Our Crowdfunding Groups
Our crowdfunding campaign has ended, but you can still support our Undergraduate Thesis Film Team by clicking here.
We are a group of passionate Bruins who are learning by doing. As current students and alumni of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, we have been given the opportunity to create a 12-minute short thesis film that represents the culmination of our educational journey at UCLA.
By creating this project spearheaded by a Syrian director, we aim to create a powerful piece that resonates deeply not only with us but also with our society at large. This film has offered us the invaluable opportunity to work directly with professional equipment and collaborate closely with our peers, while also shedding light on a side of the Syrian refugee crisis that is not told enough.
Still from Bukra - George Namy as Fouad (Left) and Lamitta Saloum as Amal (Right)Bukra is a social drama that employs realism to narrate a story of struggle without relying on graphic content. The story is about Amal, a young Syrian girl whose home has become a tent in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Nizip, Turkey. Amal spends her days with her friend, Fouad, playing soccer with a makeshift ball made of cloth and twine. One day, while enjoying a Coke with Fouad, Amal discovers an unexpected message on her bottle cap: “You've won the World Cup soccer ball.” The quest to claim this prize ignites a journey that strains her friendship with Fouad and fuels her longing for a deeper connection with her father.
Our goal with this story is to humanize the Syrian refugee crisis by telling a story of perseverance through a child’s lens.
Still from Bukra - Mohamed Ewis as Youssef (Left) and Lamitta Saloum as Amal (Right)Donors will play a vital role in bringing this project to life. Generous contributions have made it possible for us to rent equipment, book locations, and feed our crew and cast. Now we are heading into post-production, our home stretch.
In this final phase, we will be focusing on color grading, sound editing, film scoring, and submitting the film to international film festivals. With your help, we will be able to finish out strong and fundraise the final $6,000 needed to make this film a reality!
We are profoundly grateful for the chance to connect with a compassionate community that embraces the future of filmmaking. We couldn't be prouder of the film we've shot. Every detail has been meticulously crafted, and now is the time to diligently put it all together. With your support, we can create something extraordinary!
Follow our journey on Instagram: @bukrashortfilm
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Should this fund reach the campus minimum required for the establishment of an endowment or quasi-endowment, The UCLA Foundation reserves the right to convert this fund to an endowment or quasi-endowment. Please click here to learn more about how the UCLA Foundation invests and manages its endowments.
Shukran! Receive a digital thank you letter from the director, cast, and crew! (Fully tax-deductible)
Unlock exclusive content with early access to behind-the-scenes videos and photos. As a special bonus, you will also receive a social media shoutout! (Fully tax-deductible)
Get the downloadable Bukra film poster a month in advance of its official release! Plus, the secret recipe for the all-time favorite dish of the director, Chicken Kabsa. This culinary masterpiece has been lovingly perfected over the years by none other than the mother of the director! All previous perks included. (Fully tax-deductible)
Gain full access to the digital director notebook, where you will delve deep into the creative journey behind the production of the film! This comprehensive package of pre-production materials offers you the shooting script, lookbook, storyboard, and so much more! All previous perks included. (Fully tax-deductible)
You will receive a personal invitation to join a Zoom Q&A session with the director and producer. As an extra token of our gratitude, you will also receive a specially created thank-you video from our talented cast and crew! All previous perks included. (Fully tax-deductible)
You will be officially credited on IMDb as Associate Producer of the film, receive an invitation for you and a guest to join us at our private cast and crew screening, and enjoy an exclusive one-on-one Zoom conversation with both the director and producer! (Travel and lodging not included) All previous perks included. (Fully tax-deductible)
You will be officially credited on IMDb as Executive Producer of the film, receive an open invitation to the film set where the key crew will have the opportunity to meet you and enjoy an exclusive VIP experience at the film premiere in recognition of your invaluable contribution to the film. (Travel and lodging not included) All previous perks included. (Fully tax-deductible)