Support John Stephens' Journey to Cannes Film Festival 2025

John Stephens is organizing this fundraiser.

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Help a First-Time Cinematographer Get To Cannes!

I never imagined that my first time working as a cinematographer on a short film would lead to something as monumental as this. But here I am, sharing news that still feels surreal: the film I worked on, "Enough", has been officially accepted into the 78th Festival de Cannes, in Cannes, France | May 13th-24th, 2025!

This is more than a personal achievement—it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto a global stage where the world’s best filmmakers gather. But as exciting as this moment is, I now face the urgent challenge of getting to Marche du Film | Festival de Cannes to represent this film, network, and open doors for future opportunities in a short period between now and May 2025. That’s where I need your help.

Why This Means So Much

For over 20 years, I’ve worked in photography, capturing stories through still images. But my heart has always been drawn to motion—film, storytelling, and the power of moving pictures. In 2024, I finally took the leap into cinematography, stepping onto my first film set with no guarantees—just the belief that I could do it. Now, that very first film has landed in one of the most prestigious festivals in the world.

As a Black creative in an industry where opportunities like this are rare, being present at Cannes means more than just celebrating this milestone—it’s about representation, visibility, and opening doors for others. It’s about proving that stories like mine deserve to be seen, heard, and valued at the highest level.

How You Can Help

I’m asking for support to raise $20,000 to cover the essential costs of attending Cannes:

Airfare & Travel Expenses – Getting to and from Cannes, France
Lodging & Food – Staying for the duration of the festival
Festival Fees & Admin Costs – Accreditation and necessary logistics
Networking & Industry Events – Connecting with filmmakers, producers, and future collaborators

The Road to Cannes: A Journey Made Possible by You

This opportunity is bigger than me—it’s about showing up, representing, and opening doors for more Black creatives in film. Getting to Cannes would be nothing short of a miracle, but I can’t do it alone. Your support will help me take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Here’s how we’ll make it happen together:

Step 1: Get Me on the Plane ($5,000 Goal by 3.19.25)

Flights to France aren’t cheap, and prices are climbing fast. The first step is securing airfare so I can be there in time for the festival. Every donation, big or small, gets me one step closer.

Step 2: A Place to Stay & Daily Essentials ($10,000 Goal by 3.28.25)

Cannes is a major film event, which means hotels and basic costs add up quickly. Your support ensures I have a safe place to stay, food to eat, and transportation while I’m there.

Step 3: Festival Access & Networking ($15,000 Goal by 4.4.25)

This isn’t just about attending—it’s about making the most of this opportunity. Festival passes, insider industry events, and networking will allow me to build relationships that could change my career going forward. Your help makes that possible.

Home Stretch: The Full Experience & Paying It Forward ($20,000 Goal by 4.11.25)

Reaching this final goal means I can fully focus on learning, growing, and bringing back knowledge and inspiration to my community. This journey isn’t just mine—it’s ours.

This is more than just a trip—it’s an investment in a future where more Black filmmakers and cinematographers have a seat at the table. I want to take full advantage of this opportunity, not just for myself but for the next generation of storytellers who will see themselves reflected in my journey.

Join Me on This Journey

If you believe in the power of storytelling, in breaking barriers, and in supporting underrepresented voices in film, I invite you to be part of this journey. Every donation, big or small, brings me closer to Cannes and to a bigger dream I never thought possible. If you’re unable to donate, a simple share of this campaign can make all the difference.

I’m beyond grateful for any support—whether it’s a donation, a share, or just words of encouragement. Thank you for believing in this dream and helping me on - This Road to Cannes!

Let’s make history together!

About John Stephens

John Stephens is a visual artist who uses photography, film, and writing to tell compelling stories that connect and relate to the human journey. Stephens is originally from Atlanta, GA, and is a self-taught photographer. He pulls his inspiration from spirituality, music, history, literature, and present-day culture. He has been working in his craft for over 20 years and has placed a strong focus on story architecture and strategy for implementation. His work has been displayed in the Afrofuturism Rising exhibition at the Tubman African American Museum, and he has presented as a roundtable panelist for “Visualizing Revolution and Emerging Archives: Building the Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver Family Archive” American Studies Association Conference (Atlanta). Creatively, he is driven by the ethos that "we are all interconnected in ways that can extend our reach as artists, but more importantly as human beings." John assisted with efforts to digitize the Kathleen Cleaver Papers as well as document the archiving story before they were acquired by the Stuart A. Rose Library at Emory University. He recently completed the workshop series “There’s No Better Time Than Now - The Role of Photography in the World of Activism” at the Auburn Avenue African American Resource Library in collaboration with the Kathleen Cleaver Family Archive.