“Selah”: A Film That Carries Grief and Love Into the World

Viewer Discretion: This trailer contains sensitive material related to traumatic loss, death, and grief. While presented with deep care and respect, some imagery and stories may be emotionally challenging for viewers.

Greetings. I’m Jon Bregel; a filmmaker, coach for filmmakers, and founder of The Nourish Community; a community of filmmakers pursuing wellness, meaningful relationships, and purpose. Over the past 16 years, I’ve worked on numerous award-winning films, including this year’s SXSW Audience Award-winning feature, led global brand campaigns as a director, and committed myself to helping filmmakers thrive without sacrificing their well-being. You can learn more about me and my work by clicking HERE

Over the past year, I’ve been immersed in one of the most meaningful journeys of my life: directing Selah, a deeply personal, intimate documentary about grief, love, and the quiet courage of those who choose to live after unimaginable loss.

At its core, Selah is not a film about moving on from grief; it’s about learning how to carry it.

Filmed at Selah Carefarm, the world’s first carefarm for traumatic grief, this 30-minute documentary follows the stories of those who come to this sacred place seeking solace, connection, and the strength to keep going. Among them is Erik, a father and farmhand at Selah who is rebuilding his life after the recent murder of his three young children: Joanna, Terry, and Sierra. Now, with his newborn daughter Josie in his arms and his partner Shiloe by his side, Erik walks the fragile path between joy and sorrow, between honoring the dead and loving the living.

At the heart of Selah’s vision is Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, who founded the carefarm after the death of her own daughter, Cheyenne, at birth. Guided by her compassionate philosophy, Selah offers no platitudes or quick fixes; simply a space where grief is witnessed, honored, and carried forward with care.

Woven through Erik’s story is a four-day grief workshop, where we follow six bereaved individuals as they navigate their own losses with the accompaniment of Selah’s team. Their journeys, alongside Erik’s and Dr. Jo’s, reveal the quiet courage it takes to keep living in the shadow of profound loss.

Through the process of filming, I’ve witnessed moments few have the opportunity to see: a mother laying bare her guilt after losing her son to suicide; a bereaved twin grappling with her identity after her brother’s murder; a father confessing his fear of loving again. Through raw interviews, gentle silences, and the rhythms of life among animals and land, Selah captures the unspoken truth: grief and love are two sides of the same coin, and neither ever ends.

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Why I’m Asking For Your Help

It’s essential for us to complete this film the right way, with the right people, so we can bring Selah into the world without compromising the integrity of its story, the care behind its making, or the trust of those who shared their grief with us.

Our funding goal is $120,000. I know that’s a significant number, and I want to be transparent about why it’s necessary. This is not just the cost of filming and editing; it’s the budget for the entire lifespan of the film. Finishing a film is only part of the journey. Promoting it, distributing it thoughtfully, and building lasting partnerships to ensure it reaches schools, hospitals, and nonprofits is a full-time effort. In many cases, post-production is just a fraction of what it truly takes to shepherd a documentary into the world with integrity.

This funding supports both the technical completion of the film and the critical work of aligning with experienced marketing and distribution partners who can champion its message far and wide.

Every dollar helps protect the heart of this project and honors the deep trust of those who allowed us into their grief.

We’ve already poured 18 months of work, resources, and heart into getting this far. Now, we need your partnership to bring it across the finish line, and beyond.

Your donation will help cover:

• Recouping production, travel, gear, and insurance costs

• Fair pay for our small, dedicated crew (many worked for little or no pay)

• Post Prodiction: Editing, sound design, color correction, subtitles, etc.

• Legal and administrative costs

• Marketing, Promotion, and distribution efforts

• Music and licensing fees

• Festival deliverables

• Outreach to bring the film into schools, hospitals, and nonprofits

• And much more…

If you are interested in becoming an executive producer or strategic partner, please reach out. I am happy to share a detailed financial breakdown or have a one-on-one conversation.

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Why This Film Matters

Every year, millions of people around the world experience traumatic loss. Yet in our culture, grief remains taboo, rushed, and misunderstood.

At Selah Carefarm, people learn that grief isn’t something to “get over.” It’s something to carry, to honor, and to build a life alongside, with compassion and without shame.

This film isn’t just a documentary. It’s an invitation:

- To stay with your pain

- To bear witness to others’ pain

- To see that deep love and deep sorrow belong together

- To know you’re not alone

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Why Ownership Matters

Making an independent documentary is hard. Owning and protecting that film, while making sure it reaches those who need it most, is even harder. With Selah, I’m committed to retaining ownership and creative control so the film stays true to its heart: honoring the stories, the message, and the people who entrusted us with their grief.

This film isn’t meant to be packaged as easy inspiration or feel-good grief. Selah is a love letter to the brokenhearted; a film that invites feeling, not fixing; witnessing, not rushing; honoring, not exploiting. My priority is to protect the integrity of this film while finding thoughtful, meaningful ways to help it reach as many people as possible.

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How You Can Help

- Donate generously. Whether it’s $25 or $2,500, every contribution helps complete the film and get it into the world

- Share this campaign with your loved ones, community, or anyone who carries grief in their bones

- Watch and share the trailer to help spread the word

If you’re interested in becoming an executive producer or strategic partner, please reach out directly.

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A Special Thank You for Supporters

If the film reaches its goal, anyone who donates $250 or more will receive an invitation to a private screening of Selah once the film completes its festival run.

This will be an intimate, in-person event (location to be announced) celebrating the journey of the film and its community. Please note: due to festival timing, the screening may be several months after the film’s completion.

If you’re unable to attend in person, we will also host virtual screenings and filmmaker conversations that you’ll be invited to join.

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From My Heart to Yours

This film has changed me. It’s opened my eyes to what it means to be human. To love. To lose. To keep going.

I’ve made many films: global brand campaigns, celebrity work, you name it. But no project has mattered to me like Selah.

It’s not a product. It’s a mission.

I want to honor every story entrusted to me. I want this film to be a mirror, a balm, a quiet companion for anyone who’s ever wondered:

“How do I live with this?”

Please help me bring Selah into the world.

With gratitude,

Jon Bregel

Director, Selah