YEAR 33 Documentary Utilizes Crowdfunding For Production

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- With a $99,000 goal Kathryn Lejeune and Janna Watkins, co-founders of Sueño Documentary Films, have launched a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter.  Support raised in the crowdfunding project will go toward the production of their film YEAR 33: Darkness Ends, Art Revives.  The film is a resonating documentary highlighting the struggle of the Cambodian people who survived the Khmer Rouge communist regime and have given birth to an emerging generation devoted to the arts.  The communist regime instituted a genocide that lasted nearly five years and resulted in the killing of 90% of the country's artists and intellectuals.  The documentary seeks to show the rising of Cambodia's next generation of resilient artists that are now integrating ancient techniques with contemporary art.

A feature length documentary, YEAR 33 highlights Cambodia's art revival by showing the day to day lives of three Khmer artists.  The film shows the inspiring lives of a young dancer named Narim, a painter and sculptor named Viet, and a fiber artist named Vanny.  Bringing to the fore the rich heritage the three young artists share, the film will bring attention to the varied artistic culture of Cambodia.  An artistic culture that now breathes life into the country's young people filled with a very intentional resilience.  Daily portrayed in every Cambodian venue from large theaters to small back alleys the art revival imbued with Khmer culture is alive with potential.  With it the documentary proves the power of the human spirit.

Kathryn Lejeune, Producer and Director of YEAR 33, said of the film, "With great dignity we peek into the lives of each of the three characters and grab intimate glimpses of their realities.  They live in one of the poorest countries in the world.  Regardless, it's their hard work that exemplifies the dedication needed to force the hand of change and surmount obstacles.  To that end, our film is finished.  Now, we need the help of supporters to bring it to post production and ultimately empower the Cambodian art community."

Crowdfunding support will go specifically toward an editor, sound and colorization of the project as it makes its way through post production.  The funds raised will also allow the producers to show the documentary at film festivals for a broader reach toward their goals.  Crowdfunding perks include a movie poster designed exclusively for supporters, a reusable tote reflective of the film's story line and a Sueño bracelet.  The bracelets are seen throughout the documentary worn by the crew and characters. 

About Sueño Documentary Films:

Sueño Documentary Films was co-founded by Kathryn Lejeune and Janna Watkins to connect the world through stories told by way of documentaries.  The producers endeavor to engage a global audience to move forward toward positive change. Lejeune is attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and worked as Creative Director at Davis-Panzer Productions.  Watkins has a degree in Chemistry and has worked with clean water initiatives for underprivileged communities.

To make a contribution to the Year 33 Crowdfunding campaign Click Here

Company Website:

http://www.suenodocfilms.com/

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lSmiAydr_Q

Media Contact: Kathryn Lejeune, Sueno Documentary Films, 360-931-3115, [email protected]

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SOURCE Sueno Documentary Films