Birthright?!
by Cuci Amador
Birthright?!
by Cuci Amador
We are all asking ourselves what it means to be an American these days. Support this project to see the true story of Miami's favorite electro-funk duo, Afrobeta on their journey to the country of their hyphenated American origin.
We are all asking ourselves what it means to be an American these days. Support this project to see the true story of Miami's favorite electro-funk duo, Afrobeta on their journey to the country of their hyphenated American origin.
Participating In
Hometown Heroes
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Story
Inclusion Statement
Made by female filmmakers, Jayme Gershen and Cristina Garcia, this film explores identity in the political divide between Cuba and the United States. Represented voices include Cuban exiles from different periods of migration, Cuban-American millennials and Cubans who stayed on the island.About The Project
Birthright?! is the story of Cuban-American electro-pop musicians, Afrobeta and their first trip to Cuba.
The husband and wife duo, whose parents fled the Communist regime of the island in the 50s, have decided to visit the island and lift the veil on a part of their identity shrouded in mystery.
Obama, Kimye and Chanel’s visit to Cuba have given Americans a limited perspective of the reality of Cuban life. In the film, Afrobeta is invited to play a show in Cuba. They meet their Cuban doppelgängers and have an impromptu jam session in the streets. The joyous moments of connecting with locals are bittersweet as Afrobeta is forced to confront the reality of their parents’ troubled emotional past.
Afrobeta meeting the underground gems of the Cuban music scene. I.A., who played with Major Lazer in Cuba and Joyvan, DJ to the stars, who spun at Mick Jagger's private family jam after The Rolling Stones show in Cuba in May.
Ultimately, Afrobeta faces the truth of what 58 years of Communism has done to Cuba and sees the hope for the future in the eyes of the Cuban people.
We met him walking in Habana vieja, wearing the school uniform of the revolution.
Why we need your help:
We need to hire a team to edit and package this project so we can share it with the world. This is a unique story with timeless themes but the political climate and development of the island is quickly shifting under our feet. We'd like to get this story to you while it's still fresh.
Cuci bonding with the women who live on the block of her mom's childhood home. They remembered her family and welcomed her with open arms.
Incentives
$5
¡Ñooo Que Barato!
Thank you! Every bit counts! YOU get a shout out on Afrobeta’s social media. You will also receive exclusive updates on the progress of our campaign.
$20
Croquetica
You get a download link to unreleased soundtrack songs from the film and some rare, unreleased bootleg's & remixes.
$50
Jupiña
Get a link to stream Birthright?!, a big GRACIAS on social media and our sincere gratitude!
Plus, you get a download link to unreleased soundtrack songs from the film and some rare, unreleased bootleg's & remixes.
$75
2 Tickets to Juana Molina + Afrobeta!
This is a special incentive to kickoff the first week of our campaign! We are playing a show with our hero, Juana Molina! The Rhythm Foundation has donated this incentive to us. Get a pair of tix to the show while supporting our film!Saturday, September 22, 2018 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Details:2 TICKETS
Location: North Beach BandshellDoors Open:7pm, Show Time: 8pm
fun quote about Juana Molina : )
“Like Björk and Camille’s big sister, she’s a strange mermaid who lures listeners with her marvelous vocals and rhythms” Focus Le Vif
Sold Out!
$100
Iron Beer
This is a unique incentive! We are psyched to offer"Cómo Fue" our digital zine that chronicles our journey in Cuba, behind the scenes.
$300
Miramar
Actors, musicians, realtors or anyone who needs an impactful image of themselves. This incentive offers a Headshot/Portrait session with our director, Jayme Gershen. Jayme will work with you in a natural setting and you'll have 2 gorgeous edited final shots! This incentive is only available in Miami.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$500
Guarapo
PRIVATE WORKSHOP OR STUDIO VISITGot an idea for a track? Maybe you just need a production tip for a beat you are working on. This reward features a private songwriting/production lesson for a 2 hours with Tony Smurphio, the Afro of Afrobeta. If you are not a musician, this makes a great gift or this is your opportunity to visit the studio and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Afrobeta makes their sound. The studio is located in Miami, so this incentive in based in Miami.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$2,500
Asére
A Producer credit, 2 tickets as our honored guest(s) to our film premiere and a digital download of the film that you can watch at home! Plus, an Afrobeta swag bag, a warm-hearted thank you on social media and our sincere gratitude!*Travel and lodging not included for premiere.
