FOUND - The Short Film. A Film project seeking funds for a heartfelt story about human interaction, homelessness and mental health. The Film will be submitted in Film Festivals Worlwide.
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“FOUND”- The Short Film
Hello Backers,
Looking for funds to shoot a short film about a boy who befriends a homeless veteran troubled by post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Instagram: @found.theshortfilm
Facebook Page: Found - The Short Film
Website: www.foundtheshortfilm.com
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Film Synopsis
Eric, an 11-year old boy who recently lost his father, confronts a homeless veteran named Max in a park. Despite his formidable appearance, Max is quite friendly and they quickly form a unique bond. Max, a former college instructor, teaches Eric valuable life lessons through ancient Greek philosophy. But Max’s mental health issues soon put their friendship in jeopardy.
Why should you support this film?
Found is a story of inspiration between a young mind and a homeless veteran and former teacher. What is unique about this film? It breaks stereotypes. A boy who recently lost his father finds a father figure in a homeless man. Steve, the writer/director, received his undergraduate degree in Sociology and hopes to bring to light the social stigmas attached to certain segments of society.
The film does not purport to solve the issues of homelessness or mental health...rather, to tell a compelling story that demonstrates kindness and compassion. Sometimes we need to separate ourselves from reality in order to survive. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to.
Where Will the Funds Go?
(Allyra) Remaining Budget to Be Raised: $7,500, Estimated Budget: $16,000 , (Indie Gogo) Raised Budget: $8,500
- Above the Line (producer, director, cast, etc.): $4,700
- Production Costs (crew, meals, etc.): $9,300
- Post Production: $500
- Other (insurance, festival submissions, publicity, etc.): $1,500
Help us help others!!! Any money raised that exceeds what's needed for the film will be donated to charitable organizations serving homelessness, mental health, and veterans.
How else can you help?
Whether or not you are able to contribute, you can make a huge difference by sharing this campaign with everyone you know. Please get the word out on social media and share this webpage.
Help us make a great film!
Thank you!
“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.” - Plato
TONE & STYLE
Found is a heartfelt dramatic story about courage, acceptance, and human interaction while exploring homelessness, mental health, and social degradation. The film draws a fine line between reality and delusion as it relates to mental health.
The visions that haunt Max are at the forefront of the story. The tone will be somber and suspenseful despite most of the scenes being shot outdoors during daylight.
The style will be expressionistic, focusing on visual cues to express the emotional experiences of Max’s chaotic world and Eric’s apprehension.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Found is a compassionate story about a young mind inspiring a homeless veteran and former teacher, an unsung hero.
Many people avoid getting too close to homeless people thinking they are lazy, mentally unstable, or asking for money just to get drugs or alcohol. I received my undergraduate degree in sociology and studied the stigmas placed on mental issues, poverty, social outcasts, and similar topics.
For veterans, 10% of men and 19% of women are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Overall, an estimated 25% of the homeless population suffers from severe mental illness. I once volunteered in a soup kitchen thinking I could help those in need, but I left feeling empty inside, realizing that a single meal or tip jar won’t help anyone with severe depression, anxiety, or other disorders. More social awareness is needed to combat the lack of medical and mental health attention so many people need.
My main inspiration for this film is The Fisher King (1991). Robin Williams masterfully portrays a homeless former professor who creates his own delusional world to avoid the pain from witnessing his wife’s death in a cafe shooting spree.
- Steve Wieclaw
MEET THE CAST
Casting for the film has been finalized. The film will be shot entirely in Miami, FL and production is expected late summer or beginning of Fall 2024 (dates will depend on final funding).
MEET THE TEAM
Steve Wieclaw - Writer/Director
Steve is an award winning filmmaker based in Miami. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he received his undergraduate degree in sociology. After long careers as both a touring musician and corporate business analyst, he finally pursued his passion for storytelling and completed film school with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Filmmaking. His past films include Agua Eterna (2021) and Nonstop (2020).
Website: www.hermitcrabfilms.com
Instagram: @steve.wieclaw
IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm12275979/
Judit Gonzalez Velazquez - Producer
Known as "Jules," Judit is a latin, veteran, multifaceted producer with a diverse background spanning producing, editing, and broadcast production, with undergraduate psychology studies. Mentored directly by industry leaders, she has honed her skills across multiple formats collaborating with top actors like Andy Garcia (The Godfather III), Frank Grillo(Lamborghini, Copshop”, Mekhi Phifer( “Paid In Full”, “Lights Out”) and Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo (“The Equalizer”, “London Has Fallen”) as well as Emmy and Oscar winners like Tarell Alvin McCraney( “Moonlight”).
Website: www.skytransmedia.com
Instagram/Facebook: @skyheartmedia
Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/
Sergio Gallego - Director of Photography
Sergio is a Miami based cinematographer with years of experience shooting narrative short films and music videos while dabbling in film photography and processing. With a filmic style and perspective fueled by many unique influences, he plans to bring the story of 'Found' to life.
Website: www.sergiogallegofilm.com
Instagram: @sergiogallegofilm
"Help Found": Hit The Big Screen
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