Wish Me Away

Our Story

THANK YOU! WE HAVE MET OUR FIRST GOAL! 

PLEASE CONTINUE TO DONATE TO THIS SITE. WE WILL ANNOUNCE OUR NEW GOAL SHORTLY AND DIRECT YOU TO THE NEW SITE JUST AS SOON AS WE DO.

OUR NEXT GOAL WILL PAY FOR THE MIX. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT CHELY'S GORGEOUS MUSIC COMES TO LIFE.

WE ARE THRILLED WITH THIS OVERWHELMING OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT. THANKS TO YOU, WE ARE KEEPING THIS FILM ALIVE.

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. Finally, the film chronicles the aftermath of that decision in Nashville, her hometown and within the LGBT community.

Wish Me Away shows both the devastation of her own internalized homophobia, which led to Chely putting a gun in her mouth, and the transformational power of living an authentic life. It shows the struggles of being a Christian who happens to be gay, even within her own family.  And it reveals how Dont Ask Dont Tell has found its way into the culture of Nashville.

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.

The 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, the militarys Dont Ask Dont Tell policy and a bullying epidemic, Chely Wright bravely has chosen to risk all that was important to her family, relationships, career, success, fans and image - to live her authentic life. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS FILM WILL SAVE LIVES BY OPENING HEARTS.  WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN SHARE HER EXTRAORDINARY STORY WITH THE WORLD.

Though the film is about Chelys journey and healing, the filmmakers believe the message will resonate with anyone who feels a sense of isolation or exclusion. Millions of kids are going to grow up not hating themselves because of you, encourages Rosie ODonnell during an interview.

With its poignant and respectful tone, WISH ME AWAY arrives at the perfect moment to heal a divided culture.

What We Need & What You Get

Our film is shot and edited and now were in the final and some say most difficult stage of all: The online edit, mix and graphics---the touches that make the film come alive and help prepare the film for distribution and outreach. Were on a deadline to complete this work by February in time for several national and international film festivals.

This is your chance for a year-end tax deductible donation, some once in a lifetime holiday gifts, and most importantly, this is your chance to become part of a film that is quickly becoming a movement - saving lives by opening hearts.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please spread the word using all the social media tools that this website makes available to you. With your help, THIS FILM CAN BECOME A MOVEMENT. JOIN THE TEAM.