Update ( December 2025): We’ve Raised $12,000!
Thanks to your generosity, we’ve reached an incredible milestone $12K raised to support this independent film. I’m beyond grateful to every friend, family member, and donor who helped make this possible.
This journey has been full of challenges and surprises, and through it all, the project has grown into something even more meaningful.
We've come this far, but there's still work ahead. Below is an update on my journey and how you can help us cross the finish line.
Capital I in Indie (October 2025 Update)
Although a chicken running around with its head cut off is a true phenomenon, I’ve always found the metaphor itself funny. Yet, it perfectly captures the honest chaos of being an independent filmmaker on your own.
You’re constantly juggling the roles of writer, director, and producer and in your “downtime,” you’re also the editor, marketer, manager, and accountant just to keep things moving. There’s never enough time or enough hands, but like that headless chicken, you keep charging forward with pure momentum, determined to turn an abstract vision into a tangible piece of art.
When I arrived in Italy, I was immediately met with the adversity of lost luggage and no time to cry about it, it was time to work. I spent my days with little to no sleep, filming, rewriting, and preparing for the next day, for an entire month straight. I learned quickly that chaos wasn’t something to fear, it was something to embrace. And in doing so, I became exactly what I came to Italy to be: a filmmaker.
That mindset allowed me to find joy in the fast-paced journey. I tasted some of the best food in the world, listened to rhythmic Sicilian music, and soaked in the breathtaking landscapes of the island. I shared laughs with locals over our similarities, proof that what makes us human is often the simplest things.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported my fundraiser behind the scenes and on this platform. Thanks to your generosity, I’ve raised $12,000 to help bring this film to life. I truly couldn’t have come this far without the support of family, friends, and donors who believe in this story.
What’s Next (December 2025 Update Continued)
As production continues, I still need help finishing this film.
Your support will go directly toward:
- Editing – Editing is a significant part of the overall cost of completing this film, including the need for reliable post-production gear such as an editing computer and professional software. These tools are essential to finishing the film with the quality and care it deserves.
- Sound Design – crafting the immersive atmosphere
- Color Grading – giving the visuals their final cinematic look
- Post-Production Producer – managing the finishing process
- Small Reshoot – capturing essential missing moments
- Marketing & Distribution – sharing the film with the world
What I’ve learned throughout this journey is to capitalize on the moment you’re in, no matter your circumstances, to take one small step at a time, even if it means wearing many hats, often uncomfortable and all at once. That’s what I’ll continue to do, and I hope to share every step of this process with you.
As for now, you can guarantee that the letter I is capitalized in Indie.
I’m still deep in production and need your support to bring this film to life. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move closer to completion. Thank you for believing in independent art and in me.
No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.
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
With Gratitude
I’m incredibly thankful for every person who chooses to support this project. Your generosity helps move this film forward and allows me to continue telling stories that explore empathy, culture, and human connection. I look forward to sharing updates as the journey continues and bringing this film to life with your support.
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
