TO THE BONE :: A Film Independent Short Film

Our Story & Cause

TO THE BONE, commissioned by Film Independent, is one film out of a series of shorts called "California Stories" whose umbrella theme is democracy.  To the Bone examines what it means to be living in California from the point of view of a child migrant farmworker.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards every year.  Film Independent's Project:Involve Fellowship is their signature program dedicated to increasing diversity in film by guiding and cultivating the careers of their filmmakers.  Project:Involve is one of the most competitive film fellowships in the country.

Synopsis

TO THE BONE is a coming-of-age story about a pre-teen migrant farmworker who attempts to defy her father and rebel against the status quo, resulting in unintended consequences for herself and her family.

Director's Statement

California farming, which grows over half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, is inherent to the state’s identity and essential to its economy.  The fields are idyllic, but they also shield the much darker existence of child farm hands who are growing up as America’s working poor.  We examine present-day democracy by highlighting the dramatic disparity that exists, despite laws that supposedly guarantee equal rights. 

The story is inspired by true events in the lives of child migrant workers in California.  Only 55% of child migrant workers will graduate high school.  They endure some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country and face wage exploitation, sexual abuse and sometimes earn only two or three dollars per hour.

As of now, there is little legal protection for these children and I hope that this film will help further their cause.

Your PROJECT:INVOLVE Fellows 

• Erin Li -- Director
• Silka Luisa -- Writer
• Ella Franklin -- Producer
• Felipe Holguin-Caro -- Associate Producer
• Chris Carrea -- Director of Photography
• Susumu Kimura -- Editor 

We have collaborated with a few talented filmmakers from outside the program as well:

• Edward Osei-Gyimah: 1st AD and FIND P:I alumnus
• Kara Sullivan: Casting Director
• And others!  We will keep you updated on who joins out team.

What We Need...

Film Independent has be provided us with a small grant, and has collaborated with powerful vendors who will be providing some in-kind donations in the form of grip and electric equipment, costume and wardrobe, and color correction.  These vendors include:

• Panavision
• NBC Universal
• Hollywood Rentals

However, as many of you know filmmaking is an expensive passion and we still to raise money to  cover the following costs:

• Special effects make-up
• Catering supplied and rentals
• Props, Production design, and set dressing
• Post-production sound mixing
• Festival submissions and promotional materials

** We are also a non-profit organization and your donations are tax-deductible.

What You Get...

From the DVD of the film, a consultation with the editor, to tickets to the premiere + after-party, we are expressing our gratitude for your help!  Take a look to the right for more. 

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word to you friends and family!  Share this with people that you think would be interested in helping us tell this story! 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT & FILM INDEPENDENT:

• "Like" us on Facebook
• Film Independent
• Film Independent's Project:Involve
• Visit & submit to our Tumblr

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILD MIGRANT FARM WORKERS & THEIR CAUSE:

• United Farm Workers
  
• Cesar Chavez Foundation
• Human Rights Watch