One year down! One to go.
I had hoped to send updates throughout the year, but this program is so intense it took everything I had just to keep up!
This first year, besides a full load of courses, I directed the three short films below (and worked in other roles on a half dozen more). I am not exaggerating when I say I have seen my skills as a filmmaker grow in leaps and bounds through this program. I learned a TON – from the practical nitty gritty of the craft, to how to collaborate with a team – and I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you so, so, so much again for your support – I am incredibly grateful.
Over the summer, I hope to post more pictures and details of these projects and what I learned. But for now, as promised, here are the links to the films. If you only have time to watch one, I recommend BELOVED as it was my third one and I am getting better :)
These links are password protected. If you did not receive a password, please contact me to gain access (shanks@afi.edu).
BELOVED
When an expectant mother during China’s one-child policy is pressured to exchange her baby girl for a boy, she must make the most difficult decision of her life.
STRANGE FISH
The appearance of a suspicious frequent customer in her family’s Thai restaurant causes a young girl to investigate her deepest questions and fears.
AWAKE
A woman tormented with regrets must exorcise the ghosts of her past.
I am incredibly grateful for these outside sources of funding!
Since they do not come through this site, I cannot add them to the amount raised, but as I receive them I will update here and subtract them from the original goal.
| 250,000 | ORIGINAL GOAL |
| -20,000 | AFIC Scholarship |
| -4,800 | Direct gift (001) |
| -2,000 | Direct gift (002) |
| -1,200 | Direct gift (003) |
| -1,200 | Direct gift (004) |
| -2,400 | Direct gift (005) |
| -4,800 | Direct gift (006) |
| -16,000 | Work-Study Fall 21 |
| -50,000* | Thesis Film Funds |
| -10,000 | Federal Student Loan Fall 21 |
| -1,000 | Direct gift (007) |
| -1,200 | Direct gift (008) |
| -500 | Direct gift (009) |
| -500 | Direct gift (010) |
| -16,000 | Work-Study Spring 22 |
| -10,000 | Federal Student Loan Spring 22 |
| 108,400 | REVISED GOAL |
* I have NOT raised these funds yet. Since this portion IS tax-deductible I've decided to raise this in a separate tax-deductible campaign next year so I'm removing it from the goal of this campaign.
In 2020, AFI was named the #1 film school in America by the Hollywood Reporter. Read the article here.
Why the focus on monthly sponsors?
Because it adds up! Just $25/mo will be $600 over 24 months. If you are considering giving a one-time gift, would you consider giving a significantly smaller monthly gift instead? For instance, if you are considering giving a one-time gift of $500 would you consider giving $50/mo instead? It will make a huge difference!
You can cancel at any time, or if you think you will forget, please specify in the donor comments when you sign up, how many months you would like to give for (e.g. for 24 mos) and I will be happy to cancel it for you after the specified period.
Can I see the films you will make?
Of course! While I will not be able to share the films publicly, I can share a private link with those who subscribe to my updates, so please remember to subscribe. You do not have to give to subscribe.
What about scholarships?
I am hard at work applying for scholarships and pursuing other avenues of funding. I will adjust my goal here as funds come in from other sources. I hope my efforts will mean that I ultimately need considerably less than $10,500/mo in sponsorship through this website, but I am posting the full amount to start.
What about loans?
I do have loans available but I am trying to take as little as possible. Sponsors from this site are helping me to finish with a more reasonable debt load (or my great hope -- debt free!) Because I will not finish and be a doctor. I will finish and be part of a notoriously unstable and fickle industry with very little job security -- oh the joy!
What fees am I paying? I hate fees -- can I give directly?
When you give on this site you pay: 1.5% Donorbox fee + payment processing fee (2.9% +.30 credit card or .8% ACH). See more details here.
Yes, you can give directly at paypalme/sehanks, Venmo @sarahehanks, or through your bank via Zelle to hanks.sarahe@gmail.com for monthly giving. I cannot add direct gifts to the total raised on this site, but I will subtract them from the goal.
What if you don't get the full amount?
Because I will be raising funds throughout my two years, I do not need the full amount up front. I only need $2,500/mo in sponsorship by August 23rd to start the program. I am confident that I can meet this goal. If I am unable to begin the program due to a lack of resources I will refund all gifts given through this website.
If I begin the program and subsequently fail to meet my funding goals (either through this site or by other means) I could be forced to withdraw from the program. In this case I unfortunately would not be able to issue any refunds.
