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My First Accessible Exhibition
Thanks to the continued support of those who’ve contributed… I did it!
A little over a year I ago I attended a meeting a with National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Maryland. Marguerite Woods, a kindred spirit and participant of I Am More Than My Hair, invited me to join her for the Baltimore Chapter Meeting.
It was shocking to learn about the lack of accessibility in the arts and how blind and low vision audiences aren’t considered. I left the meeting feeling inspired enough to make it mandatory that any venue, gallery, or museum that requests my work, must agree that it will be made accessible for audiences with low vision and hearing.
I wanted to find a way to make my visual art accessible in new formats, that would open the experience of the art to people often barred from it.
The first museum to give me the OK for an accessible exhibition was Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring Maryland. My exhibition takes place March 19 – May 28, 2021.
Here’s what I came up with:
Each photograph will be accompanied by a lithophane replica of the portrait. This image shows the lithophane print in production as I type. A lithophane is a three-dimensional image that can be explored by touch. When a light is placed beneath, it creates a unique visual experience.
Braille embossing will accompany written descriptions. Audio description of the images will be provided for visitors who have low vision. Interpreters in ASL (American Sign Language) will facilitate my artist talk. The screening of my film, I Am More Than My Hair, will include closed captioning and audio description for both hearing and vision accessibility. I also organized the panel discussion Making Art Accessible (date TBD).
Given the pandemic, there will also be a virtual component as well as the opportunity to experience it in-person during the Museum’s open hours. The reception and film screening (TBA) will take place online. When you RSVP you will receive updates on the scheduled events.
Just when I was about to give up…
“With 1 day left”, as stated in my previous newsletter, I had embarrassed the reality of not reaching my $6K goal on iFundWomen. Although I would have liked a different turnout, in all honesty I was at peace with this realization and the idea of retiring my project without the completion of the final cut.
In that moment of feeling at harmony with my decision, a few hours later… just when I was about to give up… I received an email notification from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County notifying me of a grant award.
I received the funding needed to complete I Am More Than My Hair.
The Universe is miraculous.
In the spirit of transparency, I wasn’t able to raise the funds to create an accessible exhibition as I hoped for my exhibits next year. However, I will seek support from foundations in order to make this happen.
What does this mean?
I will see I Am More Than My Hair film into completion, as far as I can possibly reach. First focusing on the expenses related to accessibly (for blind and deaf audiences) and the sound mixing and color correction.
Once it’s complete in the film festival circuit (December 2020) I will make it available online. I’m not sure of the platform as yet but I promise I’ll figure it out. Once I do, you’ll be the first to know.
This has been a 6 year journey.
As I wind down on the completion of, I Am More Than My Hair, I’m off working on other projects – another documentary film and my first horror film!
I am forever grateful for the people who supported me and believed in my projects along the years. Thank you to everyone who took the time to support my campaign (it remains open in order to qualify for current grants on the iFundWomen platform).
Please know that I appreciate you.
With gratitude,
Alyscia Cunningham
Director | Producer | Cinematographer
www.Alyscia.com
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Your Family & Friends Are Not Your Audience
Thirteen years ago, I started a new business venture into the world of Multi-Level Marketing. Three years later, I realized that MLM is not for me but I was grateful for the valuable lessons learned as an Independent Rep.
My first homework assignment was to read Your First Year In Network Marketing (anyone in MLM knows this book). It really prepared me for the world of business that I knew nothing about. The first being…
Your family and friends are not your audience.
It’s been years since I read the book so I’m explaining in paraphrase, but the author made it very clear that you will most likely…
- Get ignored by friends and family
- Not taken seriously by friends and family
- Lose a friend in the process
Although it was a tough reality (they really did ignore my calls) the lessons learned has been extremely helpful in my businesses after MLM. I realized…
My biggest supporters are people I don’t know.
That thought used to upset me, but I developed a good grasp at basking myself in the positive, mutual energy and support that comes from a total stranger. As crazy as it sounds, I used to play tug of war in my mind and block my blessings because I had an expectation of what support should look like –Friends and family. Now…
I welcome the village I’ve always asked for. It’s a beautiful revelation.
I must say, one of my biggest takeaways as an MLM, is the ability to be fearless (cold calls will do that to you). To cut to the chase and not care that your loved ones may not support your vision. If they aren’t living their dream how can they encompass the power of yours?
Hopefully this blog can enlighten the person it was intended for. For those who have the support, you’re blessed.
With 1 day left…
I reflect on the beautiful moments and girls/women that I met on my expedition with I Am More Than My Hair. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to grow in genuine friendship with many of the women. It’s a humbling experience to know that everyone trusted me, a complete stranger to most, to share their stories.
