Worthy of Survival Short Film- Fundraiser
WORTHY OF SURVIVAL
By Skyler Cooper
Thank You to all of our Supporters for your generous contributions towards the production of our film Worthy of Survival. Part 2 of our Fundraiser ends on March 25, 2021. Worthy of Survival is epic in scope and grand in vision and we are ready to meet that challenge! Part 2 of our fundraiser is for equipment, post-production fees, location fees, food service, Covid-19 safety supplies, lodging, transportation. All of these things and more are what we need to raise. Please help us to maintain the quality of our production and bring our vision to life. Donate Today. No amount is too small.
Jordan Dunlap, a Black female combat veteran returns home after spending two years in a military prison. Spiraling down in a tough economy, homeless Jordan finally gets a job, but when a horrific incident happens at work she is confined to a VA Psych ward. At the ward she meets veterans of different wars across the generations, and she meets a colorful Vietnam veteran, and storyteller who tells her the story of Muley, a colossal runaway slave who survives by taking the identity of a free man. Jordan wants to be left alone and be released, but can’t until Carol Blake, a medium grade therapist with short-timers attitude can determine Jordan’s mental state for trial.
Jordan and Carol have a contentious relationship at first because Jordan refuses to share the military incident that caused her discharge. Meanwhile, Chester’s story about Muley gives Jordan an escape from her current situation. Jordan gains Carol’s trust by saving a nurse from harm. Carol gets a court order for house arrest for Jordan so that she can get outpatient treatment. Carol’s methods of treatment begin to help Jordan open up about her past, but when another patient triggers Jordan she attacks the patient within inches of her life and is sent to a solitary. While in solitary Jordan receives a special gift and is reminded of the resilience and courage she shares with Muley. Jordan is ready to share a deep dark secret with Carol.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
The French painter Edgar Degas said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” I want to show people a way of survival through oppression while contributing to the discourse in this country about what service means as an American citizen. As a black Gulf War transgender male veteran with eleven years in the United States Navy and twenty years as a working artist, I am uniquely qualified to tell a previously untold survival story. To be black and transgender is to be vulnerable under any circumstance, but more so in the political climate of America today. Yet, I survive and with a purpose of exercising my duty as a citizen artist to unite my country. Although the subject matter is dark, the message is one of hope, compassion, and endurance.
THE CAST:
Skyler Cooper - (Muley) (Lead Actor) is a writer, producer, director, actor, and activist. 
Crystal Gix - (Jordan) (Lead Actress) a native of Oakland, California, Crystal Gix is an actress and educator. 
Dennis Yen - (Chester) (Supporting Lead Actor) 
Toni Johnson - (Dr. Carol Blake) (Supporting Lead Actress) Toni Chritton Johnson has a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri and was an anchor/weatherperson for KOLR-TV.
THE CREW:
Jalila Bell - (Producer)
Jalila Bell Esq, has always danced between two worlds. As a lawyer, she is a fierce advocate for women, tenants, and civil rights. 
Unni Rav - (Director of Photography) is a cinematographer based in the Bay Area, California. 
Will Larsen - (Composer) A multi-award winning producer, composer, conductor, and musician from Melbourne, Australia.
Do you have questions about the project? Do you want to hear more? Contact us at worthyofsurvivalthefilm [At Gmail] dot com
