LINEAGE
by Michelle West

Michelle West
Follow
LINEAGE
by Michelle West
Michelle West
Follow
In this short film based on the life of her grandmother, writer/director Michelle West takes us back to 1932 when 10-yo Betty discovers her mother recently had an abortion. LINEAGE will explore if this young girl can disrupt the cycle of silence about abortion that women were condemned to back then.
In this short film based on the life of her grandmother, writer/director Michelle West takes us back to 1932 when 10-yo Betty discovers her mother recently had an abortion. LINEAGE will explore if this young girl can disrupt the cycle of silence about abortion that women were condemned to back then.
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Story
Mission Statement
By honoring the stories of the women in our families, and acknowledging their choices with empathy, we gain the power to expose secrets, heal familial trauma, and create new opportunities for future generations. Lineage, then, is not what we are destined to behold, but what we choose to create.About The Project
LINEAGE evolved from the kind of generational storytelling where only memories carry the remaining traces of the values, victories, and vices of those in our ancestry.
I learned how Nana met Pop, and about the challenges that plagued Nana's mother, my great-grandmother, who had several life-risking abortions during the Great Depression.
Also... Nana found a fetus in a jar...
Wasn't expecting that one.
There's not a lot of information, and it must've been 30+ years until Nana even told anyone. So I wondered...
What happens when this kind of traumatic experience is left unresolved?
How do secrets affect generations?
What if women weren't silenced?
Betty, 10, is the dutiful, young caretaker of her Depression-era family. After witnessing a brutal fight between her parents, Betty is harshly reprimanded for breaking the rules and discovering her mother was hiding the remains of a recent illegal abortion.
Feeling powerless and terrified, Betty is forced to process truths about womanhood that are well beyond her years.
She must decide whether to swallow her feelings and never speak about it again, as her mother demands, or courageously confront this secret before it tears everyone apart.
When I heard the story that evolved into this film, it struck me how severe the circumstances must have been for my great-grandmother to make such incomprehensible decisions.
This led me deep into the landscape of women's reproductive rights, the Great Depression, and a patriarchal societal structure. This was a time when being a woman also meant being obligated to your husband and shamed for having a voice.
Shame is an epigenetic inheritance of many women, and something that will live on if we don't start speaking about it with courage and compassion.
By sharing the story of Nana and her mother, and giving them a voice, I hope to break a cycle of silence and shame within my family.
I hope this film can be a reminder of what women went through not that long ago, and the fundamental rights we're still fighting for that are as crucial as ever.
Most importantly, I hope we can see ourselves in Betty, and realize everyone has the power to shift their lineage through empathy, healing, and love.
Capturing the time period in LINEAGE is about balancing resourcefulness with scarcity. While Betty's family didn't have much, they learned to make the most of what they had.
Much of the set decoration will be governed by the location. Floral prints, light window dressings and warm colors will define the main room.
Costumes will be minimal, representing the humble and hardworking nature of the characters.
A Minnesota native, Michelle has worked on over 20 film and TV projects as an assistant director; on countless commercials, features, and digital media in various production roles; and is a member of the Director’s Guild of America. A graduate of the UCLA TFT Program for Acting she has performed in numerous commercials and independent films. Michelle taught yoga in federal prisons for five years and is also the Program Manager for Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA.
Daniel is a graduate of the AFI Conservatory with a master’s degree in cinematography. He’s shot commercials for Ford, AT&T, Wendy’s and Old Spice, to name a few. He’s filmed over 25 narrative projects, including the short film SUNDAY DINNER, winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Short at the Ashland Independent Film Festival.
Tammy is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and has been working in feature film set design for over 15 years. She's worked for major studios including Sony, Warner Brothers, and Universal, and her dog Ozzie is amazing at catching balls mid-leap.
Brian has been composing music for commercials, film, and television for over 20 years. His work with Beacon Street Studios of Venice, CA, has been honored with Emmy, Clio, Telly, and AICP awards. He is a founding member of the band The Greenhorn Brothers based out of Topanga, CA, and an incredible father to three brilliant children.
