Domia’s Journey to USC Cinema School Documentary Program

Hi, I’m Domia Edwards—a filmmaker, visual artist, educator, daughter, and sister—and I’m raising $30,000 to attend the prestigious University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program, where I’ve been accepted to study Documentary Filmmaking and Writing Blockbuster Features That Change the World.

This program will give me the tools, mentorship, and access to complete a short documentary that is deeply personal and powerful. This film is just the beginning of a larger project: a feature-length documentary and a book preserving the voices and wisdom of at least 50 women, ages 10 to 100.

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The Project: A Guidebook for Life

The short documentary I’ll create during this program is titled:

The Stories the Moon Tells the Sea:

The Inheritance of Women’s Wisdom Across Generations

Through intergenerational interviews with women across the U.S., this film will explore:

• Legacy & Lineage

• Motherhood & Sisterhood

• Mental Health, Purpose & Identity

• Survival, Joy & Advice for the Next Generation

Initial filming will take place in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Oklahoma, and New York, where I’ll speak with a small group of women for the short film. Ultimately, my goal is to expand this into:

• A feature-length documentary

• A companion book capturing life stories, reflections, and guidance from 50+ women

The 10-minute documentary I complete in this program will serve as the foundation for this expanded project—and I plan to submit it to the BlackStar Film Festival’s pitch contest next spring to gain critical feedback, support, and visibility.

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Why This Matters

I grew up in Southwest Atlanta, where stories were sacred—passed down on porches, in kitchens, at church, and through everyday conversations. These voices shaped me. Now, I’m turning my camera toward them, honoring generations of wisdom and archiving it for the future.

I’ve spent my life using art to uplift others. At 14, I co-founded a youth arts nonprofit with my mom. I went on to earn a B.A. in Fine Arts from USC’s Roski School of Art & Design, exploring photography, sculpture, and video art. This summer is my chance to return to USC—not just as a student, but as a filmmaker ready to bring years of learning, community work, and creative practice into a project that can make a lasting impact.

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What You’re Funding

I’m raising $30,000 to cover tuition, housing, travel, and project costs. Here’s the breakdown:

USC Summer Program Costs

• Tuition (8 units): $18,832

• Application Fee: $65

• Program Fee: $300

• Commitment Deposit: $750

• Health Center Fee: $175

• USC Health Insurance (Optional): $306

• Housing (2 months): $3,000

Travel for Filming (ATL, OK, NYC): $2,500

Remaining Funds: $4,072

• Production Costs (equipment, film, sound design, production insurance)

• MFA Savings (toward future postgraduate studies)

• Film Festival Submission Fees

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How You Can Help

• Donate: Every dollar helps! Whether you give $5 or $5,000, you’re supporting a project rooted in love, history, and healing.

• Share: Spread the word! Share this campaign with your community, especially those who care about women’s stories, documentary film, and Black storytelling.

• Connect: If you know a grant-maker, mentor, or organization that supports work like this, I’d love to be introduced.

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Final Thoughts

This documentary is more than a film—it’s a gift. To women. To daughters and grandmothers. To the past, present, and future. It’s a creative offering rooted in love and truth.

With your support, I can bring this vision to life—and continue to use film as a tool for cultural preservation, connection, and change.

With all my heart,

Domia Edwards