We all need a helping hand sometimes, and that is the running theme in the second round of crowdfunding picks for August. From women helping each other to the real life struggles to help the LGBT community, these films tell stories about the ways people need help, and the ways in which we can help others.
Emmy nominee Michelle Ang leads a cast of strong women in “For Izzy.” The film centers on a photojournalist who struggles with addiction and who befriends a young autistic woman who yearns for independence from her over-protective father. “This film has so many lovely themes,” actress Elizabeth Sung says in the film’s trailer. “The theme of love, of self love, of friendship, of forgiveness, of courage, and of moving on and changing life.”
“Love is Uganda,” a documentary by Katie Nelson, focuses on the struggle Ugandan gay rights activists face as they fight for justice against seemingly insurmountable odds. Uganda is one of at least 34 African countries where homosexuality is illegal, and the organization Sexual Minorities Uganda is involved in a historic court case that could set legal precedent to stop the influence of Western religious extremism.
Our third choice, “Hedda Needs Help,” is a dark comedy about a woman who continues to dig herself deeper and deeper into trouble. Co-creators Malin Barr and Lisa Baron are hoping to explore double-standards facing women in various industries and how they struggle to achieve goals that their male counterparts can reach easily.
Here are August’s women-helmed and women-centric crowdfunding picks.
“For Izzy”
Retired divorcee Anna (Elizabeth Sung) and her lesbian daughter Dede (Michelle Ang), who longs to prove she is responsible even as she struggles with addiction, move next door to Laura Yip (Jennifer Soo), an autistic woman living with her father Peter (Jim Lau). After a rocky start, Dede and Laura strike up an unlikely friendship, as Anna and Peter begin a romance. Told in a documentary format, the film is about recovery, second chances, and family. You can support the film on Indiegogo.
“Love is Uganda” — Directed by Katie Nelson
In a country where homosexuality is illegal, “Love is Uganda” centers around a historic court case that pins a small group of Ugandan gay rights activists against an influential American pastor. The film sheds light on the influence of western-backed Christian extremism on the ongoing persecution of Uganda’s gay and transgender community. You can support the film on Indiegogo.
“Hedda Needs Help” — Directed by Lisa Baron; Written by Malin Barr and Lisa Baron
A quirky, dark comedy about a woman (Malin Barr) in NYC whose ambition literally kills her shot at success. You can support the film on Kickstarter.
