Many Thousands Lost- USC Thesis Film
“I hope that nobody has ever had to look at anybody they love through glass.”
-James Baldwin, If Beale Street Could Talk
WHAT IS
AT STAKE.
So What's The Story?
When her father, a death row inmate, lies about his reasons for being in prison, A hyper-imaginative preadolescent unknowingly petitions for his retrial amidst his impending execution
The Numbers
First, a story that you already know well...
4.2
20
13.6
The percentage of the world the United States of America represents
U.S prisoners make up just over 20% of the world's prison population.
The percentage of the country that is African American
13
38.6
The amendment in the U.S constitution that outlaws chattel slavery with the EXCEPTION of incarcerated people
74
The percentage U.S inmates that are African American
Billion dollars made from the US prison system each year. eclipsing the GDP of 133 countries.
A Less familiar story
8,500
About how many have been sentenced to death in the United States since 1970
1,582
Prisoners executed by the U.S Prison system since 1970
2,400
about how many incarcerated people currently on Death Row
55
percent of death row inmates currently on death row are either black or Latinx
195
Exonerations since 1973, that leaves the rest of those sentenced to death row to experience...
A Death Before Dying
Our story follows the story of Poppy and her father Alonzo who spends the years leading up to his execution as we follow the toll the reality of incarceration plays on both Poppy and Alonzo.
Incarcerated people often count their days isolated in the psychological torment of solitary confinement. Many of whom die before reaching execution
"If I must die, you must live to tell my story"
-Refaat Alexander
The Artists to Tell The Story
Jehan Patterson (Director)
Jehan Patterson, is a Chicago-bred Writer/Director and MFA student at USC, whose focus is on authentic portrayals of the African-descended experience. His work includes a feature film, PSAs and short films that have premiered at festivals like the Pan African Film Festival and airs on international platforms like AJ Plus.
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Amirah Adem (Producer)
Amirah Adem, is a filmmaker pursuing her MFA at USC, hails from Stone Mountain, GA, and is a first-generation South African and Ethiopian American. She aspires to be a versatile creator, weaving multicultural narratives across various film elements and genres, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse ethnic and cultural complexities.
Caileigh Gold (Director of Photography)
Caileigh Gold, a Virginia Beach filmmaker pursuing an MFA at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, is acclaimed for her cinematography. Former ODU Film Club Secretary and Cannes attendee, she's the Annenberg Fellow, and USC's Trojan Society of Cinematographers President. Eager to contribute her skills to advanced USC projects, she embodies a fervent passion for cinematography.
Chirsten Vanderbilt (Producer)
Chirsten Vanderbilt Ellis, fueled by a 4th-grade writing assignment on Chicago's Southside, pursued her passion for cinematic storytelling at USC. As a graduate student at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, she mentors and volunteers, intensifying her commitment to amplifying untold stories from underrepresented communities.
Marlana Dunn (Producer/Editor)
Marlana, a Pittsburgh native with a nomadic performance history, is pursuing an MFA at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. Inspired by her father's perspective on humanity, especially regarding the incarcerated, she aims to tell stories that inspire, captivate, and foster connection. She contributes to the team behind "Many Thousands Lost," driven by a passion for exposing diverse perspectives.
the money raised goes to:
Film & Development
Locations
Camera Equipment
Lighting Equipment
Production Expenses
Krafty & Catering (Feeding the crew)
Crewing up
Post Production Expenses
Travel Expenses
Gaffer Vehicles
Festival Submissions
Deliverables
and Miscellaneous Costs!