From The Heart Productions
Fiscally Sponsored Indie Films and Projects

This faith-based documentary examines the extraordinary ways that people who have endured incredible hurt, pain, or suffering have found a hope that is greater than their pain. The film looks closely at how a trust in God produced uncommon strength and courageous attitudes that challenge our understanding and responses to pain and suffering. Responses that, apart from the power of God, are difficult to comprehend.

The film uncovers miracles of the heart while addressing—not ignoring—understandable questions of doubt and disbelief. It breaks through personal and social barriers that too often keep us from sharing or talking about our hurts and prevent us from reaching out for help.

Eric, an 11-year old boy who recently lost his father,
confronts a homeless veteran named Max in a
park. Despite his formidable appearance, Max is
quite friendly and they quickly form a unique bond.
Max, a former college instructor, teaches Eric
valuable life lessons through ancient Greek
philosophy. But Max’s mental health issues soon
put their friendship in jeopardy.

Malcolm Jamal Turner, a struggling writer living in Harlem fed up with the neighborhood's changing demographics, concocts a ludicrous scheme to "de-gentrify" it.

Freedom, WI is a dark comedy that follows Penny, a young woman obsessed with the dead and repulsed by the living. Her small-town life routine is disrupted when Ephram, a struggling writer from Chicago, gets a flat tire in front of her house during a cross-country bike journey.
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With a book pitch due and a lack of inspiration, Ephram is on a mission to steal people’s stories and sell them as his own. Intrigued by Ephram, Penny allows him to camp outside of her house in exchange for fixing up her yard.
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Has Ephram found a muse? Has Penny found a living friend?

Tagline: Sometimes the hardest thing to do is stand up for what you believe is right.

From Selma to New York is an animated short documentary about Dabney Montgomery's journey to obey his conscience. Born in Selma, AL during Jim Crow he witnesses the signs of segregation everywhere in downtown Selma. On one fateful day he hears the Voice of God call him to break the segregated law. This is the story of what happens. A historic tale for modern times.

Born in Korea without legs, a Korean-American artist and athlete
finds the courage to search for the truth surrounding his birth and
abandonment at 2 weeks old.

"A coming of age love and basketball story with a Shakespearean twist".

While striving for state championships and basketball superiority, two young athletes from two totally divergent worlds meet and Cupid handles the rest. Despite raging hormones and the socioeconomic forces surrounding them, our two protagonists strive headlong toward their hoop dreams. Amid the physical impediments and competitive conflicts that naturally follow, they fall in love.

A woman begins to fall for her building's maintenance worker, but finds herself still entrapped by the memory of her abusive ex-lover.
Ultimately what I hope to explore with the film is the stickiness of trauma and grief - oftentimes, you aren't simply mourning a person, but what could have been, and the death of an old self that was in a way taken from you.

Gerald’s Hands is a compelling inspirational drama about a kind-loving man on the spectrum who tries to survive a tragic loss, keep his home, and win the love of his life. turn for the worse when he's at risk of losing his norms and takes matters into his own hands.

Ghost money is a feature-length narrative documentary about the filmmaker's return to Vietnam after forty years to search for his wartime lover, only to find that he might have fathered her child. After a year without results, he falls in love again, this time with a Vietnamese mother of two. Through a rich fusion of live-action footage, hand-drawn animation and rare archival film spanning five decades, Ghost Money is a moving commentary on the legacy of the Vietnam War -- broken families, unfinished lives and left-over children.

A thirteen-year-old’s world turns upside down when she falls hopelessly in love with a woman twice her age.

The night after the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is leaked,
a group of New York City mothers spend their monthly “wine-and-whine” night discussing the fate of their children: all soon-to-be 18-year-old sons.
When one woman jokes about chemically castrating her son in order to spark a legal battle, the mothers find themselves entertaining a ghoulish plan…

Going Fine Since 1889: The Magical Armstrongs is a feature length documentary about a family of African American magicians traveling throughout the South in the early 1900’s within the confines of the Jim Crow era. The film explores the life and times of illusionist John Hartford Armstrong, his wife Lillie Belle and daughter Ellen E. Armstrong, who continued the family legacy with a solo magic act. As America came into a modern century, where society and entertainment were changing rapidly, the Armstrong’s brought a sophisticated grandeur to the world of magic but are virtually forgotten today.

