FUNDRAISING TO THE FINISH LINE

by The Cigarette Surfboard

This immersive documentary provides viewers an up close experience of the ocean through surfers' eyes, to amplify a message of urgency and possibility regarding the ocean's wellbeing. Please help us bring this incredible film into the world.

What's the film about? Small decisions and actions, like littering a cigarette butt, cumulatively can have a large impact, for better or for worse. After young designer Taylor Lane realizes that a surfboard – which he crafted from thousands of littered cigarette butts picked up off California beaches – could captivate the eyes of millions across the globe, he decides to use it as the impetus to do something remarkable. The Cigarette Surfboard takes us on a journey around the world to meet with professional surfers who are protecting and restoring the health of the ocean – through the multifaceted spectrum of science, education, farming, business, and legislative advocacy. Inspired by this global cast of characters, Taylor returns home to Santa Cruz and uses the Cigarette Surfboard as the symbol of a grassroots campaign to hold Big Tobacco accountable for their toxic, plastic cigarette butt waste.

Who should see The Cigarette Surfboard film? Everyone! The 14 hand-crafted Cigarette Surfboards are a compelling artistic expression of both the problem of ocean pollution and the potential for positive change. The boards naturally serve as a conversation starter for surfers and non-surfers alike to discuss ocean health issues, but more importantly, how we can be part of the solutions.

Why should I contribute? As our ocean faces mounting threats, we as surfers and concerned citizens have a responsibility to protect it. The Cigarette Surfboard documentary will inspire a new generation of ocean activists, help catalyze the movement for a ban on single-use cigarette filters, and redefine what it means to be a surfer today. And with your help, we'll be able to take our message to the masses.

What do we need to finish the film? Our film is complete, and we're now enhancing it with a few finishing touches. We're working with experts in sound design, graphics and color correction, and are in the process of licensing archival footage and music in order to make our film more cinematic and marketable. This will enable us to reach beyond our local communities to larger audiences, through internationally recognized film festivals and online distribution.

How much will all of this post-production cost? We've operated on a bare bones budget for the past six years, working with passion and focus, deeply committed to the cause of the film. Now we have to raise $60K to cross the finish line, and that's what we're asking you to help fund. None of this funding will go towards our personal time. Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent permissible by law. (The Cigarette Surfboard is a fiscally sponsored project of the International Documentary Association, which is a public 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS.)

Can you help finance the final stages of our film? Any donation amount is deeply appreciated – we expect it will be a collective of people that truly believe in the film and its environmental message that will help us bring this project to fruition. If a contribution is not currently within your means, we'd be very grateful for an introduction to anyone in your network who might be able to help us reach our fundraising goal within the next 30 days.

How would we acknowledge your donation? We'll provide credit at the end of the film based on your donation level (unless you choose to remain anonymous):

$500-$2K - Additional Funding By

$2K-$5K - This Film Was Made Possible With The Support Of

$5K-$15K - Contributing Producer

$15K-$20K - Co-Executive Producer

$20K-$40K - Executive Producer

$40K+ - In Association With (Opening Credits + End Credits)