I’m excited to announce the first 2025 filmmaking-related news while 2024 is still here!
A couple of weeks ago I was notified by Inwood Art Works’ director, Aaron Simms, that my new short script, Blood and Sex Over Ambition, is one of this year’s recipient of their grant. And so, thanks to $5,000 received from IAW, another film will be made this upcoming year, which is really not to be taken for granted (get it? Grant-ed?)
This film is about the two intense months Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin spent as roommates. At the end of these two months, a fall out resulted in Gauguin leaving Provence, and Van Gogh famously cutting is ear off. When my family visited Arles and we read about this, I immediately said “sounds like gay drama to me!” and that, my friends, is the film. Or as my friend Shai, who also joined us as EP calls it – “the one with the gay painters.”
But wait, that’s not all. This last Friday, during IAW’s special screening of A Christmas Carol, all recipients got their checks. In anticipation of that event, I’m happy to say we already raised more funds and we’re currently at $10K which is a third of the budget for this film.
We’re doing things differently this time, choosing not to crowdfund. We’re talking to galleries, and local businesses since we’re going to film in NYC (another first for me!), and individuals relevant to our subject matter. (I keep saying “we” because the talented Keaton Morris-Stan is jumping on board as a producer.)
If you’re someone who still want to support this project because you find it interesting or genuinely want to be a part of something I make, feel free to reach out: gracedragonproductions@gmail.com.
We’re offering a few things that business partners and patrons of the arts might appreciate (including, yes, an EP credit. Already got a few of those!)
And another thing for Americans – we’re signing with a fiscal sponsor this time around, so if you’re debating whether or not to jump on board, maybe knowing your contribution can be tax-exempt might help.
Stay tuned for more about the gay painters as 2025 starts and we staff and cast and make this movie, and once again, major thanks to Inwood Art Works for choosing us, and giving us such a big chunk of our overall budget.
Here’s to making art in the new year!
X
Chen