After the sudden passing of Bully, the family dog, a young son encounters a demonic dog coroner named Cosmo. Together, they embark on a journey to a secluded compound where Cosmo reveals his unconventional method of bringing deceased dogs back to life through a unique culinary ritual.

The inspiring true story of a twelve year old girl whose bake sale built a school in Haiti.

Green Frog Cafe is a short film about family and what happens when you realize you are about to lose someone special. Ever since he was a young boy, Steven had Jack as his mentor, to teach him how to whittle, how to spit, and how to sit up straight. Jack helped Steven buy his first guitar and took him along to the Green Frog Cafe where he and the other old-timers told tall tales.
Now Jack is ill and near the end of his life. Steven is afraid to lose his old friend and does his best to push everyone away and drink away his fears, not wanting to accept the inevitable. He makes a final trip home to say his goodbyes and help ease Jack’s final days.

"From the people, for the people"
For nearly a century, the aftermath of the tragic historical period of archived and hidden American Black history of a prosperous self-sufficient black owned business district in Tulsa Oklahoma, now serves to be powerless against the effects of de-segregation, and the modernized economic advancement leaving the Greenwood district formerly known as “Black Wall Street in a state of financial economic despair. This true story of “Black Wall Street” will be told from the perspectives of Greenwood community residents, descendants of the deceased wealthy minority business owners directly affected by the race riot, while exploring the perceived economic position

When lifelong besties are selected for a popular 1980s game show, a petty misunderstanding leads to a meltdown in front of a live studio audience, threatening their special bond.

As their 10-year high school reunion approaches, Dale and Trina, best friends with unfulfilled dreams, get a shot at success on "Grocery Grab," a live game show. However, their conflicting goals and poor communication create chaos, intensified by competing against high school nemeses. Amid pressure, a heartfelt confrontation occurs, leading to a profound realization. Winning isn't their priority; repairing their friendship is. Through tears and laughter, Dale and Trina reconnect, proving that there's no rock bottom when you're with true friends.

Happiest Days of Our Lives is a peek into the human psyche in a moment of great tragedy. It explores the fragility of human life and how trauma left unaddressed can bring us and those around us down. It follows Cameron, an 18-year-old boy who is left numb after losing his mother to mental illness and ultimately suicide. He is plagued by guilt and confusion but is resistant to facing his pain head-on, resulting in further tragedy. The story questions the responsibility of friends and family in times of turmoil and the power of unconditional love.

After a mass shooting turns America’s schools into near prisons, a group of disaffected high school students battle to destroy the system that subjugates them. Little do they know, a sociopath bent on teaching them tortuous lessons turns each student’s archetype against them one by one.

It’s Christmastime and Jessi is all but excited. She finds herself with comparisonitis in the world of social media. Other women her age just seem to “have it all”, including that engagement ring. Jessi finds herself frustrated over her job at the local big box store, still struggling with the loss of her parents, and drowning in student loan debt. Her Grandma and friends seem to be concerned for her health and well being, and only want Jessi to be happy.

Will Jessi ever see the love that is right in front of her? Will she continue down her dark path of negativity and struggle, or will the magic of Christmas shine light on her future?

Hats Horses and Hollywood is a behind-the-scenes look at the Horses you love in Hollywood films and television and the legendary horse whisperer, Rex Peterson. Rex, accompanied by an acclaimed group of Hollywood icons and professionals, takes you on a journey spanning decades of famous horse films. Hear it straight from the horses’ mouths - the challenges, dangers and extraordinary contributions of these gentle giants to movie magic. Rex, a rugged cowboy, shares his personal talents and secrets of his horse training craft and his deep connections with horses which set an example for the film industry and showcase the amazing bond between humans and animals.

A 16mm film observing the impact of homelessness, police brutality and stage fright on a resilient single father and young son.

O'ahu's west side, local revolutionary, has earned passage to follow his dream, but has to save his young rapping brother from his drug addiction, before he leaves.

Hometown Hustle is about how small businesses in small towns make a BIG impact. This series, hosted by show creator and producer Natalie K. Hodge, showcases the innovation, resilience and positive energy of entrepreneurs from little known places. The feel-good reality series is filled with heartwarming moments and humor.

