UPDATE - 63 HOURS LEFT and we need your support!
We've received approximately $4000 in pledges from people who want to send cheques rather than make an online contribution. This means we're really only $4000 away from our goal but we need your help to spread the word more than ever. Click on the email link above and let your friends know.

THE FILM
Multiple Juno award winner, Grammy nominee, recipient of the Order of Canada, Jazz luminary Jane Bunnett, came back from the brink after facing an existential crisis, and the fear that she would never be able to make music again. From Ontario to Cuba and then to Banff, Embracing Voices follows Jane on an epic personal and musical journey to produce her most ambitious CD to date. Yet, the final Juno winning recording is more than just a jazz album. It is a re-evaluation and reflection on her life and the ways in which she reconnects with her music. This is the story of a musician who contemplates growing old as an artist and as a woman, while rediscovering a childlike curiosity for life.

THE FILMMAKER
My name is Elisa Paloschi and I am a Toronto based independent documentary filmmaker and photographer. I began working on Embracing Voices 4 years ago during an unrelated visit with Jane and her husband and musician partner Larry Cramer at their cottage. The year was 2008 and Jane was at the height of her career. But the fun-loving, enthusiastic go-getter that I had come to respect and admire seemed to have creatively and personally disappeared, and was replaced by a woman who had lost her sense of self and her joie de vivre.

THE IMPACT
I immediately related personally to Janes plight, having put down my cameras for many years after my fathers death. More importantly I was drawn to the universality of her story, which I felt touched on deep issues that each and every one of us experience at some point in our lives. It is the fear of growing old, the gnawing sense of losing interest and passion in the work that has inspired us and been a key component of how we define ourselves.

I knew that it would be compelling to tell the story of angst of the creative process through the eyes of Jane Bunnett. Being such a highly respected and inspiring musician who crosses boundaries and has established herself both in Canada and around the world as one of the foremost female jazz instrumentalists, would inspired others. Her personal struggles woven together with her musical brilliance and successes spurs dialogue about art, aging, struggle, finding strength and learning to accept.

Personally, working through the film as an observer allowed me to come to understand the importance of the struggle and the need to believe in oneself as the key to moving forward whatever the specifics of the struggle may be.  This is the universal appeal of the film that will touch the hearts and minds of all those who embrace its message.

WHERE ITS AT
With a promising fine cut (meaning that the story is solid, but needs some minor picture tweaking), that has received positive feedback from the documentary community, Embracing Voices will be finished by mid November, but not without your support!

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE SPENT
The money raised will go towards hiring professionals to complete the finishing touches which include the 10 days of picture edit, the sound mix, colour correction, and to generate exhibition-quality masters so the film can show its best face to the world.

WHAT IF WE EXCEED OUR FUNDING GOALS?
Once the film is complete there are other expenses that come along with the process, including legal fees and insurance, music and stock footage license fees, publicity, production office expenses and DVD duplication amongst other things. In the event that I exceed the funding goal all additional funds would be used to cover these expenses.  I have invested a great deal of both time and funds to make this film and will see it through to the end, to ensure that it reaches audience, no matter what.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Become an Embracing Voices Outreach Partner and spread the word. Tell your friends and fellow documentary and jazz lovers about this special project. Post the Indiegogo link on your facebook page share it in your blog, on twitter, through email, or just talk it up - and do this often. Every positive message sent out helps build awareness, interest and support for the film.  Considering volunteering your time and skills, or donate your airline miles for travel during the promotional phase!  Your belief in Embracing Voices and positive community support will help bring this film to life.

HOW AND WHY INDIEGOGO
Indiegogo offers a unique platform to raise funds. You have the opportunity to be a part of the filmmaking process and enjoy all the perks that come with it.

You contribute through Indiegogo using credit card in exchange youll receive the perks associated with the amount of your contribution. You can contribute more than once, and you can choose not to accept the perk.  Indiegogo and the credit card company keep 7% of each contribution and if the total goal is not reached, Indiegogo will withhold an additional 5%.

ABOUT JANE BUNNETT
Jane Bunnett is an award winning band leader, soprano saxophone and flutist who is widely considered to be one of Canadas top professional musicians. Twice nominated for Grammy awards, multiple Juno award recipient, honoured with an appointment to the Order of Canada and an Honorary Degree from Queens University, her exploration of Afro-Cuban melodies has been groundbreaking. With a primary focus on Jazz performance and education, Jane has fostered dialogue and understanding between Canada and the isolated Caribbean nation. As a spokesperson and social activist, she remains unafraid to explore uncharted territory in her quest for excellence. Toronto's jazz virtuoso is best known for her creative integrity, improvisational daring and courageous artistry, yet until now the woman behind the music has been well hidden. www.janebunnett.com