Zebra

“Check.” |||||||||||| “Check.”

...………”Cross Now!”............

LOGLINE: A mixed-race (Black/White) crossing guard, who is repeatedly called the N-word at school, discovers the power of his voice and learns that sticks and stones aren’t the only things that can break bones.

WHY THIS STORY MATTERS:

Zebra is more than a short film; it's a call to action, challenging that classic Kiwi "she’ll be right" mentality that can often dismiss the power of harmful language. The film explores how words can leave deeper scars than physical violence, forcing us to rethink the adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." By placing a black narrative within the context of Aotearoa, Zebra offers a fresh, authentic perspective on how to confront racism and use dialogue to bring about change. Our protagonist, Tobe, uses his voice and the system to outsmart his aggressor, presenting a narrative that is both a coming-of-age story and a cautionary tale.

MEET THE SQUAD:

Troy Blackman - Writer/Director

Troy Blackman is an Afro-Caribbean/NZ European filmmaker based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) whose work is deeply inspired by his unique ethnic background. Through his films, he explores the complex relationships between race, identity, and society. Zebra is a project born from his lived experience and desire to amplify black voices in Aotearoa, highlighting stories often overlooked by mainstream media. This film is a culmination of his creative journey, developed through the Script to Screen South Shorts Mentorship Programme.

Daisy Remmington - Producer

Raised in Southern California, Daisy Remmington has a diverse background in writing, photography, illustration, and marketing. Daisy excels in translating ideas into compelling visual themes. As a Producer, she has been the linchpin in over 8 productions, all while navigating lockdowns and digital pivots. Zebra resonates with Daisy’s own experience with racism growing up - all the way on the other side of the world. The story is poignant, highlighting the detrimental effects that words have on those who are othered, while showing the power of standing up for what is right. Unlike many works on injustice, the emphasis is put on speaking directly to the experiences too many POC face growing up.

Faith Cruz - Producer

Faith Cruz (she/her) is an emerging Filipina filmmaker in Tāmaki Makaurau, known for her work in sound (SOLD, FACES) and visual storytelling. Her recent projects include coordinating the Kōpere Hou-Fresh Shorts film ‘Cradle & Grave’ and directing ‘Crescendo,’ an early selection for NZ Web Fest 2024. Despite being a different ethnicity to Tobe, Zebra is a deeply personal project, reflecting Faith’s own experiences as an Asian kid facing the impact of harmful words. Co-producing this film is about more than storytelling; it's about confronting racism and bullying. By bringing Troy’s vision to life, we aim to create a ripple effect of awareness and empathy, encouraging viewers to take a stand and make a difference in their own communities.

MONEY MOVE$

Over the next month we are running a donation-based crowd-funding campaign to raise a minimum of $22,000 to fund the making of the film. Currently, there are no funding initiatives specifically supporting filmmakers of the African diaspora. We see crowdfunding as the perfect opportunity to both build an audience and partner with people who share our vision for greater black representation on NZ screens. Your contribution will directly contribute to cast and crew, catering, equipment hire, props, and location costs.

Boosted operates on an all-or-nothing basis, meaning that if a campaign fails to reach its minimum target of $15,000 before time runs out, the project will not receive any funding, and donations will be returned to contributors. Donors can make multiple contributions before the deadline and are encouraged to keep an eye on the progress of the target on the website. Whether the donation is big or small, every amount is a massive help!

If you’re a New Zealand income earner, you are eligible for a 33% tax credit on donations. Donations can be made using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and are securely held by The Arts Foundation until the minimum target is met.

If you are unable to donate but still wish to support the project's funding, sharing the page with family, friends, and networks would greatly assist in raising awareness and reaching our target.

We know there's heaps of stuff you could be doing right now instead of checking out our Boosted page, so we appreciate you. Seriously, any support you can offer means a lot to us. Big thanks in advance for helping us make Zebra happen!

MAKING AN IMPACT

Zebra is a vital narrative that needs to be seen. It’s a story that will resonate with those who have experienced the sting of racism and those who need to understand its impact. By supporting this project, you are taking a stand against racism and supporting the representation of black voices in New Zealand cinema. Your backing will help bring an important, timely story to the screen, one that challenges societal norms and inspires meaningful conversation. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to a louder, stronger voice against racial injustice. Thank you for joining us in making Zebra a reality.