Support Mare’s Cannes Film Festival Journey

Hi everyone!

My name is Madeline (I also go by Maré :) and I am a visual multimedia artist. In 2023, I was given the ultimate title of visual development director for a stop-motion animation short film titled ‘She Is Us’. I’m happy to say that ‘She is Us’ will be premiering in the Cannes film festival in two weeks!!!

I have saved since I started working as a 15 year old for a moment like this. Unfortunately, due to unexpected life events, taking care of my family because of their illnesses and hospitalizations, and recently being laid off, I have depleted 95% of my savings. Sharks, what I am asking for in this GoFundMe is $500 to cover my expenses in Cannes, in return for 100% of my happiness and gratitude. If I had this money for my stay, I would be over the moon with joy and thanks.

I studied French culture and its language for 3 1/2 years in both high school and college, so I am in shock that this is happening to me.

I would like to also talk a little bit more about my experience working on the film!

What made her story so near and dear to my heart was the fact that she and I had so many similarities. She and I experienced CSA, the foster care system, she and I are fighters, she and I went to UCLA. I saw myself in her. I remember doing extensive research on her before we interviewed her, because in my head I thought it would make her feel more comfortable sharing her life story with our team. And immediately after I heard her story, I told her that she is like a phoenix rising from the ashes and to my surprise she named her daughter Phoenix. That moment is what inspired this concept art that you see on the cover of my GoFundMe.

Because this is a stop-motion animation film about her life story, I knew that it was my due diligence to respect and honor her experiences. I always looked like Charlie from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in meetings because I had so many ideas and visuals that I wanted to share and workshop. I even consulted with the editor, producer, storyboard artist and animation director every chance I got to make sure that the direction of the film was clear. Not to mention that I took the bus every morning and walked up a hill for 30 mins every day to get to our base. And I would do it all over again if I could.

When I worked on backgrounds, brainstormed with my fave coworker Eve over the storyboard, and when I animated, I felt at peace for the first time in my life, because I was doing what I love. I hope that I’m able to continue my creative journey so that I can find that peace again.

Anyway, thank you for listening to my spiel. Much love and may God bless you all <3