An Industry Case Study
Narrative | Dramatic Features
Film Name: The Power Of Hope (based of Michelle Obama)
Genre: Animated Short
Length of film: in word(s) / number(s)
Date: May 2020
Director: Kalia Love Jones
Producer: Kalia Love Jones
Writer: Kalia Love Jones
Cinematographer: NA
Production Company: The Power Of Hope
Budget: NA
Financing: Kalia financed The Power Of Hope using money she had been saving from years of recycling, Birthday and holiday cash and odd jobs she’d do for family. Kalia felt It was important that she financed the film herself to prove how serious she was at filmmaking.
Shooting Format: NA
Screening Format: NA
World Premiere: NA
Awards: NA
Website: www.ThePowerOfHopeFilm.com
A Short Biography of Kalia Love Jones
13-year-old Kalia Love Jones is an ambitious animation filmmaker with a goal of empowering others. Her devotion is to her passion and confidence that she can make a positive difference in the world by inspiring more young women to pursue their filmmaking dreams.
She looks up to influential female figures, such as Ava DuVernay, and Michelle Obama. Kalia was able to launch her first captivating production called The Power of Hope. She even co-wrote the film’s song and funded the project on her own to prove how serious she is about it.
Kalia is not afraid to take risks with her films to deliver powerful messages that prove anyone can push through obstacles in life and reach their goals.
The Kalia Love Jones Interview
indieactivity: What is your film about?
Kalia Love Jones (KLJ): The Power Of Hope is an short film animation by 13-year-old first time filmmaker Kalia Love Jones. The film tells the inspirational story of a young woman with big dreams. “When her mother falls ill, an aspiring architect grapples with feelings of helplessness, but moved by the words of Michelle Obama, she finds the will to persevere and bring her dreams to life.” Kalia’s work on the film starts at 12 and its inspiration is from former First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech.
Tell us about the festival run, marketing and sales?
Kalia Love Jones (KLJ): The Power Of Hope has had an amazing film festival run with official selections in three Academy Awards qualifying film festivals, most recently in HollyShorts. Kalia, now 14 was the youngest director in all of these festivals and has created buzz for her film and her message of inclusion and diversity in film making. Her film The Power Of Hope has garnered national media attention and Oscars buzz on TV, print and online outlets.
Give the full Official Synopsis for your film?
Kalia Love Jones (KLJ): The Power Of Hope tells the inspirational story of a young woman with big dreams.
“When her mother falls ill, an aspiring architect grapples with feelings of helplessness, but moved by the words of Michelle Obama, she finds the will to persevere and bring her dreams to life.” Directed by 13-year-old Kalia Love Jones, a young woman who is not afraid to take risks with her films to deliver powerful messages that prove anyone can push through obstacles in life and reach their goals. This may be the beginning of Kalia’s career, but she is certainly already showing girls of all color and ages that they can achieve greatness by carrying hope and believing in themselves.
Development & Financing?
Kalia Love Jones (KLJ): The Power Of Hope developed as a calling to a young 12-year-old back girl with a dream. Kalia Love Jones always knew directing animation was meant to be. But no one could have ever imagined she’d be directing and competing in Academy Awards film festivals at just 13-years-old. Kalia had been crafting her skills as an artist and storyteller at a young age and at 12 she made her move. A fan of former First Lady Michelle Obama, Kalia was inspired by her speech and determined to spread a message of hope to young people like herself.
Kalia wrote a few story drafts that evolved into a 8 minute journey of a young girl with huge aspirations. The young girl hit upon some devastating hardships of loss, sickness of a loved one and despair. At the time Kalia had no idea how much of her story would tie into the global pandemic and loss happening today. Kalia is hopeful that her film will encourage people dealing with the struggles of sick family members to believe in the Power Of Hope and that they too can overcome anything if they believe.
Production?
Kalia Love Jones (KLJ): Producing the film was such an amazing experience. When the story was ready, Kalia and her father set out to find a crew. Not knowing anyone in the animation industry, Kalia would go to colleges and wait outside the classroom for students to exit. She’d approach the students and professors and ask if they would be interested in working on her film with her. As crazy as it sounds, not many people were interested in working with a 13-year-old first time Director. After months of trying, Kalia found her team and The Power Of Hope started to take shape.
Festival Preparation & Strategy?
KLJ: Being Kalia’s first film, the festival world was new to her. Going in we didn’t have a game plan, just hoped for a good experience. By the time The Power Of Hope had finished production, Kalia had missed the deadline on a lot of festivals. And with funds running low she purposely selected the few remaining prestigious festivals that appealed to her and had a great platform for her animated film. Urbanworld film festival, LA Shorts film festival and HollyShorts film festival.
Urbanworld was the film’s World Premier and created lots of buzz. That’s when the major media like Essence magazine took notice and pushed The Power Of Hope to a bigger audience. At LA Shorts The Power Of Hope had a huge turnout and was the most viewed and commented on animated film in the festival. HollyShorts was another amazing experience.
HollyShorts created a special promotion for every ticket sold through a special link, another ticket was given to a deserving kid to watch The Power Of Hope free. Over 1000 kids from organizations like The Boys and Girls Club Of America received a free screen of The Power Of Hope and free popcorn provided by AMC theatres. That was one of the biggest highlights for Kalia, knowing so many young people watched her film.
The Release?
KLJ: The Power Of Hope was only released in Academy Award qualifying film festivals and had a one week theatrical booking with Laemmle Theatres.. We have also been approached by great organizations requesting private screenings for their members.
Advice from the Filmmaker?
KLJ: Always follow your passion. The biggest risk in life is not taking a risk at all. I believe if you work on your craft and tell your stories, you will inspire the next generation of artists. And the world desperately needs more artists and storytellers.
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