Support "Jukin'" to bring an erased chapter of Black history to life. In a time when marginalized people's stories face censorship and Black joy is revolutionary, this film reclaims our ancestors' resilience and reminds us that safe spaces and authentic self-expression are worth fighting for.

Mission Statement

To celebrate the hidden history of Black queer joy in 1950s juke joints, sacred spaces where marginalized communities found freedom, love, and authentic self-expression in the face of oppression. A story of resilience, found family, and the transformative power of safe spaces.

The Story

JUKIN' - A Film About Finding Freedom

To illuminate the hidden history of Black queer joy and resistance in 1950s America by celebrating the juke joint as a sacred space where marginalized communities found freedom, authenticity, and belonging in the face of systemic oppression.

Core objectives:

JUKIN' asks: What does true freedom look like when the world says you shouldn't exist? And answers: It looks like dancing, loving, and living authentically, even if only for one night at the Pusswisla.

THE STORY

50s. The segregated South. A world of rigid rules, on the brink of change.

Skip is 17, trapped in pink dresses and Sunday sermons, suffocating under her mother's expectations. But when she catches a glimpse of Elsie, the elegant preacher's wife with a secret, everything changes. On the eve of Easter, Skip follows Elsie to the Pusswisla, a hidden juke joint run by the wise and protective Christian lady named Ms. Ruby. Behind those doors, Skip discovers a vibrant world she never knew existed: Black queer folks dancing freely, drag queens commanding the stage, and couples loving without shame.

In this sacred space, Skip meets:

Through one transformative night of music, moonshine, and meaningful connections, Skip discovers her authentic self and learns that even in the darkest times, joy is resistance.

WHY THIS STORY MATTERS NOW

In 2025, as book bans erase LGBTQ+ history and legislation attacks trans youth, "Jukin'" is a radical act of preservation and celebration.

Juke joints were real. They were sanctuaries where Black LGBTQ+ people could exist fully—dancing, loving, surviving together. Yet this history has been deliberately erased from mainstream narratives.

This film: ✨ Reclaims erased history - Honoring the resilience of our queer ancestors

✨ Centers Black joy - Not just trauma, but celebration and community

✨ Celebrates safe spaces - Reminding us why they matter, then and now

✨ Empowers young queer people - Showing them they've always belonged

THE CREATIVE VISION

Jukin'" will transport audiences through:

THE TEAM

TIERRA "TT" FROST - Writer/Director

Tierra is a Black queer filmmaker from Seattle pursuing her MFA at Chapman University's prestigious Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Her films have screened at festivals including Tag! Queer Shorts, Black August, and Queer Women of Color Film Festival, and aired on Seattle's Emmy-winning Black news network, Converge.

Most recently, Tierra was selected as a Summer 2025 intern at JuVee Productions (Viola Davis and Julius Tennon's production company).

Her work explores themes of transformation, identity, and the magic of authentic self-expression—making her the perfect voice to tell Skip's story.

Previous Films: Lucid (2023), Mars, I Can See the Light (2024)

MARC STERNBERG - Producer

Marc brings 20+ years of global business leadership and extensive production experience to "Jukin'." Currently pursuing his MFA in Producing at Chapman University and an MSc in Change Leadership at Oxford/HEC Paris, Marc has produced 200+ commercials and multiple documentary features.

As founder of Son of a Botanist Productions, Marc champions stories from underrepresented communities, including:

Marc is a Fulbright Specialist committed to creating platforms for marginalized voices.

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY THESIS FILM

"Jukin'" is Tierra's Graduate Thesis Film at one of the nation's top film schools. This means:

✅ Chapman University funding support ($20,000 base budget)

✅ Professional-grade equipment (cinema cameras, lighting, sound)

✅ Experienced crew (award-winning cinematographers, editors, designers)

✅ Expert faculty mentorship throughout production

✅ Post-production facilities for color grading and sound design

✅ Festival distribution support from Chapman's industry connections

Your support amplifies Chapman's investment, allowing us to:

PRODUCTION TIMELINE

Shooting Dates: January 23-30, 2026

HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS

Every dollar goes directly to bringing Skip's story to life:

FESTIVAL & DISTRIBUTION GOALS

With your support, we aim to submit "Jukin'" to:

Our goal: Get this story in front of the audiences who need it most.

WHY CROWDFUNDING?

While Chapman provides essential support, thesis budgets don't cover everything needed to tell this story with the excellence it deserves.

Your contribution ensures:

Every supporter becomes part of film history—helping ensure that stories like Skip's are never erased again.