With 1 day left for my campaign on iFundWomen and 75% left to raise $6K, I have made peace with the fact that I will most likely not reach my funding goal. And presumably this means; it is time for me to retire my project and move on.
What does this mean? I will see I Am More Than My Hair film into completion, as far as I can possibly reach. First focusing on the expenses related to accessibly (for blind and deaf audiences) and possibly the sound mixing and color correction. I’m simply not able to submit I Am More Than My Hair to certain film festivals without a professionally completed final cut.
On the bright side, once it’s complete in the film festival circuit (November 2020) I will make it available online. I’m not sure of the platform as yet but I promise I’ll figure it out. Once I do, you’ll be the first to know.
This has been a 6 year journey. It is not a sad moment. In fact, for the community of supporters, we’ve won. It has been a challenging yet beautiful journey. And the gems gained… priceless.
As I wind down on, I Am More Than My Hair, I’m off working on another project. I am forever grateful for the people who supported me and believed in my projects along the years. You are appreciated.
Remember… for those interested, you can always make a tax-deductible donation via my fiscal sponsor Women in Film & Video.
For #GivingTuesdayNow, Your Donation Can Support Two Causes
#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
Due to COVID-19 the promising family foundation grants, totaling $15,000, have been relocated to organizations in need of emergency supplies. Although I understand the necessity for realistically reallocating the grant funds I also understand the importance of coming together as a community and supporting small businesses.
That said, today is the official public launch of my iFundWomen crowdfunding campaign. Your donation can support two causes:
1. The final cut of my film, exhibition, and screening presentations.
2. Making it accessible for people with visual and hearing disabilities. I’ve made it mandatory that the venues requesting my art for exhibition, include accessibility as a part of the program.
Here’s a how you can offer your support:
1. Support my campaign on iFundWomen – Your monetary contribution allows me the opportunity to complete the final cut of my film, and make it accessible for audiences with visual and hearing disabilities, with closed captioning and audio description. Here’s the link – https://ifundwomen.com/projects/i-am-more-my-hair-short-film
2. Prefer a tax-deduction? Donate via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress.
3. Not able to make a monetary contribution? Not a problem! Please share my campaign with YOUR community. Need words of inspiration? Feel free to use the wording below when you share.
Director, Alyscia Cunningham, is raising funds for the final cut of her documentary film “I Am More Than My Hair” and making it accessible for viewers with visual and hearing disabilities. Please consider supporting this independent filmmaker on IFundWomen, a startup funding platform for women business owners – https://ifundwomen.com/projects/i-am-more-my-hair-short-film #GivingTuesdayNow #SupportWomen #SupportWomenInFilm #SupportWomenArtists #WomenFilmmakers #Accessibility #FemaleDirector #SupportIndieFilm #IndieFilmmaker #IndieFemaleFilmmaker #Support #donate #Crowdfunding #iFundWomen #IAmMoreThanMyHair #AlysciaCunningham
4. Interested in hosting a private screening… social distancing style? Let’s make it happen — ONLINE! I only ask that your guests commit to making a monetary contribution via iFundWomen or Docs In Progress. Contact me for more info on how to set up a online screening.
Thank you for your continued support!
“I Am More Than My Hair” wins Best Documentary Short at Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival 2020!
What a beautifully challenging journey this has been (all bottled in one). I Am More Than my Hair is my first film. Although it still needs a few finishing touches, I am beyond proud of myself, my film editor Tiffany Lewis (who weaved the stories together so beautifully) and the courageous little girl and women who trusted me to share their stories.
I am thankful for Through Women’s Eyes (TWE) International Film Festival committee, judges and volunteers, for the powerful selection of film, assuring the festival went smoothly, and the audience votes which determined the awards.
The response from the audience was undeniably positive and the topic of alopecia is evidently moving from taboo to an openly relatable conversation. The number of viewers that spoke with me about their personal story, a “sister”, “friend” or “mom” was a pleasant surprise.
Overall, seeing a weekend full of films directed by women, was an empowering experience. We laughed, we cried, we were outraged. In the end, we all discovered something new though the lens of these filmmakers. If I could share the dynamic impact of these films with you I would. It was so powerful on multiple levels.
Here’s a few of my personal favorites…
Medicating Normal – by Directors Lynn Cunningham and Wendy Ractliffe
#Female Pleasure – by Director Barbara Miller
SEMA – by Director Macherie Ekwa
LUZ– by Director Jon Banana
Unfortunately, I missed a handful of films but you can take a look at TWE 2020 Film Lineup.
I am also very grateful for my homestay host, Lurline, a local resident of Sarasota that opened her home to me as a guest. TWE couldn’t have paired me with a better host. I love how the Universe aligns so that I cross paths with genuine people. Our similarities are amazing.
