Short film: Survival Sex

Ok so where to begin? My name is Ukachi and I'm a filmmaker. For most of us, life is an unexpected collection of often inspiring, sometimes debilitating, and frequently unforeseen events, which have a way of shaping who we are and who we want to be. This GoFundMe campaign is about who I want to be: a successful filmmaker.

If you'd asked me a year ago what my definition of successful filmmaker was, it would have definitely been different from what it is today. Today, my goal as a filmmaker is to tell stories that add value or inspire us to be better, more aware, more conscious. I know that sounds very granola bar and crunchy, but it's true. That is the aspiration. I haven't exactly figured out how to achieve that, but I know it requires me to be as truthful as I can.

Last year I was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn't until I experienced the most trying challenge of my life, that I began to appreciate the abundance that I have, and the plight of those less fortunate. I recently became aware of the homeless youth problem and the many challenges they face. Both of these instances have helped me to put my life in perspective, and focus on my aspiration to create or contribute something of value.

The homeless problem is bigger than any of us realize. Precise numbers for the homeless youth population are difficult to determine because young people are highly mobile and often blend into the city landscape. They often couch-surf for extended periods of time, or resort to hanging out all night. In New York City, there are currently 500 available beds on any given night. But state figures show that more than 5,000 teens were denied access to youth shelters due to lack of beds.

Several studies show that almost 50% of homeless youth have been rejected by their families because of how they identify sexually. Many feel preyed upon in adult shelters, so without housing, many wind up trading sex for a place to sleep or other necessities. This extreme set of circumstances is the catalyst for the film about homeless youth that I want to produce, Survival Sex.

Survival Sex is the story about a homeless teenage boy struggling to survive on the mean streets of New York. It's a story I feel very passionately about, and one that I believe is worthy of your consideration. In order to bring this story to life I need your help. I'm looking for contributions, large and small, to get this project funded and off the ground.

Your contributions will go towards the production process; paying actors, renting equipment, paying for location fees, insurance, permits and paying the crew.

If we exceed our goal, the additional funds will go towards post production and submission of Survival Sex to film festivals.

Before there was pen and paper, before there typewriters or iPads, human beings used stories to record their history, convey their dreams, and inspire one another. I hope this story raises awareness and the voices of those who go unheard.

My campaign will run from February 1st to the March 7th. This will allow us to begin principle photography in March so that we can make film festival submission deadlines starting in May.

Personally, your contribution would give me the gift of doing what I love, the opportunity to tell stories. For that I will be eternally thankful.

Sincerely & Humbly,

Ukachi

GoFundMe AWARD PROGRAM

(please note all donators will be included in the Special Thanks to participants of the Go Fund Me campaign section of credits)

Pledge $5.00:             Special Thanks credits

Pledge $10.00:          Survival Sex sticker

Pledge $15.00:          Downloadable Behind The Scene photo

Pledge $25.00:          Survival Sex Script

Pledge $50.00:          Download teaser video of actors discussing approach/feeling about working on project.

Pledge $75.00:          Signed Survival Sex poster art

Pledge $100.00:        Numbered and personalized signed copy of the Script (100)

Pledge $125.00         Downloadable copy of Survival Sex film

Pledge $150.00:        Custom designed Survival Sex T-shirt by fashion designer Crystal Pfeifer (25)

Pledge $200.00:        Custom designed Survival Sex T-shirt by Missy Skins (20)

Pledge $250.00         Receive $100 voucher to one of the hottest new restaurant in Harlem,  (only 10 available)

Pledge $500.00:        two (2) tickets to private screening and after party with industry insiders (NYC only) (5)

Pledge $1,000.00:     Spend the day with us on set, and watch the magic happen. (5)

Pledge $1,500.00:     Individual Line Producer credit (5)

Pledge $2,500.00:     Executive producer credit (3)