Brightside Film
Donation protected
Happy Anniversary:
In celebration of wrapping our final montage scene in September and as we move through the film festival circuit, we invite you to take a glimpse of what we shot in two weekends, 2 full days each weekend in August; in addition to an evening of montage scenes and a morning of voice over work in September; and three months of editing to submit for film festival submission at the end of December 2019. THIS IS OUR BRIGHTSIDE TRAILER:
Julia's Behind the Scene Moments, Where They Got To Play
Myhraliza's Shot that Didn't Make The Cut:
Happy Holidays! We just sent an update to our contributors and wanted to share with you as well! Many thanks to you our contributors and for those of you still considering with my emails and/or posts in your queue to review. Here's an update on our trailer, Myhraliza's shot that didn't make the cut, and the behind the scenes that went to trying to make this shot work. If you haven't already contributed and were wondering if you could trust that this is a good film to put your money behind...we hope this convinces you to do so. Enjoy and happy Friday!
GoFundMe Summary:
Myhraliza Aala currently lives in Portland, OR, who is a writer and producer of Brightside, of which this GoFundMe campaign was created. As the details below reflect, she and a group of independent filmmakers created this film on a deferred payment agreement because of their passion for film making. While independent funds were raised for the production of the film this past summer, in August 2019 to shoot the film, funds were needed in post production - the current state of the film - to complete the project in order to submit to film festivals and distribution. The funds from this campaign will be used to distribute payment in post-production areas, such as sound design, score, final editing, promotion, and distribution. Once the campaign is complete, the campaign will be closed, withdrawing the funds for distribution to post-production parties, as described previously. Additional details about the film, the project, process, and funding are outlined in the story below.
Brightside is Hope...
This is a story about Nikola, a Filipino-American college student who is combatting her own depression, while fighting the urge to follow her suicidal fathers’ tendencies. This is made more difficult as she struggles to get help due to her cultural expectations of family privacy. She must navigate the confusing waves of her emotions with the support of her roommate and those she begins to connect with on this journey to find reasons to live.
Brightside is a story about hope to the hopeless, about living and shit.
Brightside is a personal story written and produced by Myhraliza Aala and led by first-time director, Julia Levanne. The script was first submitted to Couch Film Collective for consideration and most recently to the Women in Film Portland Chapter pitch cycle where Brightside was one of the top four projects among over 30 applicants to be considered for funding.
Casting a Filipino-American in the lead role and working with majority of women was important to writer and first time producer, Myhraliza Aala, in a time where representation matters and more Filipino-American stories need to be told in the diverse world we live in.
Driven to Create...
In collaboration with a group of independent filmmakers, Aala is Possible Productions with Triumphant Film Group, was interested in showcasing mental health from a different perspective: a focus on advocating for support, connection, and assistance when one is struggling, despite cultural expectations.
The talented cast and crew were driven to create and bring what they hoped would be an extremely impactful story to life, so much so, they worked tirelessly over two weekends as volunteers because they have a passion for creating art and bringing stories to life. To make a quality film, takes a village of storytellers, of creatives, and a community of supporters. We are asking for your support in order to see this project through to its greatest potential.
Brightside not only showcases women in film, in a first time screenplay writer & producer, but also a first time director, which is important to increase female representation in the film industry. Your support will go towards empowering more women to make films, to support mental health advocacy, and create more films that represent more diversity on the big screen. We are currently in our last stretch of editing - faced with challenges with sound and editing - and as such, funds will go towards post expenses like - final editing, sound design, and score; promotion of the film, and distribution. With Brightside, we were challenged with strict deadlines and non-existing funds during pre-production but assembled a focused group of artists whose goal was to create a quality film that has the potential to make an impact beyond Filipino Americans, but across cultures as well, by a December 1st deadline, for submission to 2020 film festivals.
Any contribution is greatly appreciated...
$5-$10 Contribution: A virtual hug and high-five for your contribution because every bit counts!
