Always in Bloom: Amara
Teaneck, New Jersey | Film Feature
Drama, Musical
Always in Bloom: Amara captures the cultural connections and practices between women. This film delves into the effects of tradition across generations. The importance of repeated events exclaims the question "What do we need to do to create change?"
Always in Bloom: Amara
Teaneck, New Jersey | Film Feature
Drama, Musical
1 Campaigns | New Jersey, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $25,581 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
165 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Always in Bloom: Amara captures the cultural connections and practices between women. This film delves into the effects of tradition across generations. The importance of repeated events exclaims the question "What do we need to do to create change?"
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In Always In Bloom: Amara, writer-director Muhyi Ali seamlessly intertwines together neo-soul and musical theater in a story about silence, loss, hope, family, and love.
Set in an incomparable, but banal suburban town. Ali’s script tells the story of three sisters who on their individual journeys meet paralleled obstacles stemming from prejudice, silencing, and tradition. It is only through the support of those closest to them are they able to defend themselves against a restricting society.
Always In Bloom has served as a safe space for women and all marginalized genders to share their stories free from judgment and stigma. Through our short films and social media platform, we have shown a full spectrum of feelings and experiences. Feature film Always In Bloom: Amara will be no different in its delivery of a full spectrum of experiences and complexities of characters within the femme identity.
This story follows, Amara, an expecting mother, Aaliyah, a closeted queer artist, and Amani, a pubescent girl getting her period for the first time. After the death of their mother, they are forced to define womanhood and navigate their world together. They live with their elderly grandmother whose beliefs become outdated and fear that so will she.
After a non-lethal snake bite, the family is shaken to find out the eldest sister Amara is pregnant. This is the first pregnancy in 11 years since that fateful day when their mother gave birth to the youngest daughter, Amani. Aaliyah struggles to support her sister in a way that is accepted by the entire family. Amani watches after Grandma Josephine as she gets older unintentionally using Amani as an emotional punching bag.
. 
Themes presented in this narrative include; Culture, Tradition, Generational Trauma, Sexuality, Feminity, Womanhood, Medical Bias, and Grief.
This film features music, dancing, and performances that will have you experience a roller coaster of emotions as three young women find what it means to grow up and bring life. LISTEN to the playlist associated with this film sounds HERE.
Our acclaimed musical director, Nathaniel James has worked with artists like The Weeknd, Queen Naija, Kelela, and award-winning creatives like Kim Burse (Creative Director for Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara etc.) and Matthew Burnett (Musical Director for Daniel Ceasar, Jessie Reyes, Queen Naija etc.) Please view 'OUR TEAM' tab to see more.
Take everything you thought you knew about musicals and toss it out the window. This film is bringing the drama. The tonal references are pulled from art cinema contemporary classics such as Barry Jenkin's Moonlight, and the global femme classic like Ousmane Sembène's Moolaadé, as well as popular lighting styles depicted in television shows, HBO's Insecure and FX's Atlanta.
Check out the Pinterest mood board right HERE.
"I am making this film for the same reason I make all art, for my community. This film is very near to me because at a young age I lost my first nephew due to birthing complications. I remember being so confused that one day my sister was pregnant, and the next she was in labor with a 50/50 chance of survival. I had to process the potential loss of a life that barely even started. As I grew older I realized the commonality of this trauma during what is supposed to be a beautiful process.
The US census calculated in 2020, that the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is 2.9 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women. This is a national crisis! I am currently the aunt to 6 nearing 7 wonderful nieces and nephews and am surrounded by the strongest, most beautiful, and most powerful sisters and women the world has to offer. This story is for them. This story sheds light on the common occurrence of silencing Black women and the dangers it leads to. This story shares the power of family and strength within its dynamic."
.png)
WHY NOW With so much in the news surrounding Black Lives Matter, Women's Reproductive rights being up for debate, and crimes against LGBTQ people in the regular day, the creation of this film is vital. The more information and diverse representation we have for and by the people within these communities the better we are able to expand the understanding and combat negative stereotyping and misinformation. This way we are able to progress as a people. Your pledge is your duty.
