FEIT chronicles the remarkable journey of one family that survived history’s darkest chapter and went on to thrive against all odds.

Upon receiving a dark warning from a German kommandant who had taken a liking to them, the Feits made the quick and quiet decision to abscond, burying their valuables in the family backyard and fleeing east into the USSR. Driven by determination, steadfast unity, a love for life, and a marked instinct for self-preservation, the family endured years of displacement and mortal threats, surviving Siberian labor camps, sadistic officials, and scarce provisions. Family patriarch Abraham was forced to break his deepest principle, scattering his children on uncertain journeys, trusting against hope they would reunite.

Against all odds, they did - on Avenue U in Brooklyn, of all places. Penniless and unmoored, the Feits had each other and the values that delivered them. They began rebuilding.

Extraordinary success followed. The Feits barnstormed sector after sector, making names for themselves in industries from paper to electrical instruments. Yet, prosperity tested the very values underpinned their survival and unity. Tensions and misunderstandings bubbled, and the mantle would fall to the younger generations to mend rifts and ensure the Feit story had not yet met its coda.

Our film explores the extraordinary saga of the Feit family through a vibrant, multigenerational lens. At its heart is Shanna Riss, a descendant whose lifelong fascination with her family’s past sparks a personal mission: uncovering how the Feits survived and thrived after enduring what millions could not - and what this legacy means.

Donation Tiers:

$5k - $9,999 – Special thanks credit, VIP seat at premiere, poster, early access to film, 2 tickets to test screening

$1000 – 1 VIP Seat at premiere, poster, early access to film, 2 tickets to test screening, 1 ticket to premiere

$500 – Poster, early access to film, 2 tickets to test screening, 1 ticket to premiere

$100 – 1 ticket to NY premiere night (first 250 donors)

If you would like to donate $10k or more, contact MCM Creative and ask for Jack Bourgeois to learn about investment opportunities. You’ll also get everything in the above tiers!

Current Status:

The project is currently in development, with many key creative partners already in place, including a director and producer. We have buy-in from and the participation of the family that is the subject of the documentary. Discussions with Director of Photography (DP) candidates are well advanced. To date, we have completed two days of critical interviews with Murray Riss, Shanna’s father, financed out of pocket by the filmmakers. While some creative decisions will depend on captured footage and evolving storylines, a story outline is in place to guide the filmmaking process. Contingency plans, such as preparation for a potential shoot in Poland, are also being developed.

Milestones Reached:

- Director and producer have been selected.

- Partially financed

- Critical initial interviews with Murray Riss have been completed.

- Key decisions have been made regarding crew members, including gaffer and sound department.

- The camera (RED Raptor X) and lens package (Canon FD) have been selected through our partnership with MCM Creative Studios.

- Critical dates for Summer 2025 shoots in California have been locked into the schedule.

- Prioritization of initial shooting subjects has been established.

- Hosted a kickoff event at MCM where the production team presented the sizzle and direction of the film to an audience.

Benchmarks for the Next 3–6 Months:

- Finalize the selection of the remaining core creative team, particularly the Director of Photography, with discussions nearing completion.

- Have financial outreach in full-swing, including promotional materials, investor meetings, etc., guided by our fundraising strategy (equity investments, grants, and contributions from family and friends)

- Begin scheduling additional interviews and shoots, expanding on the story outline with new footage and evolving story threads.

Your donations will go to:

‣ Feature length documentary film

‣ A film festival premiere with red carpet, photo & PR opportunities.

‣ Distribution

‣ Social media and PR assets including production stills, cut downs, and BTS photography

‣ PR opportunities including podcast and talk show appearances

‣ Distribution Consideration: Networks and streamer partners including CBS, ABC, Netflix, PBS, NBCU (Peacock & MSNBC), & HBO