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Donate $5 or more to be entered into a raffle for 2 free tickets to New Village Arts, and scroll down to the page to learn more about our donor packages!
A documentary highlighting how a San Diego theater is bringing community and passion to the special needs world.
Mission Statement
Extraordinary Character is a showcase of how when a community comes together to support an incredible mission, everyone benefits.
When I first met Samantha Ginn, I was blown away by her passion and dedication to the program at the New Village Arts Theater. Meeting the actors in person and seeing the energy and positivity they exuded only affirmed that this was special. With Extraordinary Character, we aim to capture the magical moments that occur on and off the stage with these gifted actors. We want to show how it’s more than just a performance for our actors; it’s a chance to have independence and purpose.
Being an artist with a disability myself, it’s remarkable to see the safe and inclusive space that has been built at New Village Arts. It took me 27 years to have the courage to accept and embrace my autism. Seeing the freedom and genuine enthusiasm for life that these actors have made me realize this story needs to be told. I wish that I had the opportunity to express myself in a natural environment the way these actors can. It is an opportunity for empowerment that should be the norm and not the exception.
Reaching our fundraising goal would allow us the creative freedom to capture the essence of what it means to be an actor to these gifted individuals. These assets will allow us to chronicle the uniqueness and individuality of each performer. By having these resources, we will be able to get to know each of these talented individuals in-depth. Writing this now, I realize that with each passing day I get more excited about this incredible opportunity. I am so grateful for the love and support already shown to our film at this stage. I hope you’ll consider donating to make this dream for us and the actors a reality.
Alex Astrella, Director
The Why behind Our Fundraising Campaign
We are proud to be partnering with New Village Arts Theater for Extraordinary Character. We’re hoping to fundraise at least $35,000 with the community’s support to help bring our vision for Extraordinary Character to life. The program at the New Village Arts Theater is unique and beneficial for all those involved. New Village Arts are unique in that they host educational and artistic programs for neurodivergent young adults. The theater adaptation of “Stellaluna” only further cements how this theater is giving unprecedented opportunities to these actors. The joy they find in their work gives way to independence and empowerment. By bringing this show to local schools, it is allowing the next generation to embrace difference and diversity.
While we could write pages about how amazing the program is, we feel that our documentary will be the best and most thorough representation of how remarkable these actors are. We hope that the quality of the film is impactful enough to spread the word about why programs like this need to become the norm and not a rarity across the greater United States.
The funds raised for Extraordinary Character will help pay for our flight expenses, permits, rental equipment, and of course paying for our talented crew. The funds will also support New Village Arts in bringing awareness about their inclusive programs to a wider audience. Our budget will also aid in our crew being able to document as much of the school tour as possible. If we meet and even exceed our goal of $35,000, our funds will be used to extend the impact of Extraordinary Character by submitting it to film festivals across the globe. Through this avenue, we intend Extraordinary Character to be the first of a documentary series that highlights the independence given to neurodivergent adults through programs like the one at New Village Arts.
Meet The crew
Alex Astrella
Writer/Director
Alex is a documentarian based in Nashville and a native of Dana Point, CA who graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Film and Media Studies. Alex embraces his Autism diagnosis through incorporating it into the art he creates. While in college Alex highlighted inmate prison programs with his films Trial by Fire and Underdogs. These films have screened in dozens of festivals throughout the country including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Arizona International Film Festival, and Sidewalk Film Festival. These films have won the awards Best Short Documentary, Best Student Film, and Best of Fest among others. Alex is now attending Vanderbilt’s graduate program in Special Education. He is very passionate about documenting the stories of the unheard and unsung in American society. With Extraordinary Character, Alex is excited to have the opportunity to showcase what the New Village Arts Theater is bringing to the special needs community. He hopes the film will be as informative as it is entertaining to audiences from all walks of life.
Christian Hundley
Producer
Christian Hundley is a freelance cinematographer & photographer that travels the world to document human culture. He is known for his ability to capture unique perspectives that emphasize the human element in his imagery & narrative content. In addition to his freelance career, Christian is the Founder of Art House Operations, a documentary-focused production company with clients in the outdoor, music & art space. Christian’s philosophy is that the world can be better if we all have a little more understanding. Through his work, he hopes to show the world that we are all part of one larger entity known as the human race.
Athena Kulb
Director of Photography
Athena Kulb is the Director of Photography. She is a Nashville, TN-based cinematographer, director, and photographer whose work has been featured on PBS, Apple TV+, ESPN, CMT, Pitchfork, and others. She aims to elevate underrepresented stories whenever possible.
Donor Packages
Below are details about the various tiers of perks that donors will receive upon donating to the production of Extraordinary Character. We appreciate your support!
Pledge $20 Or more
Pledge $50 or more
Get an early copy of the film!
INCLUDES:
- Digital Copy of the Film
- Special Thanks in the credits of the film
Pledge $100 or more
You’ll receive a voucher that you can use during the touring run of the show for any performance & a digital poster!
INCLUDES:
- Digital Ticket Voucher
- Digital Poster
- Special Thanks in the credits of the film
- Digital Copy of the Film
Pledge $250 or More
We’ll send you a physical poster to hang on your wall & a digital copy of our behind-the-scenes look at the production!
INCLUDES:
- Physical Poster
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Digital Copy of the Film
- Digital Ticket Voucher
- Special Thanks in the credits of the film
Pledge $1,000 or More
Get a SIGNED poster by the cast & crew
INCLUDES:
- Signed Physical Poster
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Digital Copy of the Film
- Digital Ticket Voucher
- Special Thanks in the credits of the film
Pledge $2,500 or more
In addition to the special thanks, you will also receive an Associate Producer Credit for the film! You’re also going to receive a special invite to our viewing party.
INCLUDES:
- Associate Producer Credit
- Special Invite to our viewing party
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Digital Copy of the Film
- Digital Ticket Voucher
- Signed Physical Poster
- Special Thank
Pledge $5,000 or more
You’re not just an Associate Producer, you are now co-producing Extraordinary Character.
INCLUDES:
- Co-Producer Credit
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Digital Copy of the Film
- Digital Ticket Voucher
- Signed Physical Poster
- Special Invite to our viewing party
- Special Thanks in the credits of the film
Pledge $10,000
If you donate $10,000 or more you are an Executive Producer. Your name or organization will be included in the opening credits as well.
INCLUDES:
- Executive Producer Credit
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Digital Copy of the Film
- Digital Ticket Voucher
- Signed Physical Poster
- Special Invite to our viewing party
- Special Thanks in the credits of the film