravitating toward the realm of wholesome comedy. She draws much of her inspiration from her own experiences and within the community. Martha and Marissa met and collaborated as film students in the SDSU TFM program nearly ten (!!!) years ago. Had it not been for Marissa posting about her work as a cofounder of The FilAm Film Collective during the pandemic, Martha truly would not be where she is today! She feels so lucky and blessed to be part of this incredible community of FilAm creatives, and couldn’t be more proud to be working with Marissa as one of the Production Designers on Y+M. <3
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
LOGLINE | After a star-crossed romance, Maya + Sam, two Filipinas in their late 20s, struggle to truly let each other go.
YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN is a short love story set to AJ Rafael’s legendary song, “When We Say (Juicebox)”– just reimagined from a queer woman’s perspective.
AJ Rafael + our director, Marissa Roxas – The meeting where AJ gave us his full blessing <3
This film follows two female leads through various moments of their intimate relationship. There’s Sam– an aspiring film director + veteran queer who knows what she wants. For her, Maya is the one. Then there’s Maya– who’s at many crossroads in her life, navigating her Saturn Return. She’s happily partnered to Sam, but is not out in all areas of her life.
This story explores identity + acceptance, and provides a compassionate view of a reality LGBTQIA+ people continue to face, “What do you do when you’re out, but your partner isn’t? (or vice versa?)”...
Ultimately, this film is about love, loss, + letting go.
"YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN” is a film inspired by the ending of my last relationship. It is a story that is told through the lens of both my Filipino-American + queer identities– but above all else, it is a love story.
I wrote this script as I was still very much processing + healing from my breakup– and though it was difficult, I am grateful to have been able to transmute that grief + loss into something I believe will help other hearts heal too.
I’m making this film only from a place of love + compassion for the past versions of myself + former partner and anyone who has gone through a similar situation. So there are no heroes or villains in this story, only humans... experiencing the most human things– love, loss, + letting go.
with love,
Marissa Roxas
Director
These films are not only similar in tone / theme to YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN, but have also helped my heart heal. So I hope by making this film, I can do that for others too.
Visually, I am taking inspiration from NIKI’s “Oceans & Engines” music video and my favorite movie of 2023, Past Lives.
San Diego Filipino Cinema serves as our project's Fiscal Sponsor. Donations to this project can receive tax deductions as applicable by law. For questions about this, please email SDFC directly at [email protected] with the subject line "You+Me Film Project".
Seed&Spark requires that we raise at least 80% of our goal for the project to be funded.
We must reach this goal in 30 days or we won’t receive any funds at all.
Every dollar donated to this campaign will help this film reach its full potential– and that all starts with investing in the people behind the project.
The $18,500 that you are helping us raise will go towards (in order of priority):
- Hiring local cast + crew in San Diego
- Ensuring our cast + crew are fed nourishing meals during production
- Securing locations + permits
- Purchasing items for production design + wardrobe
- Renting necessary film equipment
While $18,500 is the minimum amount of funding we need to complete this film, this is what any additional funds raised will be used towards at various stretch goals:
- At $20,000 - We will be able to hire a colorist to ensure a more efficient, post-production process.
- At $25,000 - We will be able to pay our cast + crew higher rates, invest more into production design, and have money for contingencies.
- At $30,000 - We will be able to pay our cast + crew even higher rates, rent vintage lenses, and submit the film to more festivals.
- Conception | Oct. 16th, 2022 – This all started when I wrote this in my notes app…
- First Draft | June 2023 – Since I was still healing from + processing my breakup, it took me 9 months to complete the 1st draft of the script.
- First Pitch | Nov. 2023 – I finally found the courage to “pitch” the script to my closest friends + collaborators.
- Pre-Production | Nov. 2023 – Apr. 2024
- Casting | Nov. 2023 – Jan. 2024 – As of Jan. 2024, we are casted! Stay updated with our campaign to find out who our stars are! IG | @always.filamfilm
- Rehearsals | Jan. – Apr. 2024 – I am grateful to have weeks prior to filming to work + prepare with my actors… and train them in Filipino Martial Arts…
- Seed&Spark Campaign | Feb. – Mar. 2024 – Where we are now– thank you so much for being here, and helping us bring this film to life!
- Principal Photography | April 4-6th, 2024 – We will be filming for 3 days in April, on location in San Diego, CA. Our whole cast + crew are locals :).
- Post-Production | April – June 2024 – When the final pass of magic will be made– through editing, coloring, sound design, and final score will be added.
- Distribution | Summer – Fall 2024 + Beyond… – We hope to submit this film to as many festivals as we can... especially those that amplify Filipino, AAPI, and queer voices + stories ... and eventually, if everyone at WongFu Productions are on board, we feel it’s only right that this film lives on forever on their YouTube channel.
From our Director–
I can’t count how many times I almost let this script die… but something in me urged me not to. I realized that though this is a very personal story– it is much greater than that.
This story is for anyone who’s ever had to love someone in secret. This story is for anyone who may even be grieving such a love in isolation.
This film is for all the queer loves that have lived in the shadows or never had a chance to even begin... making this film is my way of honoring those stories– by bringing them to light.
If you are unable to donate at this time– no worries!
We appreciate anyone who simply spreads the word about our film, and you can do that by sharing the link to our Seed&Spark campaign with your network | bit.ly/always-filamfilm
You can even copy + paste this message to use on social media | " Help a majority Filipino-American cast + crew make @always.filamfilm by making a pledge on @seedandspark! Join them here: bit.ly/always-filamfilm "
You can also follow along on our journey on INSTAGRAM | @always.filamfilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Nourishing Meals for Our Cast + Crew
Costs $1,550
Making a good film starts with taking care of the people behind it– we want to ensure our cast + crew are eating healthy during filming!
