Short Summary

Hello, my name is Tara Christina and I’m a writer and editor. I’ve been a storyteller most of my life and now I’m adding in visual storytelling.

In 2019 I began a research project on Cape Verdean Culture. Though I have Cape Verdean ancestry, I was not raised within the culture. Once I joined a local organization, talked with other Cape Verdean people, and got to know more about my own ancestry, I felt compelled to continue learning. 

I researched articles, participated in cultural events, I began taking Kriolu (the Cape Verdean language), and I talked with community members about their lives and history. The more I learned, the more I needed to know. Even though I thought this would make a good documentary, my intention was to write a book. 

While interviewing a local elder on her history in the cranberry industry (See Granddaughter of the Cranberry Industry) I kept thinking, “I should be filming this.” A few months later after talking with a couple of filmmakers I know; I decided that this was meant to be a documentary.

Since then, I’ve connected with more Cape Verdeans on the East Coast and West. I’ve talked with a Cape Verdean Filmmaker and am waiting to hear back from another. I’ve begun setting up interviews. I’m more excited than I’ve ever been with any project I’ve worked on in the past. I’ve also learned the details of what goes into creating a documentary.

My goal is to raise $50,000 through this campaign. I will use the funds for are as follows:

• Equipment
  • Microphone
  • Additional camera
  • Laptop for editing
• Salaries
• Artist fee
• Miscellaneous
  • Zoom
  • Quickbooks
  • Flash Drives
  • Museum fees
• Swag(For perks)
• Travel to New Bedford area

This is just the beginning. I am also applying for grants and will work with a Fiscal Sponsor to help manage future contributions as the project progresses. 

My intention with this documentary is to learn, inform, inspire, and educate people on the rich history Cape Verdeans have in the United States. The Cape Verdean community has added tremendous value to this country, from the whaling and cranberry industries, farming, education, arts. politics, and so much more. I’d like to make it available to anyone who has interest, including through public television. 

Though I am new to filmmaking, I have created shorts for individuals. I’m also connected to three established filmmakers who are being supportive of this project. I will have paid advisors and am hiring a professional editor during the postproduction phase of the film. I also have an incredible network of Cape Verdeans who are being supportive of this project. 

I will continuously update my backers on this Indiegogo and share progress on both the Keepin’ Our Culture Alive Facebook and Instagram pages.

I welcome your contributions and would definitely appreciate if you would also share with your community. Let’s be a part of the collective that gets Cape Verdean stories out to the world.

Thank you!

Blessings,

Tara

Tara Christina has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, is a Certified Nutrition Educator, and is a Mother, Author, and Storyteller living in the Bay Area. She has been blogging for over 15 years on health, wellness, and culture. Tara is the author of essay collection “More than a Drop,” and has published articles on the Good Men Project and Medium.com. She is now working on her first documentary.

Tara loves good food, great tea, and time in nature. When she’s not mothering her teen son, loving her fur babies, writing or making tea, Tara’s in nature absorbing its elements.