A true documentary about a disowned gay kid

Alex Sangha is organizing this fundraiser.

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EMERGENCE - OUT OF THE SHADOWS

My name is Alex Sangha and I am producing a feature-length social justice documentary film called Emergence - Out of the Shadows.

SYNOPSIS

Explore the taboo topic of being gay or lesbian in the South Asian community of Metro Vancouver and abroad. Kayden tells a poignant story of family rejection and self-discovery while embracing his newfound family and life. Parents and their children discuss the struggles they have endured and overcome to preserve the family through generations to come. Success often means setting aside long-established culture and tradition for compassion, love, and acceptance.

TRUE STORY

The documentary is based on the true story of a young gay student from India who was studying in Vancouver, British Columbia. When his family found out he was gay they all disowned him leaving him stranded in a foreign country with no money for school or support to live.

The documentary chronicles his survival, resilience, and amazing spirit to move forward with his life despite the emotional and psychological trauma of family rejection and being alone in the world.

Here is a CBC news article regarding what happened to the young man at the time.

The Hindustan Times of India also picked up the story.

VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR

Here is a short 90 second video interview with the producer and director of the film.

Here is a news article published in the Surrey Now Leader about the upcoming film.

PRODUCTION EXPENSES

I am fundraising on Go Fund Me to pay for:

Cast and crew honorariums
Transportation costs
Equipment rental
Meals for cast and crew
Graphic design
Post-production - colour correction and sound design
Film festival submission fees

I am hoping to raise the funds within 12 weeks.

WHAT WE HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THE FILM

·         Reduce racism

·         Reduce discrimination against gay and lesbian people

·         Create awareness around the struggles of immigrants

·         Educate the public about coming out, sexuality, and gender identity issues

·         Provide positive role models for other LGBTQ people by sharing their stories

·         Provide a platform for the parents of LGBTQ children to share their journey

·         Explore the impact family rejection has on vulnerable LGBTQ youth

MY NAME WAS JANUARY

Our first documentary, My Name Was January , was a true story of a transgender women of colour, January Marie Lapuz, who tragically lost her life in September 2012 in New Westminster. The film was a memorial and eulogy and celebration of January’s life instead of her death.

My Name Was January was screened in 11 countries and won 14 international awards, and garnered an amazing 59 official selections at film festivals around the world. My Name Was January also secured 19 finalist and 9 semi-finalist recognitions.

My Name Was January entered the Canadian Screen Awards for Best Short Documentary in 2020.

FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT FOR MY NAME WAS JANUARY

Below are a sample of some film festivals that My Name Was January was an award winner or official selection at.

·         Los Angeles Film Awards – Award Winner (Best LGBTQ Film)

·         Lebanese Independent Film Festival

·         Reel Pride LGBT Film Festival (Fresno, California)

·         New West Film Festival – (January lived and died in New Westminster, British Columbia)

·         Reel Heart International Film Festival – Semi-Finalist (Toronto)

·         Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival (Halifax) – Award Winner (Best Short Documentary) - A Canadian Screen Awards qualifying festival

·         Taiwan International Queer Film Festival

·         Queer Asia Film Festival (Screened at the British Museum in London, UK)

·         Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival – A Canadian Screen Awards qualifying festival

·         International Motion Festival (Cyprus)

·         Davis Feminist Film Festival (California)

My Name Was January also screened at film festivals in Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Moscow in Russia and the National Screen Institute Online Short Film Festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

BIG HUGS AND THANK YOU!!!

We are in need of the funds to complete the film. No amount is too small. Every little bit helps. We are externally grateful for your financial support to help us share our stories.

Everything is possible if we work together!

Much Gratitude,

Alex Sangha
Producer of Emergence - Out of the Shadows
Producer of My Name Was January
Founder of the Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society