IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JUMP INTO ZOLA JUMPED IN!  COME TO THE MUD PUDDLE FILMS WEBSITE TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARD THE LAST $10,000 WE NEED.

Zola Jumped In -- The Movie and Its Impact

Zola Jumped In is a feature-length drama about a 15-year-old African American deaf girl being initiated into a gang and a faith community at the same time. It will be a movie especially for teens but also very much for adults. 

My goal is not to bring people to share my own religious convictions (I'm a Dominican friar and Catholic priest) but rather to give people a profound experience of belonging, ritual, and beauty.  Our mission at Mud Puddle Films is to "open minds to mystery, hearts to hope."  By the way, there will be some great music and dancing in the movie.

Much of my research has come through my involvement with Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the nation's largest gang outreach.  This past year, I've even taught filmmaking and acting there.  Of course, I have also read Homeboy Founder Greg Boyle's bestselling new book Tattoos on the Heart.

And now it's time to invite you into the process.

I Jumped In -- About Me

I am a writer and director.  I founded Mud Puddle Films to create movies that "open minds to mystery, hearts to hope." 

My movies include the political thriller Inside Darkness and award-winning short films such as The Soda Jerks.  Check out my movies at the Mud Puddle Films website.

My MFA in film production is from Chapman University in Orange County.  I am also a Dominican friar and Catholic priest.

Jump In -- How You Can Help and What You Get Out of It

We have $10,000, need $10,000 from this campaign, and are working on the remaining $10,000 through large matching gifts.  Your tax-deductible donation -- using PayPal, credit card, or check -- can be anywhere from $1 to $1,000 or even more and will be used primarily to pay key crew members.  If you help us raise more than our goal, we'll be able to pay the actors as well.

What if we don't reach our goal?  We will.  If not this time around, next time.  If we're not able to shoot this summer, we'll shoot next summer.  Zola Jumped In will get made, and you can help bring something good and beautiful into the world.

In addition to the satisfaction of helping create Zola Jumped In, you will receive some cool perks.  Each higher donation level adds another perk, such as a pre-release, autographed DVD, helping choose the lead actress online, coming to the set or premiere.  I can write a song for you or someone you choose.  And I'll even come to your home, school, place of worship, or island villa and host a private screening.

Other Ways to Jump In

Share this campaign with others using the tools above (under the video).

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Visit our Mud Puddle Films website and check out our other movies

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Follow our filmakers blog using this film as a case study

Join the mostly volunteer cast or crew or donate food, equipment rental, etc. -- email Dominic