Help Us Make Paper Flowers

Paper Flowers is an inclusive film project created in collaboration with artists from Open Hearts Art Center, a studio for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with local musicians, artists, and community members.

Over the past year, we've been writing and rehearsing the script together and creating a proof-of-concept trailer and mini-documentary to share the vision. Now we're inviting others to help us take the next step and make the full film possible. Your support will fund production and ensure that the artists who inspired this story have the opportunity to bring it to life on screen.

The film 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, the story explores what remains uniquely human in an increasingly automated world.

Our goal is to raise $35,000 by September 30, 2026 to complete the full movie.

We're not looking for one benefactor.

We're looking for a community.

No studios. No gatekeepers. Just a community of people who believe that great art is often created together—and that artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve the opportunity to make movies, tell stories, and share their creativity with the world.

Whether you give $25 or $25,000, you become part of the film.

We believe the most meaningful stories are the ones we create together.

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 equipment

• 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

Become Part of the Story

Thank you for joining us in creating a movie together!

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