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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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!

“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!

 

“I Am More Than My Hair” Wins Award in Best Shorts Film Competition and A Show For Change Film Festival

I am honored to inform you that I Am More Than My Hair has been recognized with an Award of Merit by the Best of Short Film Competition. The Best Shorts Competition demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who contribute to profound social change. Knowing that is confirmation that I’ve my film is making a difference in society.

I was also recently informed that my film won the Storytelling Award for November’s A Show For A Change Film Festival. a socially conscious entertainment company that changes the world through the power of story.

 

Thank you!

I am so grateful for the outpouring of support along the years. The patience, resources, donations and cheer leading me through my challenges hasn’t gone by unnoticed.

I Am More Than My Hair has been a 4 year journey. The funds raised were a huge contributing factor from the start of my film to its current stage. I can’t thank my supporters enough. If this is you… THANK YOU!

Would you like to support my film? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress.

“I Am More Than My Hair” Hits The Film Festival Circuit

I know you have many causes to choose from for #GivingTuesday. However, please consider supporting I Am More Than My Hair into the next phase of the film festival circuit. If you make a tax-deductible donation, I’ll mail you a copy of the book.

For today and tomorrow, #GivingTuesday, I’ll mail an autographed copy of I Am More Than My Hair book for anyone who donates $50 and up. That’s until December 3rd only by 11:59PM PST.

It’s a hefty price of $25 – $100 per submission as well as travel/lodging expenses, if my film is selected to be screened. That’s an average of $1K per festival (give or take a few hundred $).

With that in mind… your support for this new phase of my film is needed and appreciated!

How can I help you ask???

Here’s a few ways:

1. Make a tax-deductible donation via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress. If you donate $50 or more I’ll mail a copy of my book to the address you provided when making your tax-deductible donation. If you’d like me to write a special message for someone, once you make the donation contact me and I’ll let me know who the book should be autographed to and the message you’d like to share.

DOUBLE BONUS: Donate $500 or more and I’ll host a private screening at your home (note: you must reside in the DC metro area or cover the cost of travel expenses).

2. Become a Sponsor — if you or someone you know is  interested Contact me.

3. Share my project with friends and family. I’ll make it easy for you. Simply copy and paste the info in #1.

 

How can I purchase a copy of the film?

 

I can’t duplicate and sell copies of the film if I want to submit it to film festivals. Unfortunately, this is one of the stipulations if I want I Am More Than My Hair, or any future films, to be considered for the film festival circuit. Regardless, this is a new journey for my documentary and I am excited!

With all my excitement comes the reality of the expense to participate in film festivals.Your support is needed and appreciated. Thank you in advance for supporting I Am More Than My Hair on #GivingTuesday!

 

 

*Docs In Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which gives individuals tools to tell stories through documentary film to educate, inspire, and transform the way people view their world.

Your donation towards I Am More Than My Hair also supports Docs In Progress in their mission to support documentary filmmakers. If you’re in a giving mood, please consider also making a tax-deductible directly to the organization.

We Did it! My First Premiere Screening

I’m finally having my first official Premiere Screening of I Am More Than My Hair. I couldn’t be more excited and nervous at the same time. Between now and then, I’ll have a load of work on my plate.

It takes place on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 5-7PM at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, MD. Tickets are $10 in advance on Eventbrite. If you prefer to pay with cash, limited paper tickets are available. Contact me to purchase tickets.

Join me for an inside look behind the story of my 2-part project, I Am More Than My Hair, documentary film short and photography book. Meet the women who participated, hear about the medical aspect of alopecia, from Dermatologist Dr. St. Surin-Lord, and join in on the discussion of redefining beauty standards. Q&A and Book Signing to follow (the film isn’t available as yet for purchase).

Here’s the program:
5:00 pm: Mix and mingle with light refreshments
5:30 – 7:00 pm: Screening and facilitated Q&A session with the filmmaker and panel

Would you like to help with the event? Feel free to contact me.

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My work-in-progress screening at Docs In Progress on August 13, 2019 was a success! Not only did I receive great feedback about my rough-cut, but the topic of alopecia, beauty and the media led to powerful conversations.

In turn, it helped with the finalizing the fine-cut of my 30 minute documentary film short I Am More Than My Hair. I would love for you to join me on October 20th for the Premiere Screening of my documentary at AFI Silver Theatre.

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If you’re unable to attend but would like to support my project, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via Docs In Progress. You can also purchase a copy of the book on Amazon. 10% of sale proceeds will be donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP).