alága - A Garifuna Belizean Film (Phase I)

ABOUT THE FILM

After contracting HIV and being denied a US Green card to visit his estranged undocumented mom in the US, SELWN CACHO uses his Garifuna culture, HIV status, and Garifuna music to become the best selling artist in Belize. Selwyn demonstrates to the country of Belize that one can still live an impactful and productive life after HIV.

The film will be shot on location in Belize, with it's primary location being Dangriga Town, and Belize City, Belmopan, Hopkins, Placencia, and San Ignacio.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

Proceeds from this campaign will assist in covering pre-production and production expenses for the film alága. Any excess funds will be allocated toward post-production and/or marketing & distribution expenditures.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Byron Martinez is a child of Dangriga Town, a proud Garifuna, with a passion for Storytelling. He started his career as a music engineer/producer, then migrated to film making. This will be the first feature film for Mr. Martinez and his 2Book Productions imprint, but it certainly will not be his last.

On his first production venture to Belize Mr Martinez produce the socially popular Deportee I and Deportee II shorts. Now, in collaboration with BZEWood Productions, Mr Martinez is venturing into his first feature production of alága.

ABOUT THE CAST

None other than the amazing Newani Aurelio Martinez will bring to life the role of SELWYN CACHO, with his love interest being played by Ms Destiny Wagner (Miss Earth 2021).

Newani is the son of arguably the most prominent Garifuna artist , Mr Aurelio Martinez (1969 - 2025). Newani followed in his father's footsteps with the pursuit of Music.

Winning Miss Earth 2021 was only the beginning for this amazing talent, Ms Destiny Wagner. Since earning the crown of Miss Earth, Destiny has continued to tour the world promoting sustainable living while being an advocate for children education.

Newani and Destiny will be supported by a strong and diverse cast representing a wide spectrum of the cultural fabric of Belize.

Additional cast includes Belizean-American actors Kareem Ferguson (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Gay Baby) and Theodore Mark Martinez (Dhar Man, Agent of Death), along with Belizean TV host, actor, and comedian Patrick Peyrefitte

ABOUT THE MUSIC

Garifuna Music is on the rise as one of the worlds most predominant folklore music. Artis like Aurelio Martinez, Paul Nabor, Chico Ramos, Poots Flores, Andy Palacio, and Kazzabe have taken the music to new heights. Integral to many of those artist is Music Supervisor Allan 'BAhba' Castillo.

alága is a music film at heart and promises to deliver a compelling list of Garifuna songs and music performances.

ABOUT YOUR CONTRIBUTION

Next to writing an awesome film, the second most difficult thing is covering all the expenses. Given the nature of this film being a period piece (circa 1980s), music film, with children, and an indigenous cultural language, the challenges are immense. But with your support all is possible.

Some expenses, will include but not limited to:

And the list goes on.

The goal is to create an authentic film experience that captures the look, feel, vibe, and tenure of Belize during one of its most difficult times: The HIV Crisis of the 1990's.

We humbly seek your donations to cover as much or as little as you can afford. In lieu of your financial donations, there's also a plethora of other ways you may assist the film:

Thanks in advance for your generous contribution.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

"Action!" The first time yelling out action on set is by far the most pleasant feeling in the world. It signifies the start of a process that will end in a narrative being documented. A story being told! We do this because we love telling stories!

So when will Director Byron Martinez commence to yelling action, you ask? Wednesday April 23rd, in Dangriga Town. This is when we shoot the first scene of alaga; the Beluria Scene. Here our protagonist Selwyn attends a Beluria (wake) for a recently deceased friend and gets into a fight with another childhood friend, where he is stabbed.

"That's a wrap!" Is the second most pleasing phrase a director can yell out on set. This signifies the culmination of the production process. We say it's all in the can at this point- or most of it at least. This culminates the production completion process and triggers the Post-Production process.

So when will director Byron Martinez yell "That's a wrap!" you ask, that will be Saturday May 24th, 2025. The last scene of the film will be in Belize at Digi Park. The First Annual Belize HIV Day scene is a festival/concern scene where our protagonist is headlining arguably the biggest concert of his budding career.

WHEN CAN I SEE THE FILM

The timeline for the film is as follows:

MEDIA

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

On behalf of the 2Book Productions Staff, cast, and crew:

Thanks in advance for considering a generous donation.

Whether large or small, thoughts or prayers, every contribution counts!

Aba Isieni (Trans: One Love)

CONTACT US

Should you have any thoughts, questions, or requests please feel free to contact Mr Byron Martinez. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible with your donation.

If you are interested in becoming an Executive Producer, we would love to have that conversation.

Thanks again for considering your generous donation.

2Book Productions

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