Short Summary

Main Man Films LLC, BergerCreative Films, and BTG Production LLC announced a working agreement to bring Steven R. Berger’s acclaimed novel, Ursula’s Yahrtzeit Candle, to the screen as ‘A Candle for Ursula.’

FINALIST, BEST ADULT FICTION AWARD, 2013 by COLORADO AUTHORS’ LEAGUE (Colorado’s oldest organization for professional, published writers). 

The story of Ursula Frank, an 87-year-old woman, who has lived and seen it all from Nazi-scorched Europe to pre-Castro Cuba, was looking for a clever exit from her mortal coil by going into East L.A. at night looking for trouble. Unintentionally, she interrupts the gang initiation of Reuben Montanez, a 17-year-old good guy who was simply hoping for a better life than his honest, hard-working (deceased) brother. Little does Reuben know that Ursula just might have the answer to his hopes of a better life, if only she can share it with him before it is too late—for either of them.

Logline: Determined to end her own life, a Holocaust escapee disrupts a gang initiation ritual saving their latest recruit from himself. 

Almost 77 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, with Holocaust denial, anti-Semitism, and many forms of prejudice still prevalent around the world, now is an important time for ‘A Candle for Ursula’ and its message of tolerance, intergenerational friendship, and building a brighter future.

We are planning to start principal photography in 2022, with an anticipated release date in 2023. 

Find out more information about the film at https://acandleforursula.com.

What We Need & What You Get

We are committed to this project and contributing the first $50,000 towards the minimum production budget of $250,000 needed to produce this film. By joining our team, you will help produce an important and timely film that will impact audiences for years to come.

Here is a breakdown of the contribution levels. Choose your level of involvement:

$25,000 & up – Executive Producer – make an extraordinary contribution to bringing this film to life. 

$15,000 & up – Co-Producer – join the production by contributing to an important aspect of the film.

$10,000 – Associate Producer – support ‘A Candle for Ursula’ at a highly significant level.

$5,000 – Trailblazer Supporter – be a visionary and ensure Ursula’s story is told.

$2,500 – Legacy Supporter – leave your legacy by making a lasting impact.

$1,000 – Never Forget Supporter – help educate the public, so the Holocaust remains a part of public consciousness. 

$500 – Building A Better Future Supporter – make the world a better place for generations to come. 

$250 – Dignity Supporter – ensure Survivors’ stories are valued and heard. 

$100 – Honor Supporter – honor the life of Ursula and her message of empathy, tolerance, and humanity. 

$50 – Care Supporter – show your care and concern for this project. 

All contributors will receive a film credit. If you contribute $250 or more, we will mail you a signed copy of Ursula’s Yahrtzeit Candle by the author, Steven R. Berger. Contributions over $2,500 will receive a signed copy of the screenplay for ‘A Candle for Ursula.’

Please email us at media@acandleforursula.com if you would like to discuss your involvement or contributions outside of these parameters. We will be happy to find a way to recognize you. 

The Team

Arthur O. Thomas – Producer – is an award-winning producer whose content has been distributed by Netflix, Amazon Prime, Tubi-TV, YouTube, and Lionsgate. Arthur, who recently produced ‘KATAKATA,’ has over twenty years experience as a producer and several films and TV series projects in development under his Main Man Films banner. 

Steven R. Berger – Writer & Producer – is the acclaimed author of Ursula’s Yahrtzeit Candle and the author of the screenplay, A Candle for Ursula. He is also the author of three other novels, including The Fifth Estate, Fat Chance, and Innocent Bystander. Steven is a member and past president of the Colorado Authors’ League.

Gabriel Sanders – Co-Producer – is a filmmaker, producer, musician, and consultant. Through BTG Production LLC, Gabriel consults with creatives and production companies to bring projects to the screen. He has worked to advance health equity in the nonprofit sector and was selected as the 2019 recipient of the LeadingAge-Robert Wood Johnson Health Equity Award.

Risks & Challenges

Film production is subject to a high degree of risk. It is suitable only for sophisticated investors who fully understand that risk and are prepared to bear that risk for an indefinite period of time and can withstand a total loss of their investment.

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word about Ursula and send this page to your friends who may be able to help. Together, we will get this film made!