Here is my best attempt at explaining exactly how this movie will save lives.
It is unusual. It is well made. It can save SOME rape victims from suicide, IF IT IS WATCHED RIGHT TO THE END.
Early youtube tests showed it was only watched for a few seconds by most viewers. People who stumbled upon it lost interest right away. For someone depressed, having a bath or washing their dishes are big accomplishments, after a week of neglect. They are more inclined to just watch TV or stare out the window, rather than search youtube for videos which might help them. (I know this from experience when I had sexual abuse memories surface around 16 years ago.)
Others who are less depressed will try to ignore the memories, though they know the memories are still affecting them. They are up and down, with less frequent thoughts of suicide. Such people might happen to see the film at a film festival. They might be at the festival, live or online, for escape reasons. The "Me Too" aspect of it will intrigue them to watch the film. They are likely to watch right to the end, because they will identify with Mona. These are the people who might be saved.
It costs money to submit the movie to festivals. I asked two sisters who can help with this movie. They have some money of their own, and they know some rich people they could ask to help.
But they ignored my request. They prefer to believe that our sister Joyce "Made it up to get attention" after she told us. Our sister Joyce was raped by her father when she was 14. She suffered terribly because of it. She took her own life when she was about 72.
I made this movie in memory of her.
I spent two months, writing to about 300 festivals, asking them to waive their submission fees. About 49 did so. I have also asked 3 people from my past who are rich to help. I have tried an indigogo campaign, and a gofundme campaign with no donations. I wrote to about 20 of the Sharks and Dragons, 3 or 4 times. Often I cried when I did this work, because it made me think of my sister Joyce.
I pray that some money will come in. I recently used much of my $500 BC government grant to pay for a few upcoming festivals. I need about $22,000 USD to submit it to 500 of the bigger film festivals. I will be happy to get any amount.
Just some kind words will be appreciated. When I was looking for an actress for this movie on facebook I was scorned, ridiculed and insulted. It was very hard for me to make this movie.
I am grateful for those people at the festivals who have recognized the merits of this movie.
I want to make another film about 25 minutes long which will inspire some addicts,
alcoholics and battered women. To make it properly I need about $6000 USD. If you want to do even more good in the world you can help on this project too.
My computer is 12 years old and it has been repaired with used parts. New parts
are not available. It is living on borrowed time. A new Mac Pro with necessary
options and two monitors costs around $9000 USD. It would be good to have a new computer before starting new projects, so I don't have to worry about it crashing and losing all the files.
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PASSION OR HOBBY?
I have come to the conclusion that most people do not have a passion in life. Many people have hobbies which they like, but it's not the same. I am basing this on observations of people I have known in the past and the present, including my siblings.
Hobbies and passions involve money.
Hobbies can fill leisure time, or at worst, just kill time. If a person with a hobby suddenly needs the money for something else, they can quit the hobby. But a person with a passion will make big sacrifices to carry on with their passion. This can include living on cheap food, deferring buying clothes or even deferring dental work. The person with the passion doesn't actually mind the sacrifices. Sure they would like better food, and some new clothes, and not getting tooth aches.
But their passion is more important.
People with passion feel they were born to do something, or meant to do something. They can't stop, like a person can stop a hobby.
Some basic truths:
1. You can't find passion using your head, because passion lives in your heart.
2. People who don't have a passion, cannot understand those who do.
3. Trying to explain your passion to someone who doesn't have a passion is a waste of time.
4. A passion usually involves a talent or special ability, but not always.
5. A person without talent or special ability can be passionate by assisting or supporting someone with talent or special ability, if they believe in the same cause. Or they can work very hard for a cause.
6. Following your passion can be lonely. Many people will not understand why you do what you do. Some will be critical and even cruel.
7. If you give up on your passion, you will die inside.
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