Support Rachel Elisabeth's Thesis Film "In Her Name"

Hello and welcome to the crowdfunding campaign of In Her Name, a short film written and directed by Rachel Elisabeth, a graduate film student at the University of Central Arkansas! We are so excited to have you here.

THE STORY:

This film follows Joanie, a sixteen year old girl who begins to question her sexuality after an intimate game of Truth or Dare takes place at her best friend's birthday party. It is a story that touches on the realities and complexities of questioning your sexuality during your formative teenage years and dealing with the complicated emotions that come with that territory.

THE DIRECTOR:

Rachel Elisabeth is an aspiring director, screenwriter, and script supervisor from small town Mena, Arkansas. She graduated from UCA in 2022 with a BA in Film, and is currently working towards her MFA in the same program. She has had several roles during her time as a film student, often as an assistant director or script supervisor. Rachel has experience in the director's chair herself, her most recent project being her short film Mess that was completed in March of this year.

Rachel's goal as a filmmaker is to create or work on projects that she connects with on a personal level. Her hope as a filmmaker is to make movies that an audience can relate to, especially when it comes to films surrounding concepts that she herself closely resonates with, such as stories involving teenagehood, womanhood, sexuality and identity, or the disabled community.

WHY THIS MOVIE:

While she herself has not had the exact experience that Joanie has in the story, she knows others that have been in Joanie's shoes or share similar experiences. It is a fairly common occurrence during your adolescence to question your sexuality and who you're attracted to on a romantic level. Rachel wants to shine a light on the subject with this story of a young girl who has her sexual awakening at a very unique time and place. While there are plenty of films that touch on sexuality or the south, In Her Name combines those two ideas and gives its own twist to the concept.

"While these specific events didn't happen to me, this script does tie back to my own upbringing and is a part of my life that I am no longer ashamed to talk about, and I want to help other people not be ashamed to speak about their experiences either." -Rachel Elisabeth, director.

This film is important to Rachel because it has helped her come to terms with her sexuality and where she stands now inside her own identity. "Coming from a small town where these feelings are often shamed or ignored, my thesis project reflects the scary and conflicting emotions that many young, questioning individuals face."

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

We need help raising $7,700 for all production expenses that will help make this film a reality. That includes funds for talent, crew, location, travel, art, food services, and more!

While that does seem like a big number, every cent will go towards this project to make it the best version of itself. A little bit goes a long way, and we will take any help you are willing to offer. Your and everyone else's contributions to this film are extremely appreciated, as they help us to continue to make meaningful and relatable stories such as this one.

We can't make this film without your help! Please donate today, and consider sharing our campaign with friends and loved ones.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.