I think back to me as a little girl…
staying up late at night (while my family was asleep) to watch documentary films on television. I gained an enormous amount of knowledge, often unheard of by my peers, and always spoke about something interesting that I learned (my thoughts on the direction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mission Mars, and the New World Order didn’t sit so well with my classmates, and I quickly learned that it’s best to keep some topics to myself – LOL). Regardless it’s rewarding to see that I’ve created what I’ve always loved.
At this point, I’m awaiting the “yay” or “nay” response from ten other film festivals. Actually, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival recently responded, “nay”, so… I have nine more to go.
And my journey continues…
I’m headed to Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival, but my film wasn’t accepted in a handful of other festivals
I Am More Than My Hair was awarded an Official Selection and will screen at the 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival, taking place March 6 – 8, in Sarasota, FL. I Am More Than My Hair screens on Sunday March 8th at 1:150pm. I’m heading to Sarasota and I’m super excited to be able to attend the festival! Read more and purchase tickets
If you’re not a filmmaker you may not be aware, but most film festivals won’t accept your submitted film. The agony!
Here’s a list of the film festivals that responded… “Unfortunately, I Am More Than My Hair wasn’t accepted in…”
- DC Independent Film Festival
- Festival de Cannes (Spike Lee is the new President)
- Oregon Film Festival
- Oxford Film Festival
- Tribeca Film Festival
I understand that I aimed high with the above submissions, but I figured… one never knows so why not try?
I’ve become so accustomed to the “Unfortunately…” speech that it becomes second nature to quickly overcome feelings of disappointment and move on to the next thing in line.
I am only sharing becuase I want you — reading this right now — to know that success doesn’t come overnight (however you determine what success means to you).
Similar to grant applications, you may be awarded 1 in every 20 grants that you’ve applied (or bigger). For me, success is determination and the will to get up and keep going despite the outcome.
My 2 cents… just keep pushing! And if you’re heart desires, support my film fundraiser. Read more about it and make a tax-deductible contribution — www.Alyscia.com.
Your support is appreciated!
Kickstarter Launch – To Be Or Not?
“To be or not to be?” This has been my exact thoughts for the past 2 weeks. Crowdfunding is not the funnest thing to do but, at times it’s necessary.
This is the time and it’s necessary 🙂
You may not know this but I’ve been working on making my exhibitions and film screenings accessible for people with disabilities. It’s literally a whole new world and I wish more galleries and museums were on board with it.
Why Kickstarter?
I’ve decided to launch a Kickstarter to cover the cost of accessibility for my presentations of photography exhibitions, film festivals and screenings and author talks.
To make the exhibitions and screenings accessible for the blind and low vision audiences, I also plan to use the funds to hire an Audio Describer to create the audio description (AD) for my film. AD is a service for people who are blind or low vision where a recorded narrator explains the artwork or what’s happening on screen in gaps in the dialogue.
To make my film accessible for deaf or low hearing audiences, I plan on using closed captioning. This allows the words to appear and show (on the screen) what is being said in the film. I will also hire a sign language interpreter during my artist talks for film screenings and exhibitions.
The Final Cut
The final cut is when the project is handed over to the sound department for final sound effects, audio mixing and color correction. AD and closed captioning is also created during this phase.
The feedback I receive from film festivals has been consistent. My film has a powerful impact but it needs to be a final cut. I have the professionals in line to do the job, but funding is needed in order to complete this phase.
What’s the launch date?
It’s not set in stone as yet but I will share the pre-launch page for everyone to view on March 3, 2020. If you’re interested in reviewing and providing feedback please contact me. If you have crowdfunding experience and interested in helping with my campaign I’ll give you one of the Kickstarter awards. Contact me for more info and to discuss.
I’ve also been connecting with and submitting my proposal to several family foundations for funding as well as the Arts & Humanities Council. In other words, I’m putting my eggs in multiple baskets.
Thanks to your support I’m headed to Sarasota!
I Am More Than My Hair was awarded an Official Selection and will screen at the 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival, taking place place on March 6 – 8, in Sarasota, FL. If you’re in the area, consider attending the film festival.
I Am More Than My Hair screens on Sunday March 8th. Read more and purchase tickets
Donate $50+ & I’ll send you a copy of the book and a bookmark!
Your support is appreciated! Here’s a few ways you can offer support:
1. Make a donation – Donate $50 or more and I’ll mail you a copy of I Am More Than My Hair book. As an added bonus, I’ll send you a bookmark!
- Want a tax-deduction? Donate via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress. Please note that it will take longer to ship as the funds aren’t immediately available. I’ll keep you posted on the ETA. Please confirm your donation by sending me an email.
