Help us make our film 'Twice In A Lifetime' a reality.

Instagram: @pauloberberan

Website: www.pauloberberan.com & https://mindout.org.uk/

Synopsis:

Grey, an American student in the UK, finds himself driving home from a funeral on the night an infamous comet passes by Earth—a rare event that occurs once every 60 years. As the comet streaks across the sky, Grey is propelled into a night of deep introspection, confronting his trauma and grief, ultimately leading to a path of reconciliation and healing.

Summary:

The film will explore Grey’s life during both appearances of the comet: the 1960s and the present day. It will delve into his emotional state during these two periods, prompting him to reflect on his life’s trajectory. Could he have made different choices? How did his actions shape his destiny? If given the chance, would he go back in time to change his fate?

Using a love story as the main vehicle, the film will delve into themes of shame, grief, and emotional trauma. Enhanced with elements of science fiction, it will offer a sensorial, out-of-this-world experience that prompts viewers to reflect on their own human experiences. While centering on a queer narrative, the film conveys a universal message that transcends sexuality..

The film contrasts the queer experience of the 1960s in the UK with the present day, exploring the gains and losses brought by societal and cultural advancements. It questions what values may have been discarded along the way and whether our increasingly superficial society has forgotten the unsung heroes of the past who paved the way for today’s freedoms. By reflecting on these themes, the film aspires to be a thought-provoking and ambitious exploration of humanity, and ultimately, a profound story about love.

Film References & Mood Videos:

MindOut:

MindOut is essential because 40% of LGBTQ+ individuals face mental health challenges, compared to 25% of the general population. Our work is vital because mainstream services often fail to meet the needs of our service users, who can feel isolated from LGBTQ+ communities and experience additional discrimination and exclusion. LGBTQ+ people typically wait longer to seek help and need a safe space where their identities are recognised and understood. Our vision is a world where the mental health of LGBTQ+ communities is prioritised, free from stigma, and respected.

What we need:

Our goal is to raise £20,000. Half of this amount, £10,000, will be allocated to all aspects of the filming process, including pre-production, production, and post-production, as well as location costs, cast, crew, equipment, costumes, catering, props, and festival submissions. The remaining £10,000 will be donated to MindOut, a dedicated charity supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people. Their mission is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ+ communities and to make mental health a community concern. They offer a range of services, including:

• Mental Health Advocacy: Providing advice, support, and representation for individuals dealing with mental health issues.

• Peer Support Groups: Facilitating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can share experiences and support each other.

Here’s how each contribution can make an impact on MindOut and their mission:

What you will get:

This campaign embodies the idea of second chances in a world we’ve shaped for ourselves - a world where everyone deserves a second chance. Welcome to the Twice In A Lifetime world.

By donating, you’ll become a vital part of this journey. You’ll receive monthly newsletters updating you on the film’s progress, be invited to special events we’re planning with MindOut (including the grand premiere of the film), and receive a special thanks credit in the film.

Crew so far:

Director & Writer: Paulo Berberan

Co-Producer: Russell Pearce

Art Director: Lily Purbrick

MUA: Hadeel Tal

From the filmmaker:

I’m thrilled to announce my GoFundMe page in partnership with MindOut. Mental health is a central theme of my film, making MindOut an ideal collaborator.

Releasing this campaign has been nerve-wracking for several reasons, particularly because of concerns about potential loss of professional opportunities. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 46% of LGBTQ employees remain closeted at work, and 62% of millennial LGBTQ graduates go back into the closet at their first job. These statistics hit close to home for me as a Portuguese immigrant navigating a post-Brexit environment.

As I progress in my career, I advocate for and aspire to foster inclusive environments that enable employees to thrive as their authentic selves, promoting safety, visibility, and respect.

Many of us live one pay check away from instability, pressured to conceal our identities and hindered in our careers. I believe no one should have to hide who they are at work. Embracing authenticity aligns us with our most productive and revolutionary work.

Additionally, 48% of the trans community has experienced suicidal thoughts, and 8% of the broader LGBTQ+ community has faced the same. I’ve grappled with feelings of shame and the belief that perhaps I don’t belong. It’s challenging to confront a world that often makes us feel like we are a mistake.

I’ve been told that ‘God made a mistake when he created me.’ It’s not easy to write this. How do we keep going when everything around us seems designed to make us feel like we are a mistake? When faced with homophobic behaviours and systemic discrimination, how do we stop ourselves from believing that maybe, we are indeed a mistake?

My GoFundMe campaign begins with humble roots but aims for significant impact. Art should serve a purpose, especially for underserved communities.

For many in the queer community, art isn’t just expression - it’s survival. Your support - whether through visibility or donation - helps bring this vision to life and supports a crucial cause. Half of all donations will directly benefit MindOut, funding essential mental health services like counselling and advocacy tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals.

By donating and supporting, you're not only helping an artist bring an important vision to life, but you are also propelling this campaign further. We intend to collaborate with more charities, address broader societal issues, grow this platform bigger, and expand our impact.

Join us in building the “Twice in a Lifetime” world - a world where queerness transcends boundaries and celebrates our diverse identities. Together, let’s drive change and empower our community through meaningful art.

Thank you for your support and for being part of our Twice In A Lifetime journey.

God Bless.