'JESSE' - Fuel the journey for LGBTQ Empowerment

MISSION STATEMENT

Support 'JESSE'—a powerful short film exploring the universal journey of self-discovery. We hope to spark dialogue on LGBTQ+ experiences, such as the challenges of coming out, fostering understanding and empathy within the community. Your backing will help bring this narrative to life!

The Story

Our short film, JESSE, delves into Jesse's complicated relationship with his father as he contemplates revealing his true self to him. The narrative unfolds through Jesse's imaginative exploration of three distinct scenarios of his father's reaction, each portrayed in unique genre style and emotional tone: FILM NOIR, TELENOVELA, and MAGIC REALISM. JESSE captures the emotional weight of one's journey towards self-acceptance.

Our dedicated team is hard at work bringing the compelling story of JESSE to life, and we need your support to make it happen! Currently in pre-production, we're gearing up for our shoot on March 2-3, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Your contribution to this campaign will directly fund essential production costs, including location fees, transportation, food for our amazing cast and crew, as well as production design, wardrobe, and makeup. By joining us on this journey, you're not just supporting a film; you're helping us film students achieve our goals to carry on the powerful art of storytelling. Let's make movie magic together!

CONTRIBUTE & PLEDGE

Become a vital part of bringing JESSE to life by contributing to our campaign. No pledge is too small, and every dollar counts in making JESSE a reality. Select an amount that fits your budget and remember, your contribution is instrumental in making this project possible!

RIO BELGICA - DIRECTOR

Hi, I'm Rio from Manila, Philippines, the writer and director of the short film, JESSE. In September 2022, I took a leap of faith to study in Toronto, pursuing my lifelong passion for filmmaking. Growing up as a gay man in a conservative and religious environment, embracing my own sexuality was daunting, as the weight of acceptance from everyone I love felt like it was about to disappear. Eventually, I realised that the courageous act of coming out was for no one else but myself. JESSE is a narrative born from this beautiful journey of self-discovery.

I'm thrilled to dive into this project with my talented team and even more excited to have you on board for this adventure. Your support means the world, and together, we're not just making a film – we're crafting a story that resonates with shared experiences. Join us, and let's bring JESSE to life!

MRIDUL AHLUWALIA - PRODUCER

Hi! My name is Mridul Ahluwalia, an aspiring filmmaker from India. As a graduating film student, for my thesis I wanted to create something that had something vital to say, something that resonates deeply within me, and something that has a captivating narrative, something different and interesting!

Producing JESSE with my Director, Rio and our whole team of talented individuals is a stepping stone for me into the world of storytelling, not because it’s our thesis film but because making this film for us is a story of courage itself! Deciding to put forward something so personal to the world has not been easy for a lot us, the struggle for a person to be wanting to get accepted and more than that, accepting themselves as who they are has been overlooked time and again. Diving deep into these different “times” and understanding how it’s shortcomings failed to acknowledge the fight within one’s own self is what JESSE captures so well in its narrative with some twists and turns that compel you to, at the very least, think! This is our little attempt to echo something vital. Help our echo wave!

MARIA P. MONTOYA CEVALLOS - DOP

Hello, I'm Maria Montoya, a passionate cinematographer hailing from the vibrant city of Medellín, Colombia. Bringing Jesse to life has been a heartwarming journey for me, especially as a member of the LGBTQI2+ community. With over 7 years in photography and 5 in film, I've discovered the profound ability of the camera to weave tales that touch the very soul of the audience.

JESSE is more than just a project; it's a shared narrative of courage and self-discovery. Rio's story resonated with me deeply, mirroring the challenges I've faced in navigating personal conversations with my own family. Through Jesse's bravery, we aim to create a cinematic experience that not only captivates but also inspires understanding and empathy. Join us on this emotional voyage, where every frame speaks volumes about the strength within us all.

MARIIA ZAKHARCHENKO - PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Hi! I’m Mariia Zakharchenko and I’m production designer for JESSE. Being involved in arts and design my whole life from making my first drawings when I was very little to going to fine arts school when I turned six to studying film right now, I’m very excited to take on production design for JESSE I think that this will be a very interesting challenge of creating a world for characters that feels both realistic and personal. As the story has a structure of a time loop with each scenario being a different genre, we’re striving to create a completely different atmosphere for each part while still keeping the story together.

As well, I’m very excited to work on this project as it explores very complex and important themes of coming out and the challenge of finding your own identity. I think it’s very important to share stories like JESSE as it helps to raise awareness and understanding of the complexity of the LGBTQI2+ community.

SPENCER BROWN - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Hi my name is Spencer Brown, I am a filmmaker hailing from Toronto Canada. I believe in the power of narrative to help ourselves and the people around us express and understand one another. I'm grateful to be from such a diverse place in the world with a thriving film community that allows different voices to be heard. When Rio asked me to be Assistant Director on JESSE I didn't think twice about saying yes. Rio is a hard worker and a dedicated director. When he told me the personal connection he had to the narrative I knew it was special. I truly feel that JESSE has an important message, and being a part of the team that will bring it to fruition is truly a privilege.

FOLLOW OUR CAMPAIGN

Stay in the loop with the latest developments about JESSE by following our campaign! Your support on GoFundMe not only keeps you informed but also helps our team unlock exciting rewards. As our followers grow, so do the benefits – from exclusive products to valuable services and festival fee waivers, all thanks to GoFundMe! Catch real-time updates on our production journey by following us on Instagram at @jesse.shortfilm.