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Help Us Get To Cannes!

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It all began with a handshake.

            After winning several major awards at a university film festival, director and writer Mary-Madison Baldo turned from her friends to see an arm outstretched, awaiting a formal introduction. She then met the owner of said limb, a fellow director named Alex Bretow, who asked if they could work on a film project in the future. Their hands shook, phone numbers were exchanged, and a partnership was born.

            For two years, student filmmakers Madison and Alex have established their own independent film company by the name of BaldoBretow Pictures, and have created multiple short films, music videos, commercials, and features for assorted competitions, for business, or just for fun. Balancing school, work, and their company has proven difficult, but no matter what, they have taken on every obstacle and every challenge that the world has presented them and produced award-winning films.

           One month ago, they applied for the elite opportunity to go to the Cannes Film Festival in France, where they could meet industry professionals and have their visual work shown on the silver screen in front of a gigantic audience. On March 16th, they were informed that they had both been chosen out of hundreds of applicants. They celebrated a day of extreme joy, but they soon realized that they did not have enough money to get to the festival… not without help.

            And this is where you come in.

            The full trip lasts for two weeks in May, from the 11th to the 25th, and Alex and I have done the math, resulting in our final calculation of $11,000. The first major deadline is on March 20th for $2800 dollars, a sum that secures our place in the festival. The second deadline is April 10th for the same amount, which finalizes our positions. The rest of the money is for airplane tickets, transportation within France, food, and hotel rooms. We really cannot accomplish our goal without your aid, and if you contribute to our cause, you will receive thank you notes, prizes, and other goodies for your assistance.

            As long as I can remember, I have wanted to share my stories with the world, and Alex feels the exact same way. This opportunity is a dream come true, as well as a massive step towards achieving our ultimate goal: to establish our company and market our films on the world’s most famous stage. Along with paying for school, supplies, and room and board, both Alex and I fund our projects out of our own pockets. We are fiercely dedicated to our craft because it makes us feel whole, alive, and effervescently happy. When we go to the Cannes Film Festival, we would meet fellow student filmmakers and high-profile professionals, making serious connections for our future. We will also see our films premiere to thousands of people that we have long admired and respected, which would be a proud and teary moment for the both of us.

         We will be forever grateful to you for supporting us and helping us achieve our dream. Please donate what you can, share this link with your friends and family, and spread the word! Every contribution counts! Thank you for your attention and your time! Happy donating!
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Mary-Madison Baldo
Organizer
Rohnert Park, CA
Alex Bretow
Beneficiary

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