Claimed: 1 of 10
$5,000
Compadre
Honorary Executive Producer credit, plus a live Afrobeta show at your house! (if you live outside of Miami, travel fees are not included).
Claimed: 0 of 3
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
¡Ñooo Que Barato!
Thank you! Every bit counts! YOU get a shout out on Afrobeta’s social media. You will also receive exclusive updates on the progress of our campaign.
$20
Croquetica
You get a download link to unreleased soundtrack songs from the film and some rare, unreleased bootleg's & remixes.
$50
Jupiña
Get a link to stream Birthright?!, a big GRACIAS on social media and our sincere gratitude!
Plus, you get a download link to unreleased soundtrack songs from the film and some rare, unreleased bootleg's & remixes.
$75
2 Tickets to Juana Molina + Afrobeta!
This is a special incentive to kickoff the first week of our campaign! We are playing a show with our hero, Juana Molina! The Rhythm Foundation has donated this incentive to us. Get a pair of tix to the show while supporting our film!Saturday, September 22, 2018 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Details:2 TICKETS
Location: North Beach BandshellDoors Open:7pm, Show Time: 8pm
fun quote about Juana Molina : )
“Like Björk and Camille’s big sister, she’s a strange mermaid who lures listeners with her marvelous vocals and rhythms” Focus Le Vif
Sold Out!
$100
Iron Beer
This is a unique incentive! We are psyched to offer"Cómo Fue" our digital zine that chronicles our journey in Cuba, behind the scenes.
$300
Miramar
Actors, musicians, realtors or anyone who needs an impactful image of themselves. This incentive offers a Headshot/Portrait session with our director, Jayme Gershen. Jayme will work with you in a natural setting and you'll have 2 gorgeous edited final shots! This incentive is only available in Miami.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$500
Guarapo
PRIVATE WORKSHOP OR STUDIO VISITGot an idea for a track? Maybe you just need a production tip for a beat you are working on. This reward features a private songwriting/production lesson for a 2 hours with Tony Smurphio, the Afro of Afrobeta. If you are not a musician, this makes a great gift or this is your opportunity to visit the studio and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Afrobeta makes their sound. The studio is located in Miami, so this incentive in based in Miami.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$2,500
Asére
A Producer credit, 2 tickets as our honored guest(s) to our film premiere and a digital download of the film that you can watch at home! Plus, an Afrobeta swag bag, a warm-hearted thank you on social media and our sincere gratitude!*Travel and lodging not included for premiere.
Claimed: 1 of 10
$5,000
Compadre
Honorary Executive Producer credit, plus a live Afrobeta show at your house! (if you live outside of Miami, travel fees are not included).
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Jayme Gershen: @jaymegershJayme Gershen is a Multimedia Storyteller focused on identity through the use of photo, video, and interactive media. She uses humor and intimacy to tell stories about second chances and to explore a sense of place. As a photographer, Jayme works with a variety of publications including Vanity Fair, Bloomberg, The New Yorker, CNN, AL Jazeera, Buzzfeed and The Wall Street Journal. She also creates commercial content for companies like FPL, Dunkin Donuts, Turtle Wax, AARP, and Planned Parenthood. As a filmmaker, Jayme is currently working on several short film projects ranging from environmental issues and solutions in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria, gun violence stories from underserved communities in Miami, as well as a series of stories that challenge perception of what immigration looks like.
Eddie Garcia-Rivera: @zmanbarzel
Eddie is a born adventurer and visual artist. A journey through his Instagram will take you to the most picturesque locations around the world and his Youtube channel will get you in the front row of your favorite band’s show.
Michel Matos is a Cuban director who worked as our producer in Cuba and his compassion and heart made this project possible. He founded Rotilla, the first electronic music festival in Cuba which ran for 10 years before the government seized it. We met him in 2013 in Miami during the screening of his film, "Ni Rojo, Ni Verde, Azul", which chronicles the story of the festival.
Behind the scenes in Cuci's mom's neighborhood with Yasser, our Cuban sound person, and Eddie, our DP.
Mariana Mendoza is Cuci's best friend and frequent collaborator. They make art and trouble together. She is a multi-media visual artist famous for her work with watercolor & digital design. We are lucky to have her as the Art Director for the film. She is also the designer of "Cómo Fue" the digital zine of memories from our journey.
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