'Dear Ana' -A Film Raising Anorexia Awareness- -- Indiegogo

Our Story

To eat or not to eat? A seemingly simple question, but to Alice a 21 year old girl, suffering at the hands of anorexia, this one small decision changes everything. Living her torment through her own imagined world, Alice finds herself at a mysterious banquet table in the company of two strange but intriguing women who both attempt to seduce her with their ideas of happiness. Gluttony and starvation both have dire repercussions, but with no other choice, Alice must decide.

Who is the director?

My name is Kayleigh Rhian Carroll and I'm a third year Film student graduating from Farnham University of the Creative Arts. This film is very personal to me as it comes from my younger sister suffering with anorexia. I found out about her disorder after discovering her 'Thinspiration' diary which was full of images of skeletal models to aspire to, hints and tips on how to starve yourself and how to hide it from your family and friends, but worst of all letters from a women named Ana telling my sister what a hideous fat cow she is, how she will never amount to anything and how starving herself to perfection is the only way she will ever be truly happy. After approaching my sister about the diary, she showed me a whole world I never knew existed the anorexic world. Everything from the diary came from a range of online websites, blogs and forums, a huge percentage of them promoting anorexia as a lifestyle choice not a disease, and 'Ana' (the personification of anorexia) being the leader.

As well as my sister, a good friend of mine has suffered with anorexia to the extreme and has been kind enough to open up to me about her experiences. These two stories inspired me to make this film and raise awareness about an mental illness affecting some many of our loved ones. Seeing a loved one suffer is hard, and through my film I want to speak out to anyone who can relate, and let them know that they aren't alone.

What is anorexia?

Eating disorders are conditions in which there is a serious disturbance in the way a person deals with food, weight, and body image. Most of the time eating disorders develop because of emotional or psychological problems rather than wanting to be skinny. It becomes a way of dealing with emotions. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and can lead to a whole range of medical problems including hair loss, low heart rate, loss of periods, tooth erosion and osteoporosis.

What are we trying to do?

With this film we are trying to open people's eyes to the brutal reality of how serious and crippling this disease is. We want to try and give the viewer an insight into what it can be like inside the mind of someone suffering with an eating disorder. The loneliness, confusion and pain that these people suffer with, most often in silence. We often hear about the facts, statistics and horrible stories relating to the subject, but the side of anorexia we are addressing is the inner psychological conflict and the secrecy the side that sufferers often find too difficult to tell.

How can you help us?

By donating money and supporting the project you will be helping to raise awareness of a disease that effects 70 million people worldwide

What will happen if we don't reach our goal?

We won't be able to make the film and reach out to people to raise awareness.

Can we exceed our goal?

Yes please! More funding will allow the film to reach a greater level of production and the more we can raise anorexia awareness.

Can I still make a contribution to the project , without claiming the gifts?

Of course! Any support is highly appreciated

Can I support you if I'm not in the UK?

Yes, there is no location too far to help. All you need is a pay pal account or credit card.

And don't worry, all gifts will be sent to you no matter where you are in the world!

When will I receive my goodies?

The souvenirs can only happen if we meet our goal so spread the word! All products will be manufactured alongside the filming (21^st - 26^th March) and will be shipped as soon as they are ready. Please bear in mind that the DVD, wrap party and private screening can only happen once the film has been completed. We will keep you posted.

Team on This Campaign:

1.00667 Complete

$3,020

Raised of $3,000 Goal

0 time left

Flexible Funding campaign

This campaign received all of the funds contributed on Fri Mar 18.

Perks

for your contribution

$2 Every Penny Counts =)

You'll get our eternal gratitude =D and you'll be credited on the official blog as a supported of the project.
$8 Behind-the-Scenes Deal

You will be credited on official blog as well a gaining access to a protected link of behind - the- scenes footage and exclusive news.
$16 Get Your Name on the Credits!

Your name will appear on the closing credits of the film listed under 'Special Thanks'!!!! As well on the official blog. You'll also get access to the protected link plus a Special Edition postcard featuring the film's logo!
$30 DVD Deal

Get your hands on a first edition signed DVD with Special Features, as well the postcard, access to the protected link and having your name on the credits and the official blog.
$80 Poster Package

In addition to the DVD, postcard, name on the credits, protected link and special thanks on the official blog, you�ll receive a first edition signed poster of the film!
$150 Become an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

This means your name will appear in the closing credits under the title �Associate Producer�. You�ll get all the other goodies listed above as well as a hand written thank you letter from the director and a limited edition signed photograph of the production.
$420 Anyone up for a Party?

Get an exclusive invitation to the film�s Wrap Party, where you can mingle with the cast and crew (transport and accommodation not included). You will also become an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, meaning that your name will appear at the opening credits! Not to mention the signed photograph, poster, DVD, hand-written thank you letter, special edition, postcard, protected link and special thank you on both the official blog and the closing credits.
$800 The Whole Deal

Relax over a glass of wine and be one of the first ones to see the film by joining the cast and crew on PRIVATE SCREENING followed by a delicious dinner (transport and accommodation not included). You will also receive a original concept art signed by the artist Jack Wood. These designs form part of the developing stage of the project and are where a lot of the ideas sprung from. They are thus very precious and unique. You will of course receive all of what has been mentioned above as well =D.