Local Cast + Crew
Costs $12,250
The majority of our budget will go towards paying our cast + crew for their time + talent– we couldn't make this film without them!
Post-Production
Costs $2,600
The final movie is made in the edit– these funds will help us mix + master the sound and music and color grade the film.
Production Design, Locations, Gear, Oh My!
Costs $2,100
We're trying to be as scrappy as we can when it comes to the "things" we need to make this film– but we still need some budget for that!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
- WRITER / DIRECTOR – MARISSA ROXAS (she/they) is an award-winning cinematographer based in San Diego, CA. Representation is powerful— which is exactly why she’s decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. She’s returning to the director’s chair after a 7 year hiatus because she feels like she’s finally ready to tell a very personal story from her own voice + perspective. She’s ready to use her 10 years of filmmaking experience, and insight as a cinematographer to bring YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN to the big screen. When she’s not on set, Marissa continues to cultivate a creative community she helped co-found called The FilAm Film Collective. She is also a multi-disciplinary martial artist— training in Kajukenbo, Boxing, and Filipino Martial Arts weekly.
- PRODUCER / 1ST AD – LEAH LOMBOS (she/her) is a San Diego-based Filipino-American film director and producer who creates stories that reflect authentic representation for people of color, especially Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. She specializes in directing and producing narratives, non-narratives, and music videos that capture the aesthetic and beauty of humankind with her unique way of storytelling. In 2020, her short film Kain Na was accepted and featured in the San Diego International Film Festival’s Virtual Local Theater under the A Woman’s Place - Female Shorts Program. Leah was also nominated in the Best First Time Director category at the 2020 San Diego Film Awards.
- PRODUCER – ALYSSA MOPIA (she/her) is a San Diego-based producer, driven by her passion for documenting the inspiring stories of artists and entrepreneurs. As the co- founder of Future's Past, a full-service Video and Film Production studio, she focuses on creating commercial, narrative, and documentary projects that center around human stories through a cinematic and documentarian lens. Her experience extends to roles as an Associate Producer, Story Producer, and Production Coordinator for various commercial and unscripted projects on platforms such as Netflix, Facebook Watch, and VH1. Alyssa's heartfelt mission is to unite and empower talented individuals within our communities to capture storytelling that deeply connects beyond the screen.
- CASTING DIRECTOR / WARDROBE – EARL PAUS (They/He/Siya) is queer Pilipinx-American actor, director & creative collaborator. Earl creates with the motto “acting out the truth so others can live theirs”. They believe entertainment has the power to impact audiences in a personal way to heal cultural wounds, encourage social change and inspire audiences to think more empathically. Earl embodies the underdog, the outcast and the people in the fringes of society that are looked at as less than or irrelevant. They believe stories of resilience and resistance can empower real people to make real change in real life. Earl is a magician that aims to embody real stories, harmonize community voices, and move spirits through the magic of theater, film & television.
- DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY – LAUREN BUMATAY (she/her) is a filmmaker who recently graduated with a degree in Film & Digital Media from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her focus primarily lies in cinematography & videography, however she’s well rounded in other realms of film including editing, color, and producing! Film for her is a beautiful and collaborative genre where she strives to share stories reflecting the universality of human experiences. She creates with the intention to make people feel— it also allows herself to outwardly express her deep inner emotions in an artistic way.
- ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / GAFFER – ALEX LALANGAN (he/him) is a filmmaker and gaffer based in San Diego, CA. He first got into filmmaking by focusing on camera work and lighting for independent, narrative films and music videos. Now, he finds himself emphasizing storytelling as he develops his documentary and live production skills. This past year, Alex has also stepped into creating spaces that can help support creatives, artists, filmmakers and the like in the community. When not on set, Alex likes to take photos and cook with friends and family.
- PRODUCTION DESIGN – EDRIAN PANGILINAN (he/him) is a Filipino-American content creator/filmmaker/photographer + dance artist based in San Diego, CA. He is a co-founder of "The Filam Film Collective" along with Marissa Roxas & Trixi Agiao that aims to amplify fellow AAPI voices into the mainstream media. His work is greatly inspired by his press for representation as a brown, filipino and lgbtq human. He intends on pursuing his dream of becoming a filmmaker focusing on LGBT+ related themes that challenge the status quo AND initiate dialogues necessary for change. Credits include ABS-CBN/TFC, GMA PinoyTV, Goldilocks, San Diego Filipino Cinema, Vogue Italia, and Sundance.
- PRODUCTION DESIGN – MARTHA GATERS (she/her) is a Filipina-American filmmaker based in San Diego, CA. She firmly believes that creativity exists within every one of us and can manifest itself in many different ways. As of late, Martha finds fulfillment and passion in writing slice-of-life Fil-Am stories, gravitating toward the realm of wholesome comedy. She draws much of her inspiration from her own experiences and within the community. Martha and Marissa met and collaborated as film students in the SDSU TFM program nearly ten (!!!) years ago. Had it not been for Marissa posting about her work as a cofounder of The FilAm Film Collective during the pandemic, Martha truly would not be where she is today! She feels so lucky and blessed to be part of this incredible community of FilAm creatives, and couldn’t be more proud to be working with Marissa as one of the Production Designers on Y+M. <3