We’re spreading the word about our Little Sister SIFTer, Kelli Webber, being mentored by our Executive Committee Member/SIFTer Lois Moses. Kelli is currently crowdfunding for her short film LADYBUG – a coming of age story about an anxious Black woman processing grief and overcoming inauthenticity in the wake of her Grandma’s passing.
Her goal in releasing this film is to spark crucial conversations about mental health in the Black community. Black folks face higher rates of mental health challenges, yet lower rates of treatment due to stigma and access to care. I’ve already seen the impact of this story. Her vulnerability in creating such a personal film (loosely based on her own experiences), has encouraged Kelli’s family members and friends to open up about struggles they’ve never shared before.
In order to bring the film to life, they need to raise $5K by Feb 15th. The teams has already raised just over half of this goal, but need the final $2,500 to afford all production costs.
Here’s why the film matters:
- Representation – Ladybug is a coming of age that shows an anxious Black woman overcoming her fear of judgement by embracing the sense of self worth her Grandma instilled in her as a child. Nuanced characters like this break down stereotypes and provide role models for us to look up to.
- Stories Break Stigma – Ladybug sparks conversations about mental health by authentically portraying a Black woman’s inner struggle with grief and anxiety. By visualizing these unspoken experiences, the film challenges community stigma and opens crucial conversations about healing.
- Diversity & Inclusion – Thus far, the Ladybug cast and crew is entirely made up of marginalized artists—BIPOC, female, and LGBTQ+ creators who are systemically underfunded. This reality makes projects like Ladybug even more crucial. We know our stories are worthy of being told, and we’re committed to making it happen!
If you resonate with Ladybug, please consider donating to our film.
NOTE: Also in the film is SIFTer Jos Duncan Ase‘s Mentee Seraiah Nicole @seraiahnicole