What is something that everybody enjoys but no one acknowledges? Progress.
Human Progress – The Bad, the Good, and the Factual is a documentary that challenges the view of human progress as an illusion of the modern age vis-à-vis the denouncements of technological improvements as detrimental for society.

With a pandemic, climate disasters, crackdowns on protesters by authoritarian regimes, ongoing wars, hunger, and basic human rights under threat around the world, it is hard to believe, especially when reading the daily news, that things are getting better. Bad news and political discourse driven by fear and disinformation, ask for a fresh look at human progress.

Ukraine’s courageous, odds-defying stand against Russia ignited unparalleled global support for Ukraine while revealing the tremendous power of human unity. This film examines the diverse journeys Russia's unprovoked invasion has forced upon Ukrainians through the stories of the volunteers - inside and outside Ukraine - who are contributing whatever actions, skills, and resources they can. These often-unsung contributions are making an enormous difference to help keep Ukrainians in the fight, hopeful, and resilient, while also changing the volunteers themselves. The hope and possibility revealed provides a striking contrast to the injustices and atrocities Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine.

This film is about an elderly marginally housed woman living in San Francisco's Tenderloin District. As seen through her eyes, she struggles to manage the present while being hopelessly lost in the traumas of the past. In recent years there has been an explosion of people living on the streets in many small and large cities with much conversation about what to do about "them". This film is dedicated to those we know who may have fallen through the cracks and challenges us to try to understand ... and not look away. Funds will be used for production costs such as location fees, cast and crew, insurance , equipment rentals craft services and post production.

Gender incongruent as a child, Kathy, knew she was female as far back as pre-school. What did a penis have to do with anything, she asked her mom, Nancy. Even though, Nancy explained the facts, it never clicked for Kathy, so she did what all boys do and learned to become a boy. After spending her life suffocated by gender dysphoria, Kathy, now 60, petitions her health care provider for vocal and facial feminization surgery. A life-long dream shattered, when Kathy, during second surgery, contracts a life-altering infection forever changing her outcome. I Am Kathy is a tragedy and triumph. Kathy shows us what a survivior looks like, embracing her life fearlessly and unapologetically,

Dementia is a beast. In this warm, adventurous, and darkly humorous family drama on the fringes of reality, Vivian travels to the Mojave High Desert to convince her father, Art, to move from independence to assisted living. Vivian's struggle turns treacherous when Art goes missing in the dead of night. Now she must track him down with the help of only her paranormally-enthused husband, Shelby.

Detroiters inspire each other to vote through reciting a powerful spoken word poem by Charles Thomas Jr., a Detroit voting rights elder and activist.

This short film will be distributed for free to every GOTV org operating in the Detroit area during the critical 2022 mid-term elections.

I Remember Nicole is an Award-Winning, Call to Action! Music Video. A Global Anthem Reclaiming Power Over Domestic Violence.
While viewing I Remember Nicole, victims of abuse will see themselves in the faces of the hundreds of women who are standing strong. She will hear her life in the lyrics. Our hope is that I Remember Nicole empowers her to find HER voice. Raising Awareness while Raising the Roof!

As profits continue to decline, farming communities in Colorado look to controversial solutions as they struggle to keep their traditional way of life alive. IN A DRY LAND explores industrial hemp’s role in saving rural America.

In the Path of Peace, a feature length documentary film, will show how Krav Maga, the self-defense discipline popularized in Israel, can be one of the most effective tools to combat antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of the horrific attacks in Israel on October 7th. The film goes beyond self-defense, delving into the mental and physical empowerment that Krav Maga embodies, helping individuals build character, overcome trauma, and walk with pride.

Indie Rooftop is a 7-episode documentary series that features noteworthy independent artists of various genres in performances and interviews.

Logline:
After the death of her Grandma, 26 year old Kayla revisits her childhood only to discover that Grandma has strangely disappeared from some of her memories.

