BEAT THE C – Raising Awareness on Breast Cancer
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Why This Project?
"Beat the C" is driven by a personal story: a friend discovered a lump in her breast during the first lockdown. Initially reassured it was nothing serious, the diagnosis later escalated to stage 4 breast cancer. This experience highlighted a significant issue: young people, especially women, often face delays in serious diagnoses due to age-related prejudices. While we hold great respect for the NHS and the incredible work they do, our documentary aims to spotlight these critical gaps in awareness and education to help prevent future tragedies.
About the Project
Our documentary aims to shatter misconceptions about breast cancer being an illness only affecting older women. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection in younger women and men, educating both individuals and healthcare professionals to take symptoms seriously at any age.
Our Audience
While our focus is on younger women, who are vastly underrepresented in media discussions about breast cancer, our message is universal. Breast cancer impacts everyone—patients, families, and friends alike. We aim to engage a broad audience to maximize support and understanding.
The Team
Our team is comprised of passionate storytellers who are drawn to this cause and dedicated to creating impactful content. With professional expertise in filmmaking and a personal connection to the issue, we are committed to producing a documentary that informs and resonates emotionally.
Funding Goals and History
We need £104.000 to cover all stages of production—from pre-production through to post-production, marketing, and film festival entries. Past efforts to secure funding faced setbacks, including the withdrawal of a key investor due to unforeseen financial losses. Personal funds have been used to create a short version of the documentary as proof of concept, highlighting the urgency and importance of this project.
These funds are earmarked for every phase of the documentary’s creation:
- Pre-production: This initial stage involves scheduling, securing locations, and obtaining necessary permits.
- Production: Funds will be used to cover the costs of filming, including equipment rental, crew salaries, and travel expenses for on-site shooting.
- Post-production: This stage includes editing, sound mixing, and color grading to ensure a professional finish.
- Marketing and Distribution: We plan to enter the documentary into film festivals globally and organize screenings, especially in collaboration with breast cancer charities, to maximize outreach and impact.
- Film Festival Entries: Participating in film festivals is crucial for gaining visibility and attracting further distribution opportunities.
Funding History:
Our journey to secure funding has been challenging but enlightening.
Here’s a brief timeline of our efforts:
- Initial Investment Plans: We had initially secured an investor ready to fund the entire project. This support was pivotal for our confidence and planning stages.
- Unforeseen Setbacks: Unfortunately, our primary investor had to withdraw their support unexpectedly due to significant business losses related to a recent conflict between countries
- Self-Funding Efforts: After losing one of the women—a poignant reminder of the urgency of our work—I invested my personal savings to produce a 15-minute short version of the documentary. This proof of concept was crucial for illustrating the full documentary's potential impact and demonstrating our commitment to this cause.
- Current Needs: Despite these setbacks, we remain dedicated to this project. We are now reaching out to the community and potential donors to help raise the remaining funds needed to complete and distribute the documentary effectively.
Every contribution brings us closer to achieving our goal of educating the public and advocating for early detection of breast cancer in young people. Your support not only helps produce a documentary but also builds a platform for voices that need to be heard.
Challenges We Face
Our main challenge has been securing sufficient funding. Time is critical, and without immediate funding, many potential participants may not be able to share their stories. Our short film version was funded through personal savings following the loss of one of the intended participants, underscoring the project's urgent need for support.
Time Sensitivity
The stories we aim to capture are time-sensitive, not just in their relevance but, more critically, in the health statuses of our participants. Some of the individuals willing to share their stories are battling advancing stages of cancer. Delays in production can mean missing the opportunity to document their experiences and insights, which are central to the documentary’s impact and authenticity.
How You Can Help
By contributing to our campaign, you're not just supporting a film but a movement to empower and educate young individuals about breast cancer. Collaborations with breast cancer charities will further amplify our message and impact.
The Impact of Your Support
Every donation helps us bring this vital conversation to the forefront, potentially saving lives through education and advocacy for early detection. Your support enables us to produce a documentary that encourages both patients and health professionals to take early signs seriously, regardless of age.
Stay Engaged
We will keep our donors and supporters updated with behind-the-scenes content throughout the production process. These updates provide insights into the filmmaking process and deepen the connection with the cause we're highlighting.
Join Us
Support "Beat the C" and help us bring this important message to a wider audience. Your support could make a critical difference in how young individuals perceive and react to the risks of breast cancer.
Organizer
Adam Csomor
Organizer
England