Brenda is a seasoned producer with experience in documentaries, narrative, commercials, digital, music videos, live events, and esports. BETWEEN US and THE FIXER both premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. She has freelanced for studios including Fox, Sony, Warner Brothers, and Lionsgate, and worked as a budget analyst for the California Film Commission. She is also a kick-ass pilates instructor.
Geri is an actor, voiceover artist, and director. She created the digital action comedy show, JAMES BLONDES, as well as the live monthly comedy show, THE UNSUPERVISED SKETCH SHOW. She has hosted over 70 episodes of the sex-positive podcast FINDING MY YUM, and can be seen on TV in shows including BETTER CALL SAUL, ATYPICAL, and SCREAM QUEENS. Geri is an intersectional feminist, activist, and is committed to creating thought-provoking, joyful, and boundary-pushing content.
Rachel Stander is a producer dedicated to cultivating and shepherding stories about challenging, complex women. She is in pre-production on the feature film, SCRAP, and produced LYSISTRATA 2.0, a PSA-style get-out-the-vote short film. Before her work as a producer, she was an actor. Before that, she was a dancer. And before that, she was really good at climbing trees.
WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTION!
In a nutshell...
Now is not the time to ask my friends for freebies. The pandemic has drastically reduced work for cast and crew and we want to honor their efforts during this crisis.
Now more than ever it's vital to support the filmmaking community by compensating everyone fairly.
Additionally, we're adhering to the health and safety protocols as governed by the unions.
Thank you for supporting this film!
There are many viable and worthy ways to contribute to the world right now, and this is a small way we know how. With your help we can tell a story that is cathartic, impactful, and hopeful – and important for people to see right now.
Nana would be proud.Incentives
$10
THE GERMAINE DULAC
In 1936 they only had newspapers. Today we have the entire internet! You'll receive an incredible social media shout out for supporting women filmmakers!
$25
THE TAZUKO SAKANE
The first feature film directed by a Japanese woman was in 1936. Imagine if that film could have traveled the world in a matter of moments... Miraculously, LINEAGE can - right to your email!
You get:
A digital copy of LINEAGE
+ shout out
$50
THE ADELA SEQUEYRO
A pioneer of Mexican film, she did it all - write, produce, direct, act, edit - and all in the face of harsh discrimination towards women. For your contribution to LINEAGE, we'll send you the entire digital package - because we believe ANYONE can have it all!
You get:
Digital copy of LINEAGE, images, behind-the-scenes, interviews, script, and soundtrack.
+ shout out
$100
THE LOIS WEBER
Legends deserve to live on with or without 165 film credits! Send us a photo of your grand- or great-grandparents and we'll include it in the end credits of LINEAGE to celebrate the legacy of your family. The director will also have a few personal words to share with you in a recorded video message.
You get:
Family photo included in LINEAGE + personal message from the director
+ digital package
+ shout out
$111
KIZZMET JEWELRY - CRYSTAL QUARTZ
We're honored to offer these custom crystal quartz necklaces handmade by Kizzmet Jewelry! These stones are STUNNING. Known as the Master Crystal, it's an amplifier of intention, promotes healing and guidance, and is one of the most beneficial stones you can introduce into your life. Ethically-sourced and finished with an adjustable leather cord, these necklaces are simply breathtaking - reminds us of the first Black feature film woman director - a pioneering gem.
IG: @kizzmetjewelry
You get:
Gorgeous crystal quartz necklace custom made by Kizzmet Jewelry.
+ digital package
+ shoutout
Claimed: 11 of 13
$200
THE DOROTHY DAVENPORT
'Tis the season to exercise your vote and celebrate the women who fought so hard for it. We will gratefully send you a handmade wooden magnet featuring the 1920 poster "A Woman Living Here Has Registered to Vote" and a matching digital poster you can print out and put in your window like they did in 1920 (or give to someone else who has a window!).
You get:
A handmade wooden magnet featuring the 1920 flyer "A Woman Living Here Has Registered to Vote" and matching digital poster.
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
$500
THE AZIZA AMIR
In 1933 you would've had to fly to Egypt to see a film by the "godmother of Egyptian cinema." No worry about that today! We're thrilled to invite you to the private digital screening of LINEAGE before any other audiences have seen it, complete with a viewing care package of snacks, beverages, and delightful items sent right to your doorstep.
