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Turning Point Documentary Film

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My name is Shelly Kapadia and I am a filmmaker with Below the Knee Films based in Richmond Virginia. We focus on films of global human importance, typically involving subject matter that takes on challenging social issues. Our current project is a feature length documentary about transgender people and their families called TURNING POINT.

I was very fortunate to grow up in a loving and open environment that allowed me to be whoever I wanted to be. The LGBT community wasn’t as visible in my childhood as it is now, but it was still there. Having a transgender son has lit the fire under me to make this film. The goal of the film is to showcase the experiences of transgender people and help the audience to reflect on what kind of relationship they would like to have with their transgender family member and friends.   
 

I have always been very passionate about art. The ability it has to transform people is something I have always found amazing. When I found a need to somehow contribute to pertinent global issues, I turned to art, specifically film. I am the mother of a transgender child and through my own quest to learn and grow, I have learned a lot about the transgender community itself, but not much about the families that help to support it. I have read books, attended meetings, and searched the internet, but the questions I had about the ins and outs of familial relationships and the path to unconditional acceptance were never fully and satisfactorily answered. These are the questions that I hope to answer not only for myself, but also for other parents or family members through the creation of my new feature documentary film, TURNING POINT. 


The documentary will feature people such as Jamie Raines, who is well known from his YouTube channel and recently featured on BuzzFeed, ABC, MTV and Channel 4. 

We have an incredible team working with us on this production and we are all excited and dedicated to make this a film that will hopefully educate others on the some of the issues that transgender people face, not in the outside world, but within their own homes; and encourage families to make positive choices when it comes to transgender people around them.


As a woman making independent films that have a societal impact, it is a constant challenge to compete with the male-dominated, studio based industry. I am someone that believes in unconditional equality with regards to opportunity, and I feel compelled to tell this story. I have therefore chosen to produce this documentary independently. The story is far too important to me to let anyone have a governing hand in the matter. I refuse to compromise with the subject matter or make any unwanted changes because a studio believes that society doesn’t want to witness the sometimes ugly truths that we want to present. 

Of course, I do not want to compromise on production quality, and to do that effectively requires a certain financial commitment. We were fortunate enough to be able to shoot part of the documentary in May of 2016 in the UK, but now we need YOUR help to continue and complete the US part of the production.   

That being said, I am hoping with the help of family, friends, supporters in the LGBT community, and allies, that we can raise the money necessary to make this documentary a success. 

Here's what the funds would be going towards:
- Rental of film equipment and gear
- Legal fees and permits
- Locations and transportation
- Production Sound
- Crew costs
 

Anyone who donates any amount will get a "Special Thanks" in the end credit roll and a digital download of the film before it is released to the public.
 
Please share this page and our information with your friends and family and on social media.
 
I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance for being a part of this documentary that I know is important to make, especially for the members of the transgender community who deserve to have their stories told on the big screen!
 

TURNING POINT DETAILS 
Release Date: 2018
Directed By: Shelly Kapadia & Peter Szijarto
DP & Editor: Peter Szijarto
Production Company
: Below the Knee Films LLC
Post Production: PigsAlreadyFly
Executive Producer: Cyrus Kapadia

SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS/LINKS
Twitter:
  @turningpntmovie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1716536281948292/  
Instagram:  @turningpointmovie

Thank you for supporting female filmmakers and films that cover LGBT issues. By working together, we will make a change in the world. Even baby steps are steps in the long run.

Many Thanks,
Shelly Kapadia
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Organizer

Stella Wiki
Organizer
Chester, VA

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