We’re Making a Film. We Need Your Help!
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Get To Know Award-Winning Filmmaker Aleah Marrow: View Website & Past Films
Hi, I'm Aleah Marrow, a writer and director from Durham, North Carolina. Playing competitive tennis and traveling for most of my life gave me a unique opportunity to engage with different cultures and experience the natural world in ways few others have. I grew up seeing the world through the lens of stories from the people and places I encountered, and stories I created during moments of solitude.
This film is the result of that lifelong observation and imagination. It asks a question that’s been echoing in me for some time: "After the relentless pursuit of a dream or ideal, what happens when you're confronted with something greater than your own ambition?"
I love storytelling because it allows us to explore life’s complexities through multiple angles. My work centers on themes like reality, morality, human connection, and our relationship to time. I’m especially drawn to the spaces between cultures, the tension, beauty, and vulnerability in how we navigate differences. I’m fascinated by the emotional weight we carry, and how connection, whether uplifting or painful, shapes who we become.
My first award-winning short film, Wish Hill (2022), explored the power of imagination and the deep bond of brotherhood on a journey to self-discovery.
Now, I’m creating a film called It May Take Some Convincing; a comedic, and dramatic journey through the chaos of modern life. This film explores cultural differences, navigating expectations, and a search for meaning in a fractured world; leaving us laughing, reflecting, and rethinking our place in it all.
This is where you come in.
The Story
When creative expectations and environmental tensions collide, an idealistic American filmmaker’s opportunity to document an original play by seasoned Italian artists in Palermo, Italy begins to slip out of reach.
But beneath the drama is something deeper: a journey about listening, letting go, and learning how to truly see one another.
Why This Film Matters
In a world that feels increasingly divided, this film serves as a reminder that true connection requires more than just words; it demands empathy, understanding, and a willingness to face the unknown together. It’s more than just making art, it’s about what it means to make anything meaningful, especially when in the presence of difference.
Set in the vibrant Palermo, Italy, the characters are not only challenged by cultural and emotional differences but also by the landscape and surroundings that influence their journey.
Through this, It May Take Some Convincing encourages us to consider our shared responsibility to care for others and the environments that define us.
What You’re Supporting
By contributing to this film, you're supporting:
- An independent filmmaker telling a global story
- An independent creative project rooted in compassion and cross-cultural storytelling
- A film that asks bold questions about empathy, society, and the environment
- A vision that puts story first—and dares to be different
Why I'm Asking for Your Support
We’re a small, passionate team creating a film with big hearts. We’re asking for your help to fund production costs including:
- On-location filming in Palermo
- Crew and equipment
- Set design and wardrobe
- Travel, housing, and meals for cast and crew
- Post-production editing and sound design
Every dollar gets us closer to telling a story that’s honest, human, and needed right now. Whether you give $50 or $5,000, your support helps bring this vision to life—and we don’t take that lightly.
How You Can Help!
- Donate – Every contribution helps. Truly!
- Share – Post this campaign with your community. It makes a huge difference.
- Follow – Stay updated on our journey and join our behind-the-scenes process.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in this story. I can't wait to bring it to life—with your help.
With gratitude,
Aleah Marrow
Writer & Director of It May Take Some Convincing
Supporter Rewards
$100 – “The Believer”
- You’ll receive a heartfelt thank-you email once the film is completed.
$250 – “The Collector"
- Get access to exclusive digital artwork created by our visual team. Plus, all previous rewards.
$500 – “The Insider”
- Get your name listed in the Special Thanks group section of the film credits. Includes all previous rewards.
$1,000 – “The Inner Circle”
- You’ll receive a Special Thanks credit in the film (in a more prominent section), access to a private online watch party with the cast and crew, a signed digital poster, and a personal thank-you video from Aleah, the director. Includes all previous rewards.
$5,000+ – “Associate Producer”
- Your name will be listed in the film’s credits as an Associate Producer, with access to a film festival screening or live event. You’ll also get a personalized thank-you video and an invitation to our VIP online watch party. Includes all previous rewards.
$10,000+ – “Executive Producer”
- You’ll receive an Executive Producer credit in the film, plus early access to screenings, exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, and invitations to attend any in-person festival or event where the film is screened (travel not included). Includes all previous rewards.
More Film Details
Meet the Visionaries Behind the Characters
Eugenio Mastrandrea:
Mastrandrea's acting career began with a role in the 2012 film "A.C.A.B. – All Cops Are Bastards," where he portrayed Giancarlo. He later appeared in the 2018 television series "Nero a metà" as Zanussi. In 2021, he gained prominence for his role as Marcello Favini in the Italian miniseries "La Fuggitiva." His international breakthrough came in 2022 when he starred as Lino Ortolano opposite Oscar winner Zoe Saldana in the Netflix series "From Scratch." The series received acclaim for its storytelling and Performances.
In 2023, Mastrandrea joined Denzel Washington in "The Equalizer 3,"
portraying Giorgio Bonucci. He also became part of the cast in the 2024 season of the number one Italian series "Don Matteo," taking on the role of Captain Diego Martini.
Mastrandrea is a talented young actor, both on stage and on screen, at
the start of a promising career. He is deeply passionate about the art of
storytelling and the way he brings stories to life. His talent and
dedication to his craft continue to shine through in every role, and he is
excited for what lies ahead in his blossoming career.
Paride Benassai:
Paride Benassai is a distinguished Italian actor and director renowned for his significant contributions to Sicilian theater and cinema. Between 1983 and 1988, Benassai served as the Artistic Director of the Piccolo Teatro Città di Palermo. His theatrical repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed directors such as Roberto Guicciardini, Mario Missiroli, and Carlo Quartucci. Notably, he portrayed Pino Puglisi in the film "L'ultimo sorriso" (2017), earning the "Musa d'argento" award for Best Actor.
Benassai's cinematic endeavors encompass roles in films like "Baarìa" (2009) and "Un pugno di amici" (2020). On television, he is recognized for his portrayal of Giacomo, Lino's father, in the series "From Scratch" (2022). A prominent figure in Sicilian theater, Benassai remains a force contributing to art, culture, and entertainment in Sicily and all over Italy. His talent shines not only on stage and screen but also through his deep commitment to nurturing his community and preserving the stories of his heritage. His work continues to deeply inspire and connect audiences, reflecting his passion for both his craft and his roots.
Mario Incudine:
Mario Incudine is a multifaceted Italian artist renowned for his contributions as a singer-songwriter, actor, director, musician, and composer of film scores. His music blends traditional Sicilian sounds with world music influences, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of his homeland.
Incudine's artistic journey began with his participation in Antonio Maddeo's film "Vò Vò," filmed in Sicily in the early 1990s. He later joined the theatrical group "Amici del Teatro," touring Italian theaters and earning accolades for his acting and original musical compositions. In 1996, he co-founded the musical group "Janniscuru" with Franco Barbarino, releasing "Un Natali di paci" in 2002, which
features Sicilian Christmas carols. In 2003, incudine embarked on his solo career.
In 2020, Incudine composed the soundtrack for the film "Famosa," further establishing his versatility as a composer. Mario Incudine remains a pivotal figure in contemporary Italian music, celebrated for his ability to intertwine traditional Sicilian elements with modern expressions, captivating audiences worldwide with his storytelling and musical prowess.
Organizer
Aleah Marrow
Organizer
Durham, NC