Inez is a short film centered around a recurring dream I had following my Grandma's (Inez) death. In the dream, I revisited my childhood memories with my Grandma. However, during the dream, I discovered that she was missing from those memories and I was unable to find her. Through my journey with grief, I set out to find my Grandma and to find peace after this devastating loss. The goal of this film is to not only celebrate my Grandma's life, but to also examine the journey of Grief- a journey that is often only seen for its

INHERITANCE explores the underlying causes of the opioid epidemic in America through the life of one boy and five generations of his extended family over 11 years. Curtis, a bright and hopeful boy, grows up from age 12 to 18 surrounded by love and struggle while every adult in his family – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins – battles addiction. Curtis’ America is an America where people and communities are struggling with an epidemic of substance use disorder, joblessness and a deteriorating sense of belonging.

Tristan is ranked #1 basketball player in the nation and now everything’s on the line. Your future coach is scandalous, trust is questionable and crime is lurking. In 24hrs the city will reap dire consequences and seek justice. Tristan is mentally torn, seemingly every decision is critical as the game winning shot. Leaving him no choice but to do what’s best.

A convicted mother struggles to keep her family intact after a car accident results in manslaughter. Now the disgruntled apparition demands she reveal the hidden family truth.

The story of an unsung hero of Napa Valley who while in pursuit of the impossible dream of making the best bottle of wine in the world, saved the valley and changed the industry after illegally smuggling over 5,000 French wine vines into the US in 1982.

This is the remarkable story of Jimmy “The Brick” Flick, a UFC fighter from Sand Springs, Oklahoma who lifted himself out of a troubled and adversity-filled childhood by passionately pursuing his dreams of succeeding in his chosen profession, living a good and generous life, giving back to his community, and inspiring others do the same things.

NOT ALL DEATH IS THE END OF LIFE

A grieving father must set aside his own beliefs to honor his son Joe’s last wish to be an organ donor. As time goes by he finds a calling and new “normal” in the reflection of Joe’s legacy of service to others. Through multiple stories of grief and recovery, we see what happens when true heroes die and find out they never really do.

When Zhu Shen’s husband Changyou dies of cancer, she throws herself into a six-year odyssey to produce their 12-year-old artistically gifted son Perry’s animated film Changyou’s Journey (a 2019 Oscar-qualifying animated short) in honor of his father, unleashing a mother-son tug of war. Zhu must learn to look inward to reconnect with her son, reclaim her own buried artistic prowess, and transform from a “Tiger Mom” to a “Zen Mom.”

In a post-cataclysmic world, a guilt-ridden actress-turned-detective drags an unwelcome partner into her unconventional approach to crime-solving before the culprit can strike again.

Kris & Kyle are best friends, now in their thirties living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, started tackling the world one adventure at a time as they felt they had a ticking clock over their shoulder. In an effort to not let SMA get in the way of their fun and their ambitions, they take on the comedy stage, artistic challenges, and politicians. This documentary is in its tenth year of following their challenges, wins, and everyday banter.

This documentary chronicles one woman's journey to discover the truth about her ancestor, Carl Laemmle, who founded Universal Studios and saved Jews from the Holocaust. She finds three families he saved, learns their stories, then travels to Southern Germany with her husband and 11 year-old daughter to find the places they were forced to flee. They are surprised to also find Germans working to preserve the past today.

Hours before the German Surrender was in effect, a B-17 crashed in the unrelenting North Sea killing 11 of the 13 airmen on-board who were returning from a Humanitarian Mission to drop food to the starving Dutch. Six of the airmen are still missing. "Last Intercept" tells their story through letters, archival photos and film, and the memories of loved ones.

When Keshia, a young charismatic undocumented Latina living in New York City, decides to start her own businesses, she not only embarks on a journey that challenges her as a young entrepreneur but also discovers how Latinas must fight tenaciously in the United States to establish themselves as relevant group. All this so they can make their dreams LATINA OWNED.

*Poster from our concept short film "The Lazarus Game."
Fallon Carter, a shy college freshman and member of the Gamma Gamma Gamma sorority, catches her boyfriend cheating with the sorority president. When her sisters find out, they suggest some innocent revenge. They plan an elaborate prank to get back at the cheaters, but it turns fatal costing the life of a sister. The group panics, covers up the accident, and reports the girl missing. The next school year a new freshman shows up for rush week who looks exactly like the one they buried. The arrival of the doppelganger spurs chaos and the girls are forced to face the consequences of the previous Spring.