$25 Contribution: Receive a digital acknowledgement via Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram
$50 Contribution: Your name listed in the credits + previous awards
$100 Contribution: Digital copy of Brightside + previous awards
$250 Contribution: Previous awards, 30 minute Q & A with Myhraliza Aala or 30 minute consultation on one of following topics: marketing/social media presence or resume review/networking
$500 Contribution: Previous awards, signed photo of cast & crew by Myhraliza Aala and 1 hour consultation on one of following topics: marketing/social media presence; resume review/networking; production/event planning; OR 1 hour consultation with Director, Julia Levanne as a first time filmmaker
$1000 Contribution: Previous awards, signed cast & crew photo, and two hour consultation to produce film/event and provide tools to do so from writer & producer, Myhraliza Aala
$3000 Contribution or more: Previous awards and Brightside Executive Producer credit
The Impact
Mental health, particularly suicide and depression is a rising issue, and with Brightside, the hope is that those who see this film, can see the importance of being able to share and reach out when one is struggling. This story doesn't focus on the suicide itself, but on hope to give light to the hopeless.
The suicide rate for Asian-Americans (6.10 per 10,000) is about half that of the national (http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/asian-american/suicide.aspx). Asian-American college students had a higher rate of suicidal thoughts than White college students but there is no national data about their rate of suicide deaths (http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/asian-american/suicide.aspx). Family dynamics has been found to affect the way in which young adults of Asian-Pacific Islander deal with suicide or depression.
In Oregon, in particular, where Brightside was filmed, a group of students introduced legislation this past February to allow students the ability to take a mental health day in order to respond to the mental health crisis in Oregon, with Oregon having the highest suicide rates among the ages of 10 to 34 in the country, according to data from the state of Health Authority. 18% of 8th graders reported seriously contemplating taking their lives within the past 12 months (US News, July 21, 2019). The hope is that this legislation will also change the stigma around mental health and encourage kids to admit when they are struggling. This film paves a positive light for people to reach out when they are struggling.
MEET THE CREW
Director - Julia Levanne
As a healer and artist Julia is passionate about exploring intimate stories that can feel too vulnerable to share. Through the art of film we have an ability to capture the humanity and the healing those stories encompass. As a first time director Julia discovered that she's a channel through which stories can be shared and how that sharing touches the hearts of others.
Writer/Producer - Myhraliza Aala
An educator by trade. An actor by passion. A story teller at heart. Myhraliza is creative and motivated artist who is driven to tell stories that empowers women, in particular, women in the Asian Pacific Island community; and that redefines what successful women look like within a ethnic group, through the combination of comedy and drama to reshape how women are seen in society.
Director of Cinematography - Rich Davis
Film is a tool to educate, shape public opinion, or simply entertain. As a filmmaker Rich is conscious of the power of this medium and the need to use it responsibly. Rich also realizes his audience is giving him a very brief moment of their life to hear what he has to say. His goal is to give the viewer back something worthy of this gift of time.
Assistant Director/ Associate Producer - Korinne Lindsey
Korinne is a director/ producer who was born in Wisconsin, raised in Mexico, and moved to Portland to pursue her true desire of filmmaking. Working as assistant director on Brightside really helped her find her voice. She hopes to do more directing in the future. With her love for traveling, her next destination is New Zealand and hopes to work in the growing film industry there.
MEET THE CAST
Nikola - Lea Lawrence
Lea is a writer/producer/ actor known for role in Crossing Shaky Ground movie short and who is currently producing her own script after being motivated by Brightside.
Serena - Renee Rose
Dedicated and driven, Renee is a passionate actress who strives to create a positive platform while moving people through her work. She is best known for her work on the movie short Goodbye, with director Gregg Hale and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Dr. DeCastro - Myhraliza Aala
A television and film actor, who is enjoys playing complex, layered characters. Myhraliza is best known for her roles as Sue in Sony Pictures Japan, 50 First Kisses; CBS Hawaii Five-O; and Halsey’s New Americana video. She recently made her theater debut in The Smell of the Kill as Debra at Twilight Theater.
Dr. Andersen - Nikki Flynn
Nikki is proud to call Portland her home, where she has really enjoyed being a member of the professional acting community. Along with acting, Nikki is a Teaching Artist of Creative Dramatics residencies in several school districts throughout the year; helping kids use their imaginations, through her company, Acts of Wonder. Some of Nikki’s favorite theatre roles include Curley’s Wife from Of Mice and Men, and Helen of Troy from Trojan Women.
