A Funny Film about Depression Reaches the Hearts of 655 Backers on Kickstarter

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- An independently produced animated feature "Rocks In My Pockets", a funny film about depression, reached it's Kickstarter goal of $42,800 in 25 days with 655 backers pledging $1 to $5,000.

"We were told no one would want to see a film about depression, that the subject matter was too grim," Signe Baumane, the film's director, said. "So it was amazing to see the outpouring of support for the project. People actually do want to see a film about depression, if the story is compelling, personal, hopeful and fun like "Rocks In My Pockets" aims to be."

Signe Baumane, a Latvian born, Brooklyn based independent animator, has been making animated films since 1991. Her 14 award winning short films have screened at Sundance, Berlinale as well as hundreds of other festivals around the world. "Rocks In My Pockets" is Signe's first feature film.

"I suffer from depression myself," Baumane said. "For me, the best medicine is humor. In this film I wanted to share my personal story with other people to give them a different perspective on their troubles, and maybe make them laugh, too. Animation is the perfect medium to make a dark subject matter more accessible, more enjoyable, while still staying truthful to the essence of it."

"Rocks In My Pockets" is based on true events involving five women of Signe's family (including herself) and their surrender to madness. Only Signe lives to tell her tale.  The film spans dramatic, historic events in Latvia including the 1905 revolution, her independence in 1919, the illegal annexation by the Soviet Union in 1940, the Nazi takeover during the Second World War and the re-annexation by the Soviets. The story finally follows Signe to present day New York.

By using mixed media - stop motion and photographed paper mache backgrounds in combination with hand drawn animated characters - the project achieves a unique, unforgettable look. Over 30,000 handmade drawings were used to make this dark mental health comedy.

The project received early support from New York State Council on the Arts and The Jerome Foundation. Non-profit organization Women Make Movies is the project's fiscal sponsor. Although early financing helped see the film through the animation and coloring process, there were not enough funds left for sound and music. Signe turned to the king of crowdfunding - Kickstarter.

"We are surprised and deeply moved that the story of "Rocks" touched so many hearts and prompted people to participate in our campaign," Signe admitted. "The film is going to be finished soon and we can't wait to show it to our backers and to the rest of the world."

After reaching it's initial goal "Rocks In My Pockets" announced a new STRETCH GOAL of $52,800 to cover initial costs of the film's promotional campaign. As a reward, backers can receive original artwork from the film. The "Rocks In My Pockets" Kickstarter campaign continues until the morning of Valentine's Day, February 14th.

"Rocks In My Pockets" is written and directed by Signe Baumane and co-produced along with Sturgis Warner, the voiceover director. Sound designer: Rob Daly. Composer: Ljova Zhurbin. Editor: Wendy Zhao. Production manager: Rashidah Nasir.

"Rocks In My Pockets" official website: http://www.rocksinmypocketsmovie.com

Production blog: http://rocksinmypocketsthemovie.wordpress.com

For stills, additional information, to schedule interviews please contact: [email protected]

SOURCE RocksInMyPocketsMovie