In order to make this film the best it can be, we absolutely need your help. This is not possible without you! Your pledge goes towards transportation for cast and crew, rehearsal spaces, recording studio sessions, equipment rental, and every other aspect of filmmaking.
We want to ensure safety, quality, and authenticity for the telling of this story. We are offering varying incentives based on our 5 years of professional experience in media, and countless years as members of the community that benefit you! There is no amount too small.
It is an honor to be part of your media for so long and we are bringing you even more so please join us in making this emotionally riveting picture happen the way it should.
1. Pledge to Our Film
If we don't hit our goal, we can't make our film. Period. Aside from that warm fuzzy feeling, our team has brainstormed rewards exclusively for you to make your contribution even more worthwhile. All it takes is a pledge to X amount of money to make this film happen. Remember "There is no amount too small."
2. Follow Our Film
Isn't it cool you can simply follow? You can support our film by following our Seed and Spark page! Hit the "follow" button on our campaign page and you can make an account in less than 2 mins. When we reach 250 campaign followers (that's like a third of our social media following) we get access to rewards and resources that can help make this film even better.
3. Follow Our Social Media
We have an Instagram and Facebook page where you can stay up to date on the film! But also hit that follow button on the production company, AfroTwin Production for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and insights into the production process.
4. Spread the Word
Okay, this one is obvious. You are the best supporters in the world, but what if this campaign had you 5, 10, 15 times over?! That's what happens when you share. Posting and tweeting about what excites you about the project helps us get eyes on the campaign! More eyes, mean more supporters, which means more likelihood of this film's greatness.
Please share our campaign via your social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you can! We can't do this without you!
Here are some examples. Feel free to copy and paste! ;)
Join filmmakers @shingg and @afrotwinprod by supporting her heartfelt riveting musical feature ALWAYS IN BLOOM: AMARA about 3 sisters overcoming their differences to ensure the healthy delivery of their child and nephew. Join them on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/aib-amara
I just watched the AIB: AMARA campaign video and I am SHOOK! Directed by filmmaker @shingg and WOOF, I need to see more. If you haven't already you've got to support this feature film! Join them on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/aib-amara
After all the news & research it's finally here @afrotwinprod is campaigning for their very first feature and I'm so excited to see Always in Bloom: Amara, by director/writer @_shingg. Support them on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/aib-amara
Stretch Goals
Our Seed & Spark goal is originally 30k.
However, if we raise past that we will be able to cover even more costs in our post-production phase such as:
- Hiring a professional colorist to enhance the aesthetic.
- Hire a COVID compliance officer
- Hire a VFX artist
- Cover costs for distribution
- Cover costs of inflation
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Costuming
Costs $800
These looks will incorporate identifying motifs seen across the diaspora.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Media Management
Costs $3,770
Personalized promotions on like-minded pages.
Grip gear
Costs $2,500
This gear includes cranes, dollies, and generators for our scenes.
Props
Costs $1,500
We're using the world as a setting and a character, this world needs to be dressed!
Dancers and Extras
Costs $2,000
We need the best movers and shakers to bring this film to life.
Meals
Costs $3,000
Everyone needs to eat and eat well!
Hardrives
Costs $500
In order to capture the film and ensure it's safe delivery for editing.
Locations
Costs $2,000
Fees, permits, and permissions for filming locations all come at a cost,
Sound Recording
Costs $2,000
We need to ensure the talent in this musical feature is heard!
COVID PPE
Costs $150
We ensure to keep our cast & crew safe!
Hair and Makeup
Costs $1,230
Our cast needs to look as great as they sound!
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,200
A high-quality film requires high-quality equipment and a crew that knows how to work it.
Legal
Costs $500
Permits and copyrighting of content
Rehearsals
Costs $1,250
This is a musical, we need to rehearse to bring these elements together.
Travel
Costs $3,000
Getting to and from set costs, and you've those gas prices.
Crew
Costs $2,600
The amazing people who are bringing their talents to us. Freelancers deserve to be paid.
Choreographer
Costs $1,000
Our musical will have awesome choreo!
Cast
Costs $1,000
This film deserves talent that can perform like nobody's business.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director | Muhyi Ali
Award-winning filmmaker, actress, and show tune enthusiast. Founder of AfroTwin Productions
Composer | Nathaniel W. James
Professional Musician (Piano/Keyboards/Bass Guitar). Studio/Live Sound Engineer and Musical Director.
