The Invocation of Lilith
*Campaign Poster Inspired by and paying homage to Kenneth Anger*
Who I Am:
My name is Ama Lea and I'm a visual artist located in Los Angeles, CA. I've been a photographer and filmmaker my entire life, starting when I was a kid growing up in Maine. I have been passionate about creating art in many different mediums for as long as I can remember. I have released over a dozen short films and have been a hired director for the ABC's of Death franchise, the upcoming anthology feature Deathcember, and have directed promotional videos for Crypt TV. As a photographer I have over 100 magazines covers and celebrity editorials for publications such as Fangoria, Zink, Inked, Delirium, AP and have had my work featured on Entertainment Weekly, Deadline, Bloody Disgusting, MoviePilot and more. I participate in many art exhibitions within the dark art gallery scene in Los Angeles.
What is The Invocation of Lilith?
Holy Mountain, 1973
The Invocation of Lilith is a psychedelic experimental short film inspired by Andy Warhol, Kenneth Anger, and Alejandro Jodorowsky. It is about transcendence, summoning and claiming of feminine power and exploring themes of occultism, lunar magik, sisterhood, and equality. It is about the reclaiming of Lilith, who is often portrayed as a demon for simply wanting equality. She will be our heroine and savior guiding the hand of our female cast in finding and owning their power and letting go of the pain and resentments of patriarchal restraint to find love and light and forgiveness within the universe. Though I am inspired by these filmmakers above, this will be something that is entirely my own and my own vision.
Why The Invocation of Lilith?
Lucifer Rising, 1972
I grew up obsessed with films by the aforementioned filmmakers. I have always wanted to make a movie in the same vein and explore the world with visual images the way they did. BUT, I do feel that these brilliant filmmakers made movies about male power and the man's journey. I want to make an experimental film from the lens of a woman. Something that was empowering and beautiful and cathartic to the experience I know and from the perspective that I see in this world.
Why is Funding Necessary and How Will it be Used?
Creating high concept experimental films are incredibly costly due to creating massive sets, costuming that isn't readily available without being fabricated, and hair and make up looks that require professional assistance along with film gear that must be purchased as it hasn't been in use since the 1970s. I am funding most of this project myself, I am asking for additional funds to cover above and beyond what I can afford out of pocket. This is a film I will never be able to monetize in any way. It is merely for the sake of expression and an intense passion for creating art.
The funds will be used exactly as follows:
The Love Witch, 2016
-Renting a sound stage for my crew and myself to build our sets
-Props and furniture rental
-Creating elaborate costumes. I will be sewing the majority of these myself but will need the materials to do so.
-Covering the cost of hair and make up products
-Buying vintage lenses and filters to get the look of the film.
-Purchasing tools for post production to create a 1970s feel to the film.
-No money will be paid to myself for personal or private usage.
-Everyone involved (cast and crew) are collaborators in creating this film for the sake of creating art. Every dollar goes in front of the camera.
-This film will be 100% be made. Rain or Shine. Do or Die. There is no chance of it falling through, or your contribution being in vain.
What I Can Give You For Your Donation:
Firstly and Lastly, My eternal gratitude for helping me create art!!! I cannot thank you all enough for your time and energy and for helping me create this film.
As I'm not trying to raise a substantial amount of money or using the funds for personal or monetary gain, the gifting I humbly offer are only items I will be creating myself, such as limited art, patches and pins, and of course copies of the film. Examples above!
$1-$10 A Thank you in the credits of the film, a digital link to the video upon posting.
$15-$30 A hard copy of the film on dvd and a pin designed by be (only safety case included) and a hand written thank you (plus above)
$40- $60 An embroidered 3" patch made by me and a 4x6 limited image hand numbered and signed by me of an image created on set. (Plus above)
$100- $500 All 3 patches and pins, disc and limited hand numbered and signed image signed by entire cast and crew (plus above)
$500 + All the above plus an executive producer credit (credit only, this does not include any set visits or inclusion of decision making process) on the film and IMDB.
In Conclusion
I'd like to thank everyone for coming to this page, whether you donate, share or have just given time and energy out of your day to read my story. I am grateful. Making this film is so important to me. There are some stories you want to tell and there are others who scream at every fiber of your being to tell them. This is that project for me. I have spent countless hours researching and studying to create this. Not only is it important for me as a story teller, but I feel that it is important for the representation of women in the history of occult filmmaking. Thank you again for your time and for helping me to create The Invocation of Lilith.