Two expats find love through their mutual desire to build community and freedom outside the U.S.
The PROJECT OF LOVE
(THE ABOUT)
Thank you for checking out our Indiegogo page. GurlCo Media proudly presents We Are Born Free, a bold and timely independent documentary film that takes its viewers on a pilgrimage of self-realization using image tapestry and powerful narratives.
In this film, we explore the will and purpose of two expatriates, TaNesha Barnes and Jalaal Shah-Taylor, who create safe spaces of community, love, and healing that challenge each of us to reimagine freedom outside the lens of colonialism.
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Asking for money can be sensitive. But every once in a while a project comes along that forces you to embrace that feeling and go for it. This is that project.
We need your help to finish this journey!
There is more work to ensure the film is completed on time so we may deliver the final project for its World Premiere at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (August 2 – 10, 2024).
The STORY OF LOVE
(The STORY)
We Are Born Free explores TaNesha Barnes and Jalaal Shah-Taylor as they build a black-centered community in Marrakech, Morocco. This love letter to those of the African diaspora to reacquaint, realign, and remember the truth of what we already know – we are born free.
TaNesha and Jalaal’s story began in 2020 as the country was in dual pandemics: COVID and Racism. It was a tumultuous time as numbers of Black American COVID deaths rose to epic proportions and George Floyd’s murder had us in a chokehold. TaNesha didn’t want to remain in the U.S. – seeking “new air,” She put out a call on social media inspiring 98 people and families to follow her to Tulum, Mexico. The Black Freedom Colony was birthed. It was here that TaNesha and Jalaal met and the evolution of their friendship blossomed into a love story and a partnership that led to the creation of Mwasi Global Community.
The BELIEVERS
(Our PATRONS)
We are passionate about this film! For us to premiere this film at MVAAFF we need your help to raise $50,000 so we can:
- Finish production including travel back to Morocco for interviews and additional footage
- Complete all phases of post-production: Editing, Coloring, Animation, Sound Mixing
- Finalize due diligence on the boring but super-important administrative tasks like contracts and planning
- Ensure all viewers, regardless of level of ability can access and enjoy the film
- Maintain a high-quality film crew – we love working with these guys!
For YOUR CONSIDERATION
(The IMPACT)
Your patronage will ensure this story encompasses a visually tantalizing film with a compelling narrative to provoke discussions about what black liberation means. What are freedom colonies? What does being free look like?
We all know the revolution isn’t free; it requires money, heart, and determination to withstand all that stands against it. We invite you to consider a different perspective.
Join US!
Become a patron.
Spread. The. Word. The time is now! Please share this campaign on your social media.
(GurlCo Media Crew on location. From left: Naomi Fota, Stephano Saldutti, Jackson Burgess, Nick Krause, Annette Burgess)
Meet THE GRIOTs
(The FILMMAKERS)
Our origin story began as a chance meeting of two nerdy Black girls who never felt they belonged, sitting nervously on a school bus at the start of the 11th grade. The Universe conspired to bring us together, the loud one and the quiet one, as if we were meant to be something great. The spark was lit and we’ve been homegirls ever since; two creatives with a unique connection who always dreamt of telling stories.
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Official GurlCo Media Bio
GurlCo Media is a full-service production company specializing in creative services such as: screenwriting, producing, and filmmaking. They offer compelling perspectives and creativity that inspire great characters, and productions that operate as an inclusive and diverse team of experts. The company’s mission is to tell complex and thought-provoking stories across various genres from the perspective of Black women. This is their WHY.
Currently, GurlCo Media is in post-production for We Are Born Free, a documentary film. Also, the team is working on a contemporary rom-com screenplay titled An Unexpected Love.
Past projects include writing, producing, and directing a five-part dramedy titled Stages: The Webseries. They also developed a true crime series concept currently being shopped titled Unbreakable with Jo Sue Kaufman and completed The Human Element, a sci-fi television screenplay.
(From left: Annette Burgess and Naomi Fota at the premiere of Stages: The Web Series)
Meet THE CREW
(The POSSE)
Nick Krause | Director of Photography: Based in Philadelphia, Nick Krause is a filmmaker emphasizing Cinematography and Color Theory. When he is not working on independent films and documentaries, Nick is live-streaming semi-pro soccer games around the Philadelphia area or pursuing his passions in cooking and music. He likes anything that has a good story.
Stephano Saldutti | Sound Engineer: Born in Avellino, Italy, and raised in Philadelphia, Stephano Saldutti is a sound engineer, filmmaker, and musician. He earned a sound design and music theory degree before graduating from Temple University’s film program. He has since directed, produced, edited, and provided sound mixing for many independent projects, including YouTube content, podcasts, and independent films.
Jackson Burgess | Associate Producer: Jackson Burgess is a people person who loves to connect the dots using his talents as a visual artist. Based in Philadelphia, Jackson is co-founder of BLK EGO, a graphic design firm. He has worked on several independent film sets as crew, and he is a natural problem solver.