Our Story

My name is Maria Martinez, I am a student filmmaker from Humber College in Toronto, Ont. I have been in the Punk scene ever since I was tall enough to reach the record player.

The punk scene itself has saved my life many time and I know that it will keep helping kids cope with personal issues and help them meet people they will consider family for the rest of their lifes, as I have with my friends. 

I pitched this documentary to my teachers/Executive Producers at Humber College last September, we were accepted and then we filmed for about 4 days. My crew and I interviewd John Tard from The 3tards, Liz Worth Author of Treat Me Like Dirt and Izzy Dimebag and Mark Owen take us for a tour of what the Toronto punk scene is in this year of our lord 2011.

The Impact

The purpose of this film isn't merely to educate people about where the scene is going but to inspire all the kids out there looking for a scene and the kids loosing hope on the scene, to just start it themselves, because the truth is that it only takes one to start it and light the fire back up, but it takes many to keep it going.

What We Need & What You Get

We need about $500 (USD) to help with the 2011 film festival submissions.

I have planned to submit to festivals such as the CMJ Film Festival in NY, and the AFI Film Festival also festivals like the Great Lakes International Film Festival in Canada because with the message of hope we are trying to send we're not only connecting with the punk scene we're talking to anyone and everyone who is loosing faith in their community. If 15 year old punks can keep what they believe in alive, anyone can do it.

Festivals are an average of $20-$40 per submission, and I plan on using Fedex that is roughly $15 for a DVD package (Depending on how far it's going) I need to burn more DVDs and a package of 20 Blank DVDs is about $10, DVD cases are $2 for 5, sometimes I need to print out press kits from Kinko's who's the cheapest in my area.

Post cards are $15 for 20 and DVD covers are $15 for 10. I also plan on sending DVDs to newspapers and zines to get the word out there and get reviews so people know that our film exists, and get them interested in going to the festivals where we get accepted.

If you can't donate here, I am also working on a Fundraiser Punk Rock Concert in Toronto at the 460 Club in 460 Spadina on July 3rd Doors open at 10PM and it's only $5 cover.

If you donate here you can get the chance to get a free DVD copy or an invitation to a screening with myself (Maria Martinez Writer/Producer) Festival VIP Pass included.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you cannot donate you could review our film if you have an online, radio, print or TV audience.

Email me at mariawrites@live.com. I am working on a locked online screener for people to see.

Share with your friends and let them know about us at DIVE AND DIMINUTION: A PUNK STORY