Franny - Leslie North
Leslie is a Memphis native and a recent graduate of Portland Actors Conservatory. Her recent theatre credits include "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (PAC) and "It's A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" (Artists Repertory Theatre). Brightside is Leslie's Portland film debut. She has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, but left the IT world to pursue acting full time.
Nina - Jasmine Salem
A former student of actor/teacher Nikki Flinn, Jasmin is a pageant royalty as 2017 Little Miss Oregon – Regal Majesty and 2017 International Mini High-Point Queen – Regal Majesty. She is known for her work on local commercials for KGW Channel 8’s Great Toy Drive and Westside Drywall & Insulation.
For more photos and behind the scenes from our shoot dates this summer please visit us on:
Facebook: fb.me/BrightsideFilm
Instagram: @Brightside_film
MARAMING SALAMAT - THANK YOU!
From all of us on the cast & crew of Brightside - Thank you! We hope you consider supporting us in completing this project and joining us on the journey bringing hope to the hopeless to life. Mabuhay.
Sponsors
We want to thank our major location sponsor Brightside Co-Working for their generous support by providing their space in-kind for two of our shoot dates.
If you need a wellness space for your practice or you have a wellness challenge to address - Brightside Co-Working offers both a space to counsel and to be counseled - visit their site for more information and options: https://www.brightsidespace.com/BrightsideCommunity
Big thank you's for the following locations for allowing us film at their location sites in-kind as well:
**Portland State University, Residential Life
**Portland Community College - Sylvania Campus, Multicultural Center
** Rich Davis, Private Residence
We'd also like to thank the following businesses:
Scott Rogers Studios for our casting site: http://scottrogersstudios.com/
Chicken Adobo Bethany for sponsoring lunch on 8/18/19: http://chickenadobopdx.com/
Stark Street Station for sponsoring breakfast on 8/10/19: 6049 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
In celebration of wrapping our final montage scene in September and as we move through the film festival circuit, we invite you to take a glimpse of what we shot in two weekends, 2 full days each weekend in August; in addition to an evening of montage scenes and a morning of voice over work in September; and three months of editing to submit for film festival submission at the end of December 2019. THIS IS OUR BRIGHTSIDE TRAILER:
Julia's Behind the Scene Moments, Where They Got To Play
Myhraliza's Shot that Didn't Make The Cut:
Happy Holidays! We just sent an update to our contributors and wanted to share with you as well! Many thanks to you our contributors and for those of you still considering with my emails and/or posts in your queue to review. Here's an update on our trailer, Myhraliza's shot that didn't make the cut, and the behind the scenes that went to trying to make this shot work. If you haven't already contributed and were wondering if you could trust that this is a good film to put your money behind...we hope this convinces you to do so. Enjoy and happy Friday!
GoFundMe Summary:
Myhraliza Aala currently lives in Portland, OR, who is a writer and producer of Brightside, of which this GoFundMe campaign was created. As the details below reflect, she and a group of independent filmmakers created this film on a deferred payment agreement because of their passion for film making. While independent funds were raised for the production of the film this past summer, in August 2019 to shoot the film, funds were needed in post production - the current state of the film - to complete the project in order to submit to film festivals and distribution. The funds from this campaign will be used to distribute payment in post-production areas, such as sound design, score, final editing, promotion, and distribution. Once the campaign is complete, the campaign will be closed, withdrawing the funds for distribution to post-production parties, as described previously. Additional details about the film, the project, process, and funding are outlined in the story below.
Brightside is Hope...
This is a story about Nikola, a Filipino-American college student who is combatting her own depression, while fighting the urge to follow her suicidal fathers’ tendencies. This is made more difficult as she struggles to get help due to her cultural expectations of family privacy. She must navigate the confusing waves of her emotions with the support of her roommate and those she begins to connect with on this journey to find reasons to live.
