Support 'Takes A Village' - A Cinematic Tribute to My Father

LaDarius Torrey is organising this fundraiser.

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Logline:

A scholar and standout athlete, 17-year-old Zeke is forced to make decisions necessary to survive his now that could ultimately jeopardize and ruin his tomorrow.

Why tell this Story?

In the midst of darkness, so often we forget to find and value light. However, that light, no matter how dim, is the only thing that has the power to snatch us out of the darkness we sometimes find ourselves in. I’ve found myself in that darkness for the last few years, with my grandfather’s passing last spring and my father’s just a few months ago. I wholeheartedly understand that the tough times aren’t what lasts, it’s the tough people who endure, grow and make it through.

What Makes This Project Special?

As a filmmaker, I’ve realized that the only way of making sense of the grief, pain and many lessons is through my art and sharing the stories that I hold so close to my heart. That being stated, I am actively embarking on this mission and setting out to shoot a short film titled 'Takes A Village' from Dec. 7th, 2024 to Dec. 8th, 2024. With this film the aim is to 1) paint a humanistic portrait of those individuals and communities usually deemed marginalized and 2) pay homage to my father and show an appreciation for the many sacrifices/decisions made so that I never had to.

Takes A Village is set in the year of 1995 in my hometown of Moss Point, MS–located on the beautiful Gulf Coast. To tell this story authentically, principal photography will take place in the area–a venture that makes this production even more extraordinarily special as I get the opportunity to highlight my community and its people. In addition to local talent, our team is composed of a number of award-winning filmmakers from the University of Southern California.

Why Do We Need Your Help?

The overall budget to make it a reality is $12,000. All donations will go directly towards camera equipment, transportation, lodging, post production, and feeding the cast and crew. Any support you may be able to provide will be truly appreciated. If unable to donate, sharing with someone that may be moved by our mission will be truly appreciated just the same!

Characters:

ZEKE HAYES (17) - A scholar and gifted athlete, Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Hayes is a teen that’s wise well beyond his years. While his talents on the baseball field has made him a highly sought after prospect as he enters his senior year, circumstances of the field have a great potential to derail all that is promised to come. If only he can make it through the year ... but, with the pressures of today, can he make it to tomorrow?

LETITIA JAMES (17) - A talented athlete and dancer herself, Letitia James is an astute student and responsible young woman ... generally. She’s the high school sweetheart of Zeke, and together they make the picture perfect couple. Just as Zeke, Letitia is brilliant and has a bright future ahead, but for the first time in her life, she’s found herself in a position where all that she's been working for is jeopardized.

BLAQ (19) - One who refuses to be a victim of his circumstances, Blaq personifies survival and doing whatever it takes to do so. The older cousin of Zeke, Blaq acts as a protector and guide for him in many ways -- both positively and negatively, however.