"Hell of a Child" - A USC Student Film Fundraiser

Hello! My name is Dominique Draper. I am currently in the USC BA film program, and I am working on my film for my junior thesis project.

Director’s Statement:

This drama short film is a story of the manipulation of a young child who is misguided and hardened by the neglect of his village and community. The origins of this story sparked when I first read the September 1994, TIME Magazine article on an 11-year-old killer, Robert “Yummy” Sandifer. Hearing his name mentioned in musicians' music over and over, I had to do research for myself on the story. Yummy’s story is similar to many impoverished children living in underserved communities. Many times I have seen this story over and over and the reality of the situation is, Black children deserve to grow.

Logline: Young and unnurtured, a child is berated by the ways of the world with a need to survive but is faced with the inevitable defeat.

Impact:

Through this film, I hope that we can all have more empathy for Black life and gain insight into the lives of youth that fall victim to their environments. It takes a village to raise a child, and it will take many villages to protect them.

Your Contributions:

Your contributions will be used to pay for the child actor's studio teacher (required when filming with youth) to ensure the safety of the child, and to purchase needed props to bring our story to life!

We are very grateful for any contribution, no matter the amount! If you are unable to donate, please share our fundraiser and spread the word!