Who we are

"I don't dream at night , I dream at day.I dream all day. I'm dreaming for a living"- Steven Spielberg.                                                                                                                                              

Inspired by the words of Steven Spielberg at the age of 16, I made it my life’s mission to tell stories that would inspire and touch the world. I’m a Master’s student, and I’m really excited to tell this story by collaborating with a group of like-minded people who share the same passion for movies and storytelling. We're making a movie that looks at the challenge of facial disfigurement for young people.  We want to make this important film with the highest production values we can.

But you’re needed here, too. Any contributions will help us greatly to bring this film to the screen.

our story

Teenage years can be tough and challenging - a struggle for acceptance, inclusion, and friendship in a culture that too often places too much emphasis on surface appearances and beauty ideals. Many times, the trauma from our young age shapes the way we choose to live our lives as adults.

After surviving a tragic car accident at a very young age, in which she lost her father and was facially scarred, Mikayla is on a journey to find the purpose of her life. But her facial disfigurement makes her the subject of bullying, rejection, and loneliness in her new school. 

‘Finding Mikayla’ explores the struggles of living with facial disfigurement, the toil it takes on mental health, and the triumphs that are always possible. 

MY VIEWS ON FACIAL DISFIGUREMENT AS A FILMMAKER:

Having met with a car accident myself at a young age, I can relate more with Mikayla as my teenage years were very difficult for me as well. Being a subject of constant bullying, rejection, and loneliness - ultimately led me to deep childhood trauma that was led by depression, suicidal thoughts and trying to find the meaning of life. But there was something that always kept me going in this journey of life, and here I am, telling you my story through the life of Mikayla who is trying to find her place in this world. 

The aim of this film is to reflect on the stigmas surrounding facial disfigurement and the effect it has on mental health through the life of Mikayla - who is trying to come to terms with the purpose of her life. By sharing Mikayla’s story, I aim to promote acceptance and inclusion and to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health through facial disfigurement.

how facial disfigurement is conventionally shown in cinema

What does characters like the Joker (The Dark Knight), Darth Vader (Star Wars), Two-Face (The Dark Knight), Doctor Poison (Wonder Woman) Lyutsifer Safin (No Time To Die), and Scar (The Lion King) all have in common? Facial Scars! 

I feel movies have stigmatised characters on screen with facial scars as the “Villains” in the story. These are the characters that invoke fear in others, even if they are NOT the villain; example Lettie Lutz (The Greatest Showman) or Auggie (Wonder). 

Having facial scars does not make someone inherently evil. But society has always looked down on people with visible differences. 

It’s important for filmmakers to approach these portrayals with sensitivity and respect. 

Our movie shines a light on people with visible differences and gives a necessary message to the world to treat such people with love, respect, and equality.

BUDGET

£2,500

Where will the money go?

To accomplish this mission, I need your help to make it a reality. Your support will go a long way towards the production costs of the film including:

• Hiring Cast and Crew members
• Location fees
• Music fees
• Scriptwriting fees
• Catering
• Costumes
• Equipment
• Transportation

With your help, we can bring this important story to audiences everywhere and inspire change. 

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

If we reach the Targeted Budget, it would help us achieve things in the following way in the following stages of this project:

PRE-PRODUCTION

£500: 

Scriptwriter’s Fee

Musician’s Fee

Singer’s Fee

Location Rent

Equipment Rent

Props+Costumes

Cast & Crew Fee

Editor & Trailer Editor’s Fee

PRODUCTION

£1,000

Transportation

£1,500

Catering

£2,000

Stunt Co-ordinator’s Fee

Make Up Artist’s Fee

POST PRODUCTION

£2,500

Marketing & Promotion

Contingency Fee

MOVIES THAT INSPIRED US

your role

By supporting this project, you will be helping to raise awareness and promote understanding of facial disfigurement and mental health issues. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant impact and bring us one step closer to realising our vision.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s help give a voice to those who are often marginalised and show the world the beauty and strength of those with facial disfigurements and mental health issues.

Join the mission of making a difference by contributing now!

I would be extremely grateful for any contribution. Sharing our page with others can help us even if you are unable to make a donation. Please share this project with anyone you think would support us - on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, by email, Telephone, in a chat over the fence or on your blog. It would be really important since the more individuals who view our page, the more probable it is that we will succeed in our mission. Much obliged! Your support and assistance are highly appreciated. Please sponsor us and help make this happen.

Rewards

Your decision in donating to our project would mean a lot to us. The next page would display all the awesome gifts that we have in store for our generous donors.