Background and Needs of the John 3:16 Film School in Kampala, Uganda
VJ Geoffrey is the founder of this school and started it as he has been working as a translator for Uganda TV. Many of the students were homeless, orphans, or have dealt with many other struggles. Many of them are believers. This is a Christian organization where the gospel is taught.
Our Mission
1. Provide teaching and mentorship about being on a film set. This is a discipleship model where everyone's gifts and talents are valued and honed for the purpose of making a movie that tells the story of how the gospel changes everything.
2. Film a quality feature length movie with the students. Filming will take place in Busoga, Uganda (4-6 hours from Kampala).
3. Teaching and assisting with the whole process (pre-production, production, post production, distribution)
3. With partners, film a documentary style video of what we are teaching hands-on, to help future classes who will not have the opportunity of visitors giving hands-on experience.
4. Overall, provide sound teaching and encouragement to the students, equipping them to make excellent films for the glory of Christ and the good of people.
Tentative Schedule
August 1-16, 2024 (LORD willing)
*These are approximate.
Days 1-3: Teaching at the school in Kampala. This will include hands-on activities and games we have designed to teach filmmaking. It will be like a film camp in a way.
***A church service might fall on 1 of these days.
Day 4: Travel to Busoga, Uganda (4-6 hours) Begin preparation for filming.
Days 5-14: Film in Busoga
Day 15: Travel back to Kampala to go back home.
FUNDRAISING
The film budget which includes food, hotel for us and students, some gear, props, and costumes is about $4,700.
Here is a breakdown and our plan if not all monies are raised:
$4700 Film Budget
$4800 for 2 two way plane tickets (hopefully it'll be cheaper)
$3100 to cover our home & studio rent in August (Since we are leaving our business and will be out of commission to make $)
Total: $12,600.
If we raise enough to purchase plane tickets by July 10, we will consider this a GREEN LIGHT to go in August. If we do not, we will look at later dates in the year.
If we do not raise the full film budget by July 26, we will work with VJ Geoffrey to either focus on teaching at the school and shoot a short film in Kampala, rather than travel. We are trusting the Lord to provide and know His plan will be perfect.
Thank you and God bless!
Tara & Jason Massey