Support a Film Student! Launch Careers!

Hi! My name is Christiana-Simon and I am so excited to be making my professional short film debut entitled “Why They Stay,” it is a melodrama about navigating abusive relationships. Your contributions would mean so much and help provide ethical pay to cast and crew, filming location fees and so much more.

If you're reading this you probably know me but if you're new to following my journey, hello! I am a screenwriter, film director, and producer. I will graduate from Webster University (St. Louis) with a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television, and Video Production this May.

“Why They Stay” centers around unhealthy patterns of abuse and manipulation in romantic relationships. This story humanizes the experience of feeling trapped, lost, and confused.

Did you know that:

"1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner?"

“every 9 seconds, a woman is assaulted or beaten?"

"Up to 80% of people report experiencing emotional or psychological abuse in their lifetime."

Rather than placing blame on the women who stay, this film invites viewers into empathy and grace. These women aren't weak for staying. It simply isn't about strength.

I need your contributions to bring this important and deeply personal story to the screen. It is my priority to pay my fellow budding creatives for their hard work, and without your contribution, this won’t be possible. Students and other professionals have already signed on to the project. My fearless lead actress Mary Stewart Sullivan has helped keep this project alive and in rehearsals for a year now.

I believe the film has so much potential, and with solid financial backing, I truly feel it could be a film festival winner! However, we need your help to make the vision and message come to life.

The money raised for this film will be used for the following:

1. Pay for professional cast and crew

2. Rent for Location including costs and fees click to see the iconic Peacock Diner

3. Purchase of Production Design/Props

4. Provision of Food on set

5. Budget for Post-production/Editing

6. Payment of Film Festival Entrance fees

Thank you in advance to all who help make this possible. You won't regret it!

Christiana-Simon

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