Brightside is a story about hope to the hopeless, about living and shit.Brightside is a personal story written and produced by Myhraliza Aala and led by first-time director, Julia Levanne. The script was first submitted to Couch Film Collective for consideration and most recently to the Women in Film Portland Chapter pitch cycle where Brightside was one of the top four projects among over 30 applicants to be considered for funding.
Casting a Filipino-American in the lead role and working with majority of women was important to writer and first time producer, Myhraliza Aala, in a time where representation matters and more Filipino-American stories need to be told in the diverse world we live in.
Driven to Create...
In collaboration with a group of independent filmmakers, Aala is Possible Productions with Triumphant Film Group, was interested in showcasing mental health from a different perspective: a focus on advocating for support, connection, and assistance when one is struggling, despite cultural expectations.
The talented cast and crew were driven to create and bring what they hoped would be an extremely impactful story to life, so much so, they worked tirelessly over two weekends as volunteers because they have a passion for creating art and bringing stories to life. To make a quality film, takes a village of storytellers, of creatives, and a community of supporters. We are asking for your support in order to see this project through to its greatest potential.
Brightside not only showcases women in film, in a first time screenplay writer & producer, but also a first time director, which is important to increase female representation in the film industry. Your support will go towards empowering more women to make films, to support mental health advocacy, and create more films that represent more diversity on the big screen. We are currently in our last stretch of editing - faced with challenges with sound and editing - and as such, funds will go towards post expenses like - final editing, sound design, and score; promotion of the film, and distribution. With Brightside, we were challenged with strict deadlines and non-existing funds during pre-production but assembled a focused group of artists whose goal was to create a quality film that has the potential to make an impact beyond Filipino Americans, but across cultures as well, by a December 1st deadline, for submission to 2020 film festivals.
Any contribution is greatly appreciated...
$5-$10 Contribution: A virtual hug and high-five for your contribution because every bit counts!
$25 Contribution: Receive a digital acknowledgement via Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram
$50 Contribution: Your name listed in the credits + previous awards
$100 Contribution: Digital copy of Brightside + previous awards
$250 Contribution: Previous awards, 30 minute Q & A with Myhraliza Aala or 30 minute consultation on one of following topics: marketing/social media presence or resume review/networking
$500 Contribution: Previous awards, signed photo of cast & crew by Myhraliza Aala and 1 hour consultation on one of following topics: marketing/social media presence; resume review/networking; production/event planning; OR 1 hour consultation with Director, Julia Levanne as a first time filmmaker
$1000 Contribution: Previous awards, signed cast & crew photo, and two hour consultation to produce film/event and provide tools to do so from writer & producer, Myhraliza Aala
$3000 Contribution or more: Previous awards and Brightside Executive Producer credit
The Impact
Mental health, particularly suicide and depression is a rising issue, and with Brightside, the hope is that those who see this film, can see the importance of being able to share and reach out when one is struggling. This story doesn't focus on the suicide itself, but on hope to give light to the hopeless.
The suicide rate for Asian-Americans (6.10 per 10,000) is about half that of the national (http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/asian-american/suicide.aspx). Asian-American college students had a higher rate of suicidal thoughts than White college students but there is no national data about their rate of suicide deaths (http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/asian-american/suicide.aspx). Family dynamics has been found to affect the way in which young adults of Asian-Pacific Islander deal with suicide or depression.
In Oregon, in particular, where Brightside was filmed, a group of students introduced legislation this past February to allow students the ability to take a mental health day in order to respond to the mental health crisis in Oregon, with Oregon having the highest suicide rates among the ages of 10 to 34 in the country, according to data from the state of Health Authority. 18% of 8th graders reported seriously contemplating taking their lives within the past 12 months (US News, July 21, 2019). The hope is that this legislation will also change the stigma around mental health and encourage kids to admit when they are struggling. This film paves a positive light for people to reach out when they are struggling.
MEET THE CREW
Director - Julia Levanne
As a healer and artist Julia is passionate about exploring intimate stories that can feel too vulnerable to share. Through the art of film we have an ability to capture the humanity and the healing those stories encompass. As a first time director Julia discovered that she's a channel through which stories can be shared and how that sharing touches the hearts of others.
