Mint - Short Film

About
Burdened by the enormous cost of his college tuition, international student, Kostya, is forced to work extra night shifts and confront the unexpected. A contemporary take on the pursuit of the American Dream, "Mint" is a meditation on one generation’s search for abundance and a young man’s quest for an education and better life. 

After the success of their award-winning film, "Like Her," that made its World Premiere at the Manhattan Film Festival, writer-actor, Cameron Kalajian, and cinematographer, Armaan Virani, have teamed up again and assembled an incredible group of artists to tell this nuanced and intimate story set in the heart of New York City.

The Team
Director/Writer/Producer - Cameron Kalajian
Director of Photography/Producer - Armaan Virani 
Cast - Mariana Catalina, Shauna Bloom, Craig Bacon, Cameron Kalajian

In order to bring this film to life and shoot this fall — we need your help!

We are so grateful to have shot the film already and are now are raising money to cover the costs of post-production:

Film and trailer editing  - $1,000
Music scoring - $550
Sound editing - $500
Visual FX - $250
Coloring - $1,000
Festival Submission Fees - $1,000

Your donation is not only helping pay for the costs of making the film, but is also an investment in the next generation of filmmakers and the start of an exciting new production company.

We are excited to announce that "Mint" will be the inaugural first film produced by Spirit Prince Productions!

Helmed by Cameron Kalajian, Spirit Prince Productions is a NYC-based production company dedicated to telling visually sophisticated stories with a focus on complex narratives and diverse characters.

Here’s the Tea
In these trying times in which many causes could use your monetary contributions, we understand how complex it is to ask for donations for artistic pursuits. In fact — one of the themes of "Mint" is the precarious financial struggle of modern-day America. On that note, we believe that stories that shine light and empathy on the world around us are more urgent and needed than ever to stay present with and expand upon the conscious conversation of our time.

No contribution is too big or small. All amounts of generosity are welcomed. 

We are so excited to make this film and look forward to having you be a part of the artistic journey!!

With our deepest gratitude—

Team Mint

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Scroll down to check out our donation incentives and learn more about the film and artists!

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What are the Donation Incentives?

$25 - personal thank you note from the film’s director + social media shoutout from the film’s director
$50 - a personal invite to the finished film’s preview private screening + personal thank you note from the film’s director + social media shoutout from the film’s director
$100 - a movie poster signed by the creative team + a personal invite to the finished film’s preview private screening + personal thank you note from the film’s director + social media shoutout from the film’s director
$250 - all of the above + 1 free ticket to the film’s preview private screening 
$500 - all of the above + 2 free tickets to the film’s preview private screening
$1,000 - all of the above + an Executive Producer Credit with your name or company logo in the rolling credits of the film and on the film’s website and marketing 

What camera are you shooting on?
We are shooting on the ARRI Alexa Mini — the current top of the line industry standard. The same camera that Game of Thrones and Big Little Lies are shot on…yup, you heard right!


What kind of short film is this?
Tonally and visually, "Mint" will be similar to "Shame" by Steve McQueen and "Moonlight" by Barry Jenkins.


Who are these actors? Can they ACT?!
Yes, they can act. Very well. 

Shauna Bloom was on CBS's "The Mentalist"
Cameron Kalajian has 3 national commercials and modeling ads currently running, and has played many leading men on stage and in films.
Mariana Catalina just finished playing the lead roles, Cassandra and Elektra, in "The Orestia." 
Craig Bacon is a professional actor and teaches acting at the Actor's Studio in NYC. 
Last but not least — describe this film in 3 words.
Very minty fresh :)
But also: Intimate - Contemporary - Turbulent

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Any questions? Reach out to director, Cameron Kalajian, at [email redacted]. 

Feel free to share this fundraiser on all forms of social media!

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