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Legendary Opera Singer Leona Mitchell Documentary

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Heart of a Diva: The Leona Mitchell Story is a documentary produced to inspire individuals from all walks of life. It encourages people to take a vested  interest in the multifaceted world of arts. We will use the exploration of legendary opera singer Leona Mitchell's life and share her journey of humble beginnings from a small rural community in Oklahoma to becoming one of the legends of the opera world. Her story will bring hope and life to a world desperately needing unity. It will show how arts, specially music, can do this!  

Getting in the opera world wasn't easy during the time of the Civil Rights movement. Imagine how much harder it was being from a rural community. In fact, she never even knew what opera was until her teachers suggested that she learn it. Leona's family knew this would not be easy.  At that time, her father and mother were raising 15 children in this small rural community at a time when America was still dealing with its' biggest challenges about racial injustice.  Inevitably, her gift for singing was undeniable. While in middle school, she allowed the art of singing to help her deal with the realities of society. Her family aided in this endeavor. They were all talented and traveled the country performing as the "Musical Mitchells" . Contrarily, Leona was considered too little to be in the group. 

Anyone watching this documentary will definitely learn about the hidden world of opera and how this art form is the most complex form of singing . It took hard work and dedication to be great. Viewers will  learn the challenges that Leona endured singing in such a compartmentalized form of music . Although she has loved her journey, viewers will learn the behind the scenes battles she had to go through in order for her to rise in opera. 

Join us in our efforts to raise money for the completion of this project. For years, I have worked tirelessly to finish this documentary. I have been the producer, writer, and director.  I would like to hire experts in the industry to finish it. I want to bring on board top notch professionals to put the final touches on this story. My main role is being a producer. I would like to hire an experienced director who can  help shape the documentary, an  editor, and more film crew. Funds are need to travel for last interviews and to properly promote the documentary. We have 60 %  of the documentary complete.  A big investment of time and financial resources have already been invested to get the documentary to this point, but help is needed to complete it at the highest level possible. 

Our goal is to have this project wrapped and totally complete by February 1, 2020. Time is of the essence. I really believe that this project will touch lives. The people associated with Leona Mitchell are reaching their senior years. It is extremely important to capture their words via face-to-face interviews  before their final days.  Leona's husband, Elmer, passed away unexpectedly while we were filming the project.  We learned that time is not on our side with this project.  

Upon completion of this project, we are aiming to have it archived as a tangible part of history. Leona is already in many exhibits and museums but her story is not known by mainstream America. With her story, she will not only inspire young women, but individuals, from all walks of life to know that no matter where they come from, they can actually make it. I,as the producer, will feel like I contributed  to a landmark piece of history for future generations to chart their own path to success.

Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated. For those who have interest in receiving a code for online prescreening prior to the release date, be sure to inbox me your information. Details will be provided upon completion of film. 

Just know that your contributions will help this documentary make history. We are not talking about breaking box office records but telling a part of history that will change lives.

Organizer

Corey D. Taylor
Organizer
Tulsa, OK

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