You get:
Private digital screening invitation + viewing care package
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
$1,000
THE JOY BATCHELOR
You're now an Associate Producer! Bonus: You know all those paper photos, old family films and video-taped cartoons in that box in your closet that you don't know what to do with but can't let go of? We have an answer! We'll send you a 10-piece Legacybox, a digitizing service that will convert your physical photos, tapes, and films to digital files so your memories can last forever.
You get:
Associate Producer credit
10-piece Legacybox
+ invitation to the private screening
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
Claimed: 4 of 5
$2,500
THE LEONTINE SAGAN
You're now a Co-Producer! Bonus: We'll help you discover more about your own personal family history with an Ancestry DNA test kit. Imagine the mysterious stories of romance, war, struggle, and victory that are in your family lineage, just waiting to be given a voice.
You get:
Co-Producer credit
Ancestry DNA test kit
+ 10-piece Legacybox
+ invitation to the private screening
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
Claimed: 1 of 4
$5,000
THE DOROTHY ARZNER
You're now an Executive Producer! Bonus: Only one woman director was in the limelight in the 1930s, and we want you by our side as we celebrate how far we've come at the US festival premiere (domestic travel provided).
You get:
Executive Producer credit
An invitation (and domestic travel) to the US premiere of LINEAGE
+ Ancestry DNA test kit
+ 10-piece Legacybox
+ invitation to the private screening
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
Claimed: 1 of 3
$8,888
THE KICKSTARTER GUY - LIMITED PERK!
Not available.
$8,888
ENERGY HAUS - GIFT SET
No longer available.
Sold Out!
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
THE GERMAINE DULAC
In 1936 they only had newspapers. Today we have the entire internet! You'll receive an incredible social media shout out for supporting women filmmakers!
$25
THE TAZUKO SAKANE
The first feature film directed by a Japanese woman was in 1936. Imagine if that film could have traveled the world in a matter of moments... Miraculously, LINEAGE can - right to your email!
You get:
A digital copy of LINEAGE
+ shout out
$50
THE ADELA SEQUEYRO
A pioneer of Mexican film, she did it all - write, produce, direct, act, edit - and all in the face of harsh discrimination towards women. For your contribution to LINEAGE, we'll send you the entire digital package - because we believe ANYONE can have it all!
You get:
Digital copy of LINEAGE, images, behind-the-scenes, interviews, script, and soundtrack.
+ shout out
$100
THE LOIS WEBER
Legends deserve to live on with or without 165 film credits! Send us a photo of your grand- or great-grandparents and we'll include it in the end credits of LINEAGE to celebrate the legacy of your family. The director will also have a few personal words to share with you in a recorded video message.
You get:
Family photo included in LINEAGE + personal message from the director
+ digital package
+ shout out
$111
KIZZMET JEWELRY - CRYSTAL QUARTZ
We're honored to offer these custom crystal quartz necklaces handmade by Kizzmet Jewelry! These stones are STUNNING. Known as the Master Crystal, it's an amplifier of intention, promotes healing and guidance, and is one of the most beneficial stones you can introduce into your life. Ethically-sourced and finished with an adjustable leather cord, these necklaces are simply breathtaking - reminds us of the first Black feature film woman director - a pioneering gem.
IG: @kizzmetjewelry
You get:
Gorgeous crystal quartz necklace custom made by Kizzmet Jewelry.
+ digital package
+ shoutout
Claimed: 11 of 13
$200
THE DOROTHY DAVENPORT
'Tis the season to exercise your vote and celebrate the women who fought so hard for it. We will gratefully send you a handmade wooden magnet featuring the 1920 poster "A Woman Living Here Has Registered to Vote" and a matching digital poster you can print out and put in your window like they did in 1920 (or give to someone else who has a window!).
You get:
A handmade wooden magnet featuring the 1920 flyer "A Woman Living Here Has Registered to Vote" and matching digital poster.
