Hey! My name is Sanaa Wright, and I’m a 4th-year Entertainment and Media Studies student at the University of Georgia. A little over a year ago, I directed a film that changed my life— I took a chance and asked people to believe in something that didn’t fully exist yet, and because of that, we were able to raise over $2,000 and bring a story to life that impacted over 40,000 people globally. More than anything, it showed me what’s possible when people believe in your work before it fully exists.

I’m currently studying abroad in Mexico, where I’ve been deepening my Spanish proficiency, while immersing myself firsthand in a culture that is so often politicized or misrepresented—especially from an American perspective. This semi-surrealist film will be my first bilingual (Spanish/English) project, inspired directly by my time living here, showcasing the architecture, the atmosphere, and the way faith is lived and embedded within Mexican culture. It’s a story about morality, desire, faith, and consequence—rooted in the biblical story of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—but told through a deeply human, modern lens. Making this film here means collaborating with people in this community, supporting local businesses, and telling a story that reflects the beauty and complexity of Mexico in a way that feels honest to my experience here. While this may be my final student film, it’s also the start of my career journey— a bridge between everything I’ve learned and everything I’m about to step into. As I prepare to graduate in May and navigate the uncertainty of this industry, I’m doing everything I can to make this project a reflection of my voice, my growth, and the stories I want to tell moving forward. But it’s not something I can do alone.

Here’s why I need your help—

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is an independent, international film, so I don’t have access to institutional funding or assistance from my university. Your support will go directly toward:

— Travel assistance for key collaborators flying in from the U.S.

— Camera and equipment rental costs️

️️ — Meals on set for our dedicated cast and crew

️— Production design and location costs

If you’d like to be part of bringing this film to life, we’ll be offering the following recognition to those who contribute, as a small way of saying thank you for your support:

$50+ Name in the film credits (contributor)

$100+ Executive Producer credit

$150+ Executive Producer + Early screening + Behind-the-scenes content

Thank you for believing in independent film and for supporting cross-cultural storytelling. I truly couldn’t do this without you!

More info about the project