This film focuses on a perspective rarely told: that of a complex woman with a dark past. We don't often see a woman as the anti-hero. This story will be told by a crew that is at least 50% women and people of color, perspectives that have traditionally been limited on and off screen.

Our partner Not In Our City, an incredible organization that fights human trafficking, will be matching all NEW pledgess from now until June 14th.

*That means a new $10 pledge becomes $20! Every donation counts and small donations of even $5 will make a difference since they are being doubled.*

Synopsis:

In the future, capital punishment has been abolished. Violent criminals are reprogrammed into unquestioning servants, their free will and ability to speak taken away. A young woman endures her punishment of servitude in a seemingly normal professional man's home, where she discovers dark secrets.

Who is Daphne?

What was her crime? Does she deserve this punishment? Daphne’s character purposely brings about these questions and those of morality. The mystery of Daphne unravels throughout the story and the audience is left to judge what justice is.

Daphne's World:

Previously overflowing prison systems are in the past, productivity is at a high and crime is at a low: an evolved society progressing towards a violence-free world that humanely punishes criminals, turning them into productive citizens through experimental brain-altering technology. However, it is through Daphne's eyes that we see the flaws within this outwardly perfect society.

Communal Nightmares Rally—the competition is on!

This project is part of the Communal Nightmares rally, a competition to discover and support new filmmakers telling “innovative, poignant and eerie genre stories.” The grand prize is $25,000 toward producing a feature film, along with professional support and a first-look deal! We need to raise at least $7,500 AND 1,000 campaign followers on Seed&Spark to move to the next round. If this project meets its goal but does not move forward in the Communal Nightmares rally, it will be made as a 12-minute short film; the proposed budget would fully support the short version of the film. However, we hope that What Daphne Saw will come to life as a feature so we can tell this story fully.

Please be sure to click "Follow" on our campaign page! Following this campaign helps us get physical rewards for the film and we must reach 1,000 followers to move forward in the Communal Nightmares rally!

Statement from Writer/Director - Lizz:

What Daphne Saw is a deeply personal exploration for me as a storyteller. The story expresses the feelings of powerlessness and voicelessness I have felt. It also reflects what I have observed regarding objectification, justice (in and out of the criminal justice system), and the treatment of women and children.

Daphne is a character that sees and hears but has no outward free will or expression of her own. Because she has a dark, criminal past, society has cast out and de-humanized her. Daphne is physically forced to hold in the pain and burden of her experiences, internally fighting for her life; she is a prisoner in her own skin.

This story addresses issues of human trafficking, abuse, and justice. The goal in bringing this story to life is to express this voiceless suffering, which is so difficult to convey in words, through the silent character of Daphne. Anyone who has suffered abuse, physically or mentally, has felt voiceless and powerless. With the public momentum of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, now is the time to make a film such as What Daphne Saw. It’s also my way to give voice to many of the voiceless—through a compelling tale of fiction that demonstrates the horror of inhumane treatment of an “outsider,” punishment that has been normalized in society and sanctioned by the state.

Our team values complex roles for women in front of the camera and women in key positions behind the camera. We have a wonderful mix of talented men and women working on this film and we couldn't be more excited. It is imperative to emphasize collaboration between men and women in telling diverse stories to contribute towards a more inclusive, brighter future for filmmaking.

We can’t make this film alone. Our goal is to raise $8,300 or more so that we can produce a movie that not only speaks to social issues but demands equal treatment in the workplace, an end to harassment, and mutual respect between all genders. If you believe in any of these ideals, please help us by contributing. Your contributions will help us to secure the best locations, cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, sound equipment, and props so that we can make a professional film that we hope to run on the festival circuit.

You can also lend a hand by spreading word about our project so that others may follow our cause. Your contributions will help us to secure the best locations, cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, sound equipment, and props so that we can make a professional film that we hope to run on the festival circuit.

Stretch Goals

$10,000 – Even if we reach our goal, we will be seeking out a lot of favors in order to bring this project to life with the quality it deserves. $10K will ensure that we are able to shoot a full six days (which we really need!). We want to ensure we can shoot this story properly.

$12,500 – Will allow us to pay for visual effects and color grading!

$15,000 – We will donate 5% of total contributions to a charity that advocates for women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. We also will be able to pay the high fees associated with submitting to festivals, as well as film finishing fees. Woo!

$20,000 – This will ensure that we move forward with the film as a feature instead of a short.

You can also lend a hand by spreading the word about our project so that others may follow our campaign.

We will be giving a $100 Amazon gift card to one lucky follower at random if we reach 1,000 followers.

Sharing our campaign helps us build an audience. You can follow us on social media (Facebook and Twitter) to share and stay connected! Share your connection to the story with #WhatDaphneSaw and we may feature your post on our social media and in our exclusive digital photo book! @WhatDaphneSaw