Writer/Producer - Myhraliza Aala
An educator by trade. An actor by passion. A story teller at heart. Myhraliza is creative and motivated artist who is driven to tell stories that empowers women, in particular, women in the Asian Pacific Island community; and that redefines what successful women look like within a ethnic group, through the combination of comedy and drama to reshape how women are seen in society.
Director of Cinematography - Rich Davis
Film is a tool to educate, shape public opinion, or simply entertain. As a filmmaker Rich is conscious of the power of this medium and the need to use it responsibly. Rich also realizes his audience is giving him a very brief moment of their life to hear what he has to say. His goal is to give the viewer back something worthy of this gift of time.
Assistant Director/ Associate Producer - Korinne Lindsey
Korinne is a director/ producer who was born in Wisconsin, raised in Mexico, and moved to Portland to pursue her true desire of filmmaking. Working as assistant director on Brightside really helped her find her voice. She hopes to do more directing in the future. With her love for traveling, her next destination is New Zealand and hopes to work in the growing film industry there.
MEET THE CAST
Nikola - Lea Lawrence
Lea is a writer/producer/ actor known for role in Crossing Shaky Ground movie short and who is currently producing her own script after being motivated by Brightside.
Serena - Renee Rose
Dedicated and driven, Renee is a passionate actress who strives to create a positive platform while moving people through her work. She is best known for her work on the movie short Goodbye, with director Gregg Hale and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Dr. DeCastro - Myhraliza Aala
A television and film actor, who is enjoys playing complex, layered characters. Myhraliza is best known for her roles as Sue in Sony Pictures Japan, 50 First Kisses; CBS Hawaii Five-O; and Halsey’s New Americana video. She recently made her theater debut in The Smell of the Kill as Debra at Twilight Theater.
Dr. Andersen - Nikki Flynn
Nikki is proud to call Portland her home, where she has really enjoyed being a member of the professional acting community. Along with acting, Nikki is a Teaching Artist of Creative Dramatics residencies in several school districts throughout the year; helping kids use their imaginations, through her company, Acts of Wonder. Some of Nikki’s favorite theatre roles include Curley’s Wife from Of Mice and Men, and Helen of Troy from Trojan Women.
Franny - Leslie North
Leslie is a Memphis native and a recent graduate of Portland Actors Conservatory. Her recent theatre credits include "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (PAC) and "It's A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" (Artists Repertory Theatre). Brightside is Leslie's Portland film debut. She has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, but left the IT world to pursue acting full time.
Nina - Jasmine Salem
A former student of actor/teacher Nikki Flinn, Jasmin is a pageant royalty as 2017 Little Miss Oregon – Regal Majesty and 2017 International Mini High-Point Queen – Regal Majesty. She is known for her work on local commercials for KGW Channel 8’s Great Toy Drive and Westside Drywall & Insulation.
For more photos and behind the scenes from our shoot dates this summer please visit us on:
Facebook: fb.me/BrightsideFilm
Instagram: @Brightside_film
MARAMING SALAMAT - THANK YOU!
From all of us on the cast & crew of Brightside - Thank you! We hope you consider supporting us in completing this project and joining us on the journey bringing hope to the hopeless to life. Mabuhay.
Sponsors
We want to thank our major location sponsor Brightside Co-Working for their generous support by providing their space in-kind for two of our shoot dates.
If you need a wellness space for your practice or you have a wellness challenge to address - Brightside Co-Working offers both a space to counsel and to be counseled - visit their site for more information and options: https://www.brightsidespace.com/BrightsideCommunity
Big thank you's for the following locations for allowing us film at their location sites in-kind as well:
**Portland State University, Residential Life
**Portland Community College - Sylvania Campus, Multicultural Center
** Rich Davis, Private Residence
We'd also like to thank the following businesses:
Scott Rogers Studios for our casting site: http://scottrogersstudios.com/
Chicken Adobo Bethany for sponsoring lunch on 8/18/19: http://chickenadobopdx.com/
Stark Street Station for sponsoring breakfast on 8/10/19: 6049 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
Organizer
Myhraliza Aala
Organizer
Oregon, OR