Help Us Make Paper Flowers

 
 

Paper Flowers is an inclusive narrative film being created in the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina, bringing together actors of diverse abilities, filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, and community members.

Over the past year, we've developed and rehearsed the film through a collaborative process that blends scripted storytelling, improvisation, and the creative contributions of participating artists. We've produced a mini-doc and proof-of-concept trailer to establish the artistic vision and are now developing the full-length production, with all participating artists compensated for their work.

The story follows a group of outsider artists who rally around an out-of-work DJ after he loses his job to artificial intelligence. Through humor, music, art, and unexpected friendships, Paper Flowers explores what remains uniquely human in an increasingly automated world.

At its heart, Paper Flowers is a story about our shared humanity, the universal need to belong, and the power of creativity and human connection.

 
 
 
 

Donation Levels

🌸 $25 — Paper Flower
Supporter Page

🌸 $50 — Community Supporter
Film Credits

🌸 $100 — Friend of the Film
Film Credits + Special Thanks

🌸 $250 — Story Supporter
Enhanced Special Thanks

🌸 $500 — Story Contributor
Creative Contribution Opportunity

🌸 $1,000 — Creative Collaborator
Creative Contribution + Enhanced Credits

🌸 $2,500 — Associate Producer Circle
Associate Producer Credit + Cameo Opportunity

🌸 $5,000 — Producer Circle
Producer Credit + Participation in the Film

What Your Contribution Supports

  • Fair compensation for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities

  • Cast and crew stipends

  • Cinematography, sound, and production

  • Editing, color correction, and post-production

  • Original music and soundtrack licensing

  • Accessibility and inclusion efforts

  • Festival submissions and community screenings

  • Bringing this story to audiences across the country

Poster + Graphic Design by Brain Flower Designs and Photography by Cayla Ritchy and Fiasco Media

 
 
 
 

PROOF OF CONCEPT TRAILER CREDITS

Alex Pott as Alex aka DJ Sparky

Rob Powell as Janitor / Narrator

Melanie Barnes as aspiring singer and Celine Dion fan

Dwayne “DJ” Gossett as Paper Flower Maker

James Bethea as Alex’s Yang

Raymond Phoenix as Alex’s Yin

Matthew Betsill as Alex’s friend who brings him coffee and donuts

Annie Schofield as AI DJ loophole plan

Raimee Sorensen as Shakespeare fan

Ashley Weast as Crocheter

Brooke Bartlett as Robot head maker

Kathleen McKeon as “Meow”

Dianna Bowen as “Rock-n-roll Alex!”

Primrose Coke as Crankie artist

Mullien Fowler as dancer

Libby Rodenbough as Open Mic musician

Extras: Victor Fiorenza, Nikki Harris, Joseph Roberts, Cayla Ritchy, Jeffrey Hambright, Todd Dewees, Kim Treiner, Maggie Mae Merrill

Filmed locations; Open Hearts Art Center and Wheel House Coffee

Filmed & Edited by David Saich of Fiasco Media

Music “Ace in the Hole” by Scott McMicken and “Another World” by Libby Rodenbough