- Not interested in the tax-deduction? Contact me and I’ll send you an invoice via PayPal. Simply click the button below to send an email letting me know your preference.
- Prefer not to make an online payment? Not a problem. Feel free to mail a check. Please include your reward preference (book, calendar, tote or mouse pad) on the check. Contact me for the mailing address
2. Purchase a copy on Amazon. If you prefer to purchase a copy of I Am More Than My Hair on Amazon, please purchase directly from me (AC Media). 10% of proceeds from book sales are donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP). Please note, I am only able to donate to CAP if you make a purchase via AC Media. I won’t receive payment for books sold via the other companies.
3. Interested in hosting a private screening? Contact me for more info.
Thank you for your continued support!
“I Am More Than My Hair” Marnobia’s Story
Meet Marnobia. We met in 2016 during my outreach Nueva Vida, a cancer support and empowerment group for Latinas. They shared my call for participants and Marnobia was the first woman I received a response from in the group.
Given our language barrier I couldn’t understand her exact response to my interview questions, but I could feel her power and bravery in the tone of her voice.
After having her interview translated from Spanish to English, her response about the support she received from her family and positive attitude during her journey with breast cancer treatment, gave me tears of joy. I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I do.
Thanks to your support I’m headed to Sarasota!
I Am More Than My Hair was awarded an Official Selection and will screen at the 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival, taking place place on March 6 – 8, in Sarasota, FL. If you’re in the area, consider attending the film festival.
I Am More Than My Hair screens on Sunday March 8th. Read more and purchase tickets
As my outreach continues… with rewards!
If my film continues to be selected (a wonderful problem to have), it’s an average of $1K per festival for me to participate (airfare, travel, lodging, food, etc.). Unfortunately, even if my film is selected most film festivals don’t cover expenses or travel cost.
With that in mind… your support is appreciated! Here’s a few ways you be of support:
1. Make a donation – Donate $50 or more and I’ll mail you a copy of my book, calendar, tote bag or mouse pad (see photos below). You choose!
Donate $200 + and I’ll ship all 4!
- Not interested in the tax-deduction? Contact me and I’ll send you an invoice via PayPal. Simply click the button below to send an email letting me know your preference.
- If you prefer a tax-deduction, donate via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress. Please note that it will take longer to ship as the funds aren’t immediately available. I’ll keep you posted on the ETA.
2. Purchase a copy on Amazon. If you prefer to purchase a copy of I Am More Than My Hair on Amazon, please purchase directly from me (AC Media). 10% of proceeds from book sales are donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP). Please note, I am only able to donate to CAP if you make a purchase via AC Media. I won’t receive payment for books sold via the other companies.
3. Prefer not to make an online payment? Not a problem. Feel free to mail a check. Please include your reward preference (book, calendar, tote or mouse pad) on the check. Contact me for the mailing address
4. Interested in hosting a private screening? Contact me for more info.
Thank you for your continued support!
“I Am More Than My Hair” is an Official Selection in the 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival
I Am More Than My Hair has been selected to screen at Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival 2020 taking place place on March 6 – 8, in Sarasota, FL. If you’re in the area, consider attending the film festival.
TWE is a fundraiser for the US National Committee for UN Women (USNC), an arm of the United Nations. UN Women works in more than 90 countries in support of gender equality and women’s empowerment. TWE is a volunteer-staffed festival and all net proceeds of TWE are donated to the USNC for advocacy programs and to support the work of UN Women worldwide. Read more and purchase tickets
Film Festivals
It’s a hefty price of $25 – $100 per submission as well as travel/lodging expenses, if my film continues to be selected (a great problem to have). That’s an average of $1K per festival (give or take a few hundred $).
With that in mind… your support is still appreciated!
Here’s a few ways you can support:
1. Make a tax-deductible donation via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress. Donate $50 or more and I’ll mail you a copy of my book (please forward the confirmation email to Alyscia@momsinfilm.org). If you’d like me to write a special message for someone, once you make the donation contact me and let me know who the book should be autographed to and the message you’d like to share.
2. Purchase a copy on Amazon. If you prefer to purchase a copy of “I Am More Than My Hair” on Amazon, please purchase directly from me (AC Media). 10% of proceeds from book sales are donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP). Please note, I am only able to donate to CAP if you make a purchase via AC Media. I won’t receive payment for book sold via the other companies.
3. Mail a check. If you don’t care to make a tax-deductible donation, feel free to make a donation via check and mail it. Once again, if you make a donation of $50 or more. I’ll send you a copy of “I Am More Than My Hair” Contact me for the mailing address.
4. Host a private screening. Interested in a private screening? Contact me for more info.
Thank you for your continued support!
Alyscia Cunningham 