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
$500
THE AZIZA AMIR
In 1933 you would've had to fly to Egypt to see a film by the "godmother of Egyptian cinema." No worry about that today! We're thrilled to invite you to the private digital screening of LINEAGE before any other audiences have seen it, complete with a viewing care package of snacks, beverages, and delightful items sent right to your doorstep.
You get:
Private digital screening invitation + viewing care package
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
$1,000
THE JOY BATCHELOR
You're now an Associate Producer! Bonus: You know all those paper photos, old family films and video-taped cartoons in that box in your closet that you don't know what to do with but can't let go of? We have an answer! We'll send you a 10-piece Legacybox, a digitizing service that will convert your physical photos, tapes, and films to digital files so your memories can last forever.
You get:
Associate Producer credit
10-piece Legacybox
+ invitation to the private screening
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
Claimed: 4 of 5
$2,500
THE LEONTINE SAGAN
You're now a Co-Producer! Bonus: We'll help you discover more about your own personal family history with an Ancestry DNA test kit. Imagine the mysterious stories of romance, war, struggle, and victory that are in your family lineage, just waiting to be given a voice.
You get:
Co-Producer credit
Ancestry DNA test kit
+ 10-piece Legacybox
+ invitation to the private screening
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
Claimed: 1 of 4
$5,000
THE DOROTHY ARZNER
You're now an Executive Producer! Bonus: Only one woman director was in the limelight in the 1930s, and we want you by our side as we celebrate how far we've come at the US festival premiere (domestic travel provided).
You get:
Executive Producer credit
An invitation (and domestic travel) to the US premiere of LINEAGE
+ Ancestry DNA test kit
+ 10-piece Legacybox
+ invitation to the private screening
+ magnet and poster
+ photo of family lineage in credits
+ video message from the director
+ digital package and shout out
Claimed: 1 of 3
$8,888
THE KICKSTARTER GUY - LIMITED PERK!
Not available.
$8,888
ENERGY HAUS - GIFT SET
No longer available.
Sold Out!
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
A Minnesota native, Michelle has worked on over 20 film and TV projects as an assistant director; on countless commercials, features, and digital media in various production roles; and is a member of the Director’s Guild of America. A graduate of the UCLA TFT Program for Acting she has performed in numerous commercials and independent films. Michelle taught yoga in federal prisons for five years and is also the Program Manager for Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA.
Daniel is a graduate of the AFI Conservatory with a master’s degree in cinematography. He’s shot commercials for Ford, AT&T, Wendy’s and Old Spice, to name a few. He’s filmed over 25 narrative projects, including the short film SUNDAY DINNER, winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Short at the Ashland Independent Film Festival.
Tammy is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and has been working in feature film set design for over 15 years. She's worked for major studios including Sony, Warner Brothers, and Universal, and her dog Ozzie is amazing at catching balls mid-leap.
Brian has been composing music for commercials, film, and television for over 20 years. His work with Beacon Street Studios of Venice, CA, has been honored with Emmy, Clio, Telly, and AICP awards. He is a founding member of the band The Greenhorn Brothers based out of Topanga, CA, and an incredible father to three brilliant children.
Brenda is a seasoned producer with experience in documentaries, narrative, commercials, digital, music videos, live events, and esports. BETWEEN US and THE FIXER both premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. She has freelanced for studios including Fox, Sony, Warner Brothers, and Lionsgate, and worked as a budget analyst for the California Film Commission. She is also a kick-ass pilates instructor.
Geri is an actor, voiceover artist, and director. She created the digital action comedy show, JAMES BLONDES, as well as the live monthly comedy show, THE UNSUPERVISED SKETCH SHOW. She has hosted over 70 episodes of the sex-positive podcast FINDING MY YUM, and can be seen on TV in shows including BETTER CALL SAUL, ATYPICAL, and SCREAM QUEENS. Geri is an intersectional feminist, activist, and is committed to creating thought-provoking, joyful, and boundary-pushing content.
Rachel Stander is a producer dedicated to cultivating and shepherding stories about challenging, complex women. She is in pre-production on the feature film, SCRAP, and produced LYSISTRATA 2.0, a PSA-style get-out-the-vote short film. Before her work as a producer, she was an actor. Before that, she was a dancer. And before that, she was really good at climbing trees.
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