Support Abel's Orphanage Movie Project

UPDATE: As of November 20th, 2024, Abel and his orphanage have finished production on I WANNA GO! Please consider continuing to support for their post-production equipment and labor fees (editing, sound, score, color).

Ever since meeting Abel on a missions trip in 2018, I've had the honor of financially supporting him as he's aged out of his orphanage. Through a variety of entry-level jobs in music videos and commercials, Abel has demonstrated a growing passion for film production. Abel was even the inspiration for my 2019 short film, THE OTHER SIDE – the first film set he ever worked on.

This year, Abel wrote a 15 minute short film entitled "I WANNA GO (ውናጎ)" that he intends to direct in November. I’ve had the chance to workshop the script (in Amharic) with him and our goal is to train and employ other boys from his orphanage to produce the film alongside existing production contacts in Addis Ababa (Balchut Media).

WHY?

I believe this initiative provides a unique chance for orphanage graduates to experience hands-on vocational training – many of whom struggle to find employment opportunities in communities that negatively stigmatize orphans. Supporting this project presents an opportunity to legitimately kickstart vocational careers in the arts for orphanage graduates at Kolfe Boys Orphanage in Addis Ababa.

Beyond demonstrating to these boys that the work of their hands has monetary value and contributes to their livelihood, my long-term vision is to support more micro-budget productions in similar regions lacking access to traditional arts education and film infrastructure.

HOW?

All production deliverables will be generated by Abel and his peers. They will learn every step of the production process, from managing hiring lists to creating shotlists. Budgets will be drafted by the children for their project (equipment rentals, location fees, day rates etc.) and the distribution of funds will be managed by me. All money raised will go directly towards production expenses and crew payroll for Abel's film. Additional equipment support will be provided by Addis-based production company, Balchut Media.

My primary goal in Ethiopia is to serve as the film's producer and assistant director. In addition to providing project financing and offering creative advice, I'll be responsible for ensuring operations remain financially sustainable, equitable for crew members, and on-schedule.

WHAT?

"I WANNA GO (ውናጎ)" is written by Abel and inspired by his life story. It follows an 8 year-old orphan's journey from rural Ethiopia to the urban metropolis of Addis Ababa. After several nights of trouble on the streets, the boy is taken in by an orphanage with a group of homeless children – finding a new family in the process.

Test Footage Recorded by Abel:

Ultimately, I believe this initiative's lasting legacy will be the direct employment and empowerment of young filmmakers from orphan communities in Ethiopia. To learn more about my work as an impact filmmaker, please visit www.joshleongstudios.com.

Thank you so much for your generosity!

PREVIOUS WORK IN ETHIOPIA:

2018 Ethiopia Missions Trip Recap

KINGS x QUEENS – Episode 3 (Meeting Abel)

THE OTHER SIDE (Short Film)