Dear Supporters,

 In the midst of gay teens committing suicide and anti-bullying programs being ignored

in schools throughout the country; caught in a choke-hold of anti-gay marriage rhetoric

from Congress, church pulpits, state legislatures and even Presidential candidates, comes

WISH ME AWAY, a simple story of courage that can reach even the most closed and judgmental heart.

The response to Wish Me Away has been incredible. Tears, laughter, and standing ovations. People coming up to us to thank us, saying how it has healed a deep wound they have carried around all their lives; telling us they cant wait to share it with their families, friends, congregations. This is what has inspired us to make our dream of a theatrical release a reality.

 

But without a 35mm print, that dream will die and thousands of people who need to see this film, who have been waiting to see this film, will not get the chance. Wish Me Away has a mission and you can be part of it. The clock is ticking.

STORY

Feature-length documentary Wish Me Away is a personal and intimate look at Chely Wright, the first country music star to come out as gay. After a lifetime of hiding, she shatters cultural and religious stereotypes within Nashville, her conservative heartland family, and most importantly, herself.

 

Over a three-year period, award-winning filmmakers Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf followed Chelys struggle - some of which was recorded on private video diaries - and her unfolding plan to come out publicly. Using interviews with Chely, her family, key players in Nashville and her management team, the film goes deep into Chelys back story as an established country music star and then forward in verite scenes as she prepares to step into the media glare to reveal that she is gay. The film chronicles the aftermath of that decision in Nashville, her hometown and within the LGBT community.

 

Finally, performing before an LGBT audience of over 100,000, with the Capitol Building blazing behind her, we feel both the excitement and uncertainty of the future that awaits her.

Thanks to support from the WISH ME AWAY COMMUNITY, we were able to complete the film and launch it into the national film festival circuit. The results have been spectacular: Grand Jury Prize  for Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Film Festival; Screened to a packed house of 1400 at the Castro Theater in San Francisco and received our second Grand Jury prize for Best Documentary there as well. We also received the Audience Award at the Nashville Film Festival, and have been the Centerpiece at numerous other festivals.

(for a full listing go to our website: www.wishmeawaydoc.com)

 

Here are some media quotes of acclaim from the Festival screenings:

 

"a first-rate piece of documentary filmmaking" -- Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter

 

alternately harrowing and triumphant documentary Steve Pond, The Wrap

 

fascinating   inspirational                                    Joe Leydon, Variety       

 

had a reception at the Castro that could only be described as electric Brian Brooks, indieWIRE

 

IMPACT

There is an URGENCY to this film. Look around. In the midst of a tumultuous political climate that has incited polarizing debates about the civil rights of the LGBT community, including gay marriage, and a bullying epidemic that has resulted in far too many LGBT teen suicides, Chely Wrights story has become a symbol of hope. For every person who has ever felt isolation, loneliness and rejection for being who they are, this film resonates and has already saved lives. As Rosie ODonnell tells Chely in the film, millions of kids are going to grow up not hating themselves because of you. With its poignant and respectful tone, WISH ME AWAY arrives at the perfect moment to help heal a divided culture.

 

WHAT WE NEED AND WHAT YOU GET

The next step for WISH ME AWAY is a theatrical release, which we are planning for early 2012. Because this film will be screened in small towns and hamlets as well as large cities, we have decided to make a 35mm print rather than a Digital Cinema Package which would limit the film to large commercial venues. Many of the theaters that we will be showing the film in are not set up for digital but do have 35mm capability. This is the right decision for WISH ME AWAY, but an expensive one, which will cost approximately $35,000. This is a lot of money and we need your help.

 

We need to raise the money quickly so as not to delay the theatrical premiere and the momentum behind the film.

 

More than a film, WISH ME AWAY has become a movement. We have received hundreds of requests for the film and word of mouth is spreading. By donating now, you become part of this team effort and will be on the leading edge of developments as we go forward. You will be the first to know about premieres and release dates; television broadcasts, DVD sales, etc. And this being near the end of the year, it's a great time for a tax deductible donation. The San Francisco Film Society is our Fiscal Sponsor and your donation will go through them and you will receive your tax documents from them in a timely fashion.

 

Each of the perks is truly a collectors item.