braided sweetgrass with smoke from inses

BRAIDS
A Short Film

Braids is a short film about a young native boy that has traditional braids and navigates his way through a typical American school on picture day.

About

Braids is a short film highlighting the issues that face modern Native children that are learning their identities in colonized school systems. Our talented team is dedicated to bringing this important story to life on the big screen. Your support will help us make this film a reality.

Donate to help make this film

Work

Join us in making a difference through this powerful narrative. this money goes to the artits that make this film happen

DONATIONS can be sent to our Fiscal Sponsorship: UTAH FILM CENTER for Tax write offs.

https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/68baadf0-8927-4d2a-bb94-9b2824d17aad?trk=701Ro00000CBYvhIAH

or

To donate by check:

Remit to: Utah Film Center

Mailing Address: 50 West Broadway, Suite 1125

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Memo Line: Name of Film/Project

To donate by Wire or ACH:

Bank Information: Zions Bank

102 South Main Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Routing/ABA No: 124 000 054

Account Name: Utah Film Center

Account No: 980639694

Please notify fiscal_sponsorship@utahfilmcenter.org and John Kirsling @

jkirsling@utahfilmcenter.org of wire transfers in order for the funds to be directed to the

correct film or project.

Email us at:
BraidsShortFilm@gmail.com

Support Us With Venmo

Meet the Team

Meet the people who make magic happen

69649751_10158076906545982_1799751662512898048_n_edited.jpg

Director and Writer

Elise Beers Aachix̂ Qağaduug

Elise Beers Aachix̂ Qağaduug is an enrolled member of the Aleut/Unangan Native American Tribe and a dynamic Dancer and Choreographer with EarthWorksDance Company. As a media arts creator, she has honed her craft in editing documentaries, short narratives, music videos, and Screendance, including the award winning works like SETTLE. Elise holds a BFA in Dance Performance, Choreography, and Filmmaking from BYU and an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory. Her artistic vision is deeply rooted in nature, and her passion for storytelling drives her filmmaking, with a particular focus on creating contemporary Indigenous art. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Elise is a certified PT, enjoying coaching at OrangeTheory and scaling mountains in her free time.

Producer

Bryson Alejandro

Bryson Alejandro is a Latinx commercial and film producer. He strives to elevate diverse voices in film, believing that there should not only be more stories told about people of color, but there should be more stories with people of color, regardless of culture or subject matter. As part of this mission, Bryson co-founded Época, a non-profit seeking to increase the visibility and representation of BIPOC in Utah film. His most recent producing credits include two short films with Latinx female leads, Saborrrr! and Another.

Cinematographer

Donijah Collier

Donijah Collier, he/him/his, is originally from New Haven, Connecticut. At sixteen, he participated in the Center for Creative Youth summer art program at Wesleyan University. This experience ignited his passion for cinematography. After completing his undergraduate studies at Columbia College Chicago with a concentration in cinematography, Collier worked as a freelance professional in Chicago after obtaining his B.A. Collier then pursued further education at the AFI Conservatory. Collier then earned an MFA in cinematography, reestablishing his base in Los Angeles. Collier recognizes the significance of redefining the narratives prevalent in contemporary storytelling. His ambition is grounded in the creation of diverse and innovative stories that possess the potential to evoke emotional, cultural, and political impact within our society, facilitated by his distinctive visual storytelling.

117323368_10157428855252927_4481204138491793446_n_edited.jpg

Location Scout Manager

Jacob Beers Amaruq

Jacob Beers has a passion for uncovering Utah's hidden treasures. As an avid outdoorsman and traveler, his deep connection to the state's diverse landscapes fuels his relentless pursuit of picturesque scenescapes.

With 14 years of experience navigating Utah's rugged terrain, he has developed an expertise in matching descriptors with the most accurate of settings. His extensive knowledge of Utah's geography, climate, and cityscapes ensures a seamless and efficient scouting process.

Jacob is driven by a love for storytelling and a desire to showcase Utah's natural beauty to the world. Filmmakers can trust Jacob Beers to deliver locations that elevate their projects to new heights, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Utah's unparalleled scenery.

Producer

Jekeva Phillips

Jekeva is a writer, actor, producer, and voice artist, who loves meeting new people and making them laugh (she was kidnapped by an improv cult in 2012 and has been “a bit much” since then). In 2012, she started Syzygy Entertainment. Through her company, she produced over fifty projects for the screen and stage-- her prides and joy being a local quiz game show which still airs on the Seattle Channel and Victory Lap, a sketch comedy show she co-wrote and starred in that was produced through Victory Studios. Jekeva is so excited to co-produce BRAIDS, and bring her expertise to such an important film.

Jekeva graduated from Point Park University with a BA in Cinema & Digital arts. A Seattle native, Jekeva now lives in her new home of LA with her two severed Yeti heads, Ziggy and Mason. If you talk to them, they may talk back.

Produciton Designer

Candice Bahe

TBA

Mentor

Varun Viswanath

Varun Viswanath, ACE :

Varun is a Film & TV Editor based in Los Angeles, who loves working on comedies with strong emotional spines. Varun recently received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Picture Editing in a Comedy Series for his work on the series finale of "Reservation Dogs". His work on What We Do In The Shadows was nominated for Best Edited Comedy Series at the 2021 ACE Eddie awards.

Varun was born and raised in Bangalore (India), spent his formative years juggling corporate and filmmaking careers in Singapore, before moving to Los Angeles in 2010 for film school. Varun has an MFA in Film Editing from the American Film Institute (AFI), where he now also teaches. He is a member of American Cinema Editors, ACE Diversity Mentorship program, ACE Education Committee, and a proud union member of the Motion Pictures Editors Guild and IATSE.

Production Designer

Candice Bahe

Candice Bahe is an accomplished Costume and Production Designer with over 4 years of experience in the film, television, and theater industries. Known for crafting visually stunning and immersive environments, Candice has a unique ability to translate complex scripts into compelling, tangible worlds. With a background in art direction and set design, she brings a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of storytelling through space, color, and texture.

Throughout their career, Candice has worked on a diverse range of projects, from feature films and high-end commercials to live performances and television series. They have collaborated with award-winning directors, producers, and art departments to create cohesive visual styles that enhance the narrative and emotional impact of each project.

TBA

...

FILM COMPS AND INSPIRATION

Explore the behind-the-scenes process of creating 'Braids' and gain insight into the passion and dedication of our team. From script development to casting, witness the journey of bringing a meaningful story to the screen.

Cultural Impact

Discover the cultural impact of 'Braids' and how it sheds light on the importance of preserving traditions in a contemporary society. Join us in celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding through the art of filmmaking.

Join Our Mission

Become a part of our mission to share 'Braids' with audiences worldwide. Your involvement will contribute to the success of this project and help us inspire and educate communities about the value of cultural heritage and representation.

Get Involved

Eamil us at :
ebprojects.media@gmail.com

Find out how you can get involved in supporting 'Braids' and be a part of this impactful journey. Whether it's through donations, spreading the word, or participating in events, your engagement will make a meaningful difference in bringing this story to life.

BRAIDS A Short Film