I am Matt Walsh, a rising senior at Hofstra University pursuing a BFA in filmmaking. I am currently working on raising funding for my senior thesis film: Joyful, Playful & Obscene. The film follows 17 year-old Danny McGinnis in the Spring of 1972 as he tries to break away from his fathers grip and the life mapped out for him without his input. While working on his writing, he is reunited with an old flame, 19 year-old Julie “Sweet” Sugarman, returning to town for the first time since 1969. In the time she has been away, her life moved in the opposite direction as Danny’s, hitchhiking around the country and becoming a very active member in the Haight-Ashbury community. Upon their reunion, they decide to find the balance between Danny’s structured life and Julie’s free-spirit in order to attain true happiness together.

This film means the world to me. I have been working on this story in many different forms since June of 2021, and now have the opportunity to make it a reality. Through this, I will finally be able to bring to life the idealized version of the 1970’s that I have fallen in love with through music, fashion, movies, and history of the era. A story applicable to any time and place but brought to life through my film.

I have a GoFundMe campaign started, with a goal of $5,500. Any amount, big or small, would be greatly appreciated, and will come with a special thanks credit in the final film, as well as personalized thank you notes for every donation. Larger donations will also be given the options to see early cuts of the film, framed stills, or a copy of the script signed by the entire cast and crew.

$50: Signed Script

$75: Early Cuts

$100+: Framed Stills