The first 15 contributors who donate over $100 will receive an exclusive invitation to a private screening and have the opportunity to meet the cast and crew!

About the Film
The Gift is an approximately 8-minute short film about a 10-year-old girl’s journey after an awkward gift-giving moment at her best friend's birthday party. The story begins when Lexie picks out a pricey birthday gift for her best friend Isa, but her mother explains that they couldn't afford it. At the party, another girl gives Isa that same gift, and Isa likes it the most. Seeing her own gift left aside, Lexie blurts out that her mother said no to that gift because of the price. The room falls silent. Isa’s mother is especially displeased. After the party, Isa becomes distant, and Lexie blames it on her gift. When Lexie wins prize money from a ballet performance, she immediately heads to the store, intending to buy Isa a better gift and save their friendship, but ultimately realizes who the gift should truly be for.

About the Director
Lucy Tian is a rising producer and director currently studying Film and TV at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. She has previously engaged in both cinematic and theatrical productions, working on projects across genres. Her most recent musical short, So Far, So Close, is screening at various festivals and received wide acclaim. With a passion for musicals, comedies, and dramas, she challenges herself with each new project. She’s especially dedicated to telling stories that celebrate the ups and downs of life, exploring themes of dreams, adulthood, and beyond.

"When I was little, my mom brought me to America. As the new Chinese kid, I was awkward, and I struggled to fit in. When I met another Chinese girl in my ballet class, I was so desperate for her friendship and approval that I ignored my family. Eventually, I learned to understand my mother and accept myself, even if it meant losing that friendship... Through this heartwarming narrative, I’ll explore the unique bond between me and my mother, a close yet un-lasting friendship from my childhood, and most important of all, the theme of personal growth."

We Appreciate Your Help!
This film is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025, with production set to begin in mid-November, and we need your help to bring this heartfelt narrative to life. Thanks to the amazing support from Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, contributions for the charitable purposes of The Gift are fully tax-deductible. With a total budget of around $6K, we greatly appreciate every single donation, because every donation matters! Your contribution will directly fund--

We're also seeking generous in-kind donations from restaurants and vendors for catering and craft services, as well as equipment, props and set dressings from vendors and individuals. By completing a noncash donation letter, your noncash donation will also be fully tax-deductible by law. We would be incredibly grateful for any form of support, as all support would greatly contribute to the success of our project! Contact us at thegift2025.film@gmail.com to find out more types of items we're seeking. Thank you!

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