Producer | Talisa V.
Writer, podcaster and all-around creative. Media Director of AfroTwin Productions.
Social Media Manager | Grace F.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In Always In Bloom: Amara, writer-director Muhyi Ali seamlessly intertwines together neo-soul and musical theater in a story about silence, loss, hope, family, and love.
Set in an incomparable, but banal suburban town. Ali’s script tells the story of three sisters who on their individual journeys meet paralleled obstacles stemming from prejudice, silencing, and tradition. It is only through the support of those closest to them are they able to defend themselves against a restricting society.
Always In Bloom has served as a safe space for women and all marginalized genders to share their stories free from judgment and stigma. Through our short films and social media platform, we have shown a full spectrum of feelings and experiences. Feature film Always In Bloom: Amara will be no different in its delivery of a full spectrum of experiences and complexities of characters within the femme identity.
This story follows, Amara, an expecting mother, Aaliyah, a closeted queer artist, and Amani, a pubescent girl getting her period for the first time. After the death of their mother, they are forced to define womanhood and navigate their world together. They live with their elderly grandmother whose beliefs become outdated and fear that so will she.
After a non-lethal snake bite, the family is shaken to find out the eldest sister Amara is pregnant. This is the first pregnancy in 11 years since that fateful day when their mother gave birth to the youngest daughter, Amani. Aaliyah struggles to support her sister in a way that is accepted by the entire family. Amani watches after Grandma Josephine as she gets older unintentionally using Amani as an emotional punching bag.
.
Themes presented in this narrative include; Culture, Tradition, Generational Trauma, Sexuality, Feminity, Womanhood, Medical Bias, and Grief.
This film features music, dancing, and performances that will have you experience a roller coaster of emotions as three young women find what it means to grow up and bring life. LISTEN to the playlist associated with this film sounds HERE.
Our acclaimed musical director, Nathaniel James has worked with artists like The Weeknd, Queen Naija, Kelela, and award-winning creatives like Kim Burse (Creative Director for Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara etc.) and Matthew Burnett (Musical Director for Daniel Ceasar, Jessie Reyes, Queen Naija etc.) Please view 'OUR TEAM' tab to see more.
Take everything you thought you knew about musicals and toss it out the window. This film is bringing the drama. The tonal references are pulled from art cinema contemporary classics such as Barry Jenkin's Moonlight, and the global femme classic like Ousmane Sembène's Moolaadé, as well as popular lighting styles depicted in television shows, HBO's Insecure and FX's Atlanta.
Check out the Pinterest mood board right HERE.
"I am making this film for the same reason I make all art, for my community. This film is very near to me because at a young age I lost my first nephew due to birthing complications. I remember being so confused that one day my sister was pregnant, and the next she was in labor with a 50/50 chance of survival. I had to process the potential loss of a life that barely even started. As I grew older I realized the commonality of this trauma during what is supposed to be a beautiful process.
The US census calculated in 2020, that the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is 2.9 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women. This is a national crisis! I am currently the aunt to 6 nearing 7 wonderful nieces and nephews and am surrounded by the strongest, most beautiful, and most powerful sisters and women the world has to offer. This story is for them. This story sheds light on the common occurrence of silencing Black women and the dangers it leads to. This story shares the power of family and strength within its dynamic."
WHY NOW With so much in the news surrounding Black Lives Matter, Women's Reproductive rights being up for debate, and crimes against LGBTQ people in the regular day, the creation of this film is vital. The more information and diverse representation we have for and by the people within these communities the better we are able to expand the understanding and combat negative stereotyping and misinformation. This way we are able to progress as a people. Your pledge is your duty.
In order to make this film the best it can be, we absolutely need your help. This is not possible without you! Your pledge goes towards transportation for cast and crew, rehearsal spaces, recording studio sessions, equipment rental, and every other aspect of filmmaking.
We want to ensure safety, quality, and authenticity for the telling of this story. We are offering varying incentives based on our 5 years of professional experience in media, and countless years as members of the community that benefit you! There is no amount too small.
