I am a film student at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and I am writing for your support as I complete my thesis film “DADT.” A close friend, who is a lesbian serving in the U.S. Army, has inspired me to write this film. She and I grew up on the streets of the Bronx, and left to fulfill our dreams together. While my life changed for the better, before the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, her life was a living hell. It is for this friend, and for all the homosexual soldiers I came in contact with while lobbying for repeal, that I am telling this story.
In the film, ex-Marine, Martin Eames, must choose between a life without love and a life in the closet, while fighting desperately to move on from his traumatic past. It is a film that explores not only the violence that don’t ask, don’t tell, left homosexual soldiers vulnerable to, it is also the story of two people who love each other deeply, but cannot find the common ground needed to truly commit.
I am a storyteller, a filmmaker and a student at one of the top film schools in the world. I am also a Caribbean American girl from a single parent home and I am finishing NYU thanks to scholarships from Tisch School of the Arts and the prestigious Fox TV Benjamin L. Hooks Scholarship. I have had the great opportunity to intern for Focus Features and Disney-ABC Television Group, where I have been trained by some of the absolute best in the industry. I am also an active mentor at William H. Cosby's Future Filmmaker Workshop, where I assist high school students in realizing their artistic vision and counsel on the college submission process.
I have never let lack of finances stop me from living any of my dreams, meeting my goals or reaching my full creative potential. I know that I can bring that single-minded focus into completing my film. “DADT” is not only a timely project it is also an ambitious one and I appeal to you for financial support of the project. Any monetary help towards “DADT” would be greatly appreciated, however small the amount.
I so appreciate your support as we journey into production and beyond.
Sincerely,
Naomi G. Davis
More info here: http://www.indiegogo.com/DADT-Film
DADT Film Interview with Cast and Director from Flor de oro Tejada on Vimeo.