It is an honor to be part of your media for so long and we are bringing you even more so please join us in making this emotionally riveting picture happen the way it should.
1. Pledge to Our Film
If we don't hit our goal, we can't make our film. Period. Aside from that warm fuzzy feeling, our team has brainstormed rewards exclusively for you to make your contribution even more worthwhile. All it takes is a pledge to X amount of money to make this film happen. Remember "There is no amount too small."
2. Follow Our Film
Isn't it cool you can simply follow? You can support our film by following our Seed and Spark page! Hit the "follow" button on our campaign page and you can make an account in less than 2 mins. When we reach 250 campaign followers (that's like a third of our social media following) we get access to rewards and resources that can help make this film even better.
3. Follow Our Social Media
We have an Instagram and Facebook page where you can stay up to date on the film! But also hit that follow button on the production company, AfroTwin Production for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and insights into the production process.
4. Spread the Word
Okay, this one is obvious. You are the best supporters in the world, but what if this campaign had you 5, 10, 15 times over?! That's what happens when you share. Posting and tweeting about what excites you about the project helps us get eyes on the campaign! More eyes, mean more supporters, which means more likelihood of this film's greatness.
Please share our campaign via your social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you can! We can't do this without you!
Here are some examples. Feel free to copy and paste! ;)
Join filmmakers @shingg and @afrotwinprod by supporting her heartfelt riveting musical feature ALWAYS IN BLOOM: AMARA about 3 sisters overcoming their differences to ensure the healthy delivery of their child and nephew. Join them on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/aib-amara
I just watched the AIB: AMARA campaign video and I am SHOOK! Directed by filmmaker @shingg and WOOF, I need to see more. If you haven't already you've got to support this feature film! Join them on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/aib-amara
After all the news & research it's finally here @afrotwinprod is campaigning for their very first feature and I'm so excited to see Always in Bloom: Amara, by director/writer @_shingg. Support them on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/aib-amara
Stretch Goals
Our Seed & Spark goal is originally 30k.
However, if we raise past that we will be able to cover even more costs in our post-production phase such as:
- Hiring a professional colorist to enhance the aesthetic.
- Hire a COVID compliance officer
- Hire a VFX artist
- Cover costs for distribution
- Cover costs of inflation
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Costuming
Costs $800
These looks will incorporate identifying motifs seen across the diaspora.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Media Management
Costs $3,770
Personalized promotions on like-minded pages.
Grip gear
Costs $2,500
This gear includes cranes, dollies, and generators for our scenes.
Props
Costs $1,500
We're using the world as a setting and a character, this world needs to be dressed!
Dancers and Extras
Costs $2,000
We need the best movers and shakers to bring this film to life.
Meals
Costs $3,000
Everyone needs to eat and eat well!
Hardrives
Costs $500
In order to capture the film and ensure it's safe delivery for editing.
Locations
Costs $2,000
Fees, permits, and permissions for filming locations all come at a cost,
Sound Recording
Costs $2,000
We need to ensure the talent in this musical feature is heard!
COVID PPE
Costs $150
We ensure to keep our cast & crew safe!
Hair and Makeup
Costs $1,230
Our cast needs to look as great as they sound!
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,200
A high-quality film requires high-quality equipment and a crew that knows how to work it.
Legal
Costs $500
Permits and copyrighting of content
Rehearsals
Costs $1,250
This is a musical, we need to rehearse to bring these elements together.
Travel
Costs $3,000
Getting to and from set costs, and you've those gas prices.
Crew
Costs $2,600
The amazing people who are bringing their talents to us. Freelancers deserve to be paid.
Choreographer
Costs $1,000
Our musical will have awesome choreo!
Cast
Costs $1,000
This film deserves talent that can perform like nobody's business.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director | Muhyi Ali
Award-winning filmmaker, actress, and show tune enthusiast. Founder of AfroTwin Productions
Composer | Nathaniel W. James
Professional Musician (Piano/Keyboards/Bass Guitar). Studio/Live Sound Engineer and Musical Director.
Producer | Talisa V.
Writer, podcaster and all-around creative. Media Director of AfroTwin Productions.
Social Media Manager | Grace F.