An Open Letter to My Creative Family

Dear Accomplished Creatives and Cherished Sorors and Sisters,

With more days behind me than ahead, every moment counts in this beautiful journey.

After dedicating my prime years to raising three remarkable sons—including one with autism—I received an unexpected calling in my late 50s: to return to graduate school to earn an MFA as a Distinguished Dean’s Fellow and Playwright at the University of California. There, I was called to become a filmmaker telling powerful stories centered on mature, spiritual Black Women and Women of Color who persevere through life's challenges. Women who love hard:), like me. I’ve been with my UCLA college sweetheart since I was 17!

But, now, I'm thrilled to announce that "One Night in LA ©,"my first feature film, is getting its much-anticipated sequel: "Every Night in LA ©" – the story I've always wanted to tell. With our shoot dates locked in (March 27th - April 17th), I'm producing and directing alongside a small but mighty team of co-director, assistant director and experienced crew.

How You Can Help This Dream Take Flight

1. Our crowdfunding campaign launches Tuesday! The first 24 hours are crucial for building momentum. Your early support—even just $1-5—would mean the world to me. A simple "Keep Going, Soror, Sister, Friend" alongside your contribution would fuel my spirit immeasurably. (And yes, larger donations would have me shouting with joy!)

2. I'm seeking passionate collaborators This award-winning script deserves the best team possible. I'm opening my heart to potential:

• Producers (Executive, Creative, and Line)

• Directors

• Cinematographers

• Casting Directors

• Cast members

• Crew professionals

If you feel called to join this journey, please email me at memekellyinspires@gmail.com with "Every Night in LA Shoot!" in the subject line. My vision is to make this a true Deltas in Entertainment affair.

By the grace of God, by my Mommy Soror's "Do Not Quit" spirit, and by the unwavering support of my Sorors, friends, and family, I am determined to complete this journey—and to do it by my birthday in April.

One of the reasons I need grace are the times in which we live. Our nation is polarized like never before, and I believe we’ve lost our democracy. As a storyteller, my small contribution is sharing narratives and stories that see us as one, the human race, where we’re all treated with dignity. A bi-racial family is the storytelling tool I use In One Night in LA and Every Night in LA.

A Filmmaker's Journey: Counting My Blessings

https://mailchi.mp/22e55456b257/countourblessings (includes list of projects at the end)

Making a film is no easy feat, and this has been an extremely challenging journey. Yet through it all, I find myself shouting joyfully to one song! I shout because I always keep my life in perspective. Even as I long to complete Every Night in LA, I keep my gaze on my family and all the blessings God has already bestowed upon me.

I invite you to read my "Count My Blessings" Shout-Out, which highlights additional projects I aspire to produce (listed at the bottom of this email).

My filmmaking calling emerged after I raised my sons. But motherhood wasn't my only role—though providing the best for my children was my primary focus, especially since God entrusted me with one of HIS special angels, my autistic son.

This filmmaker's call also came after other meaningful chapters in my life: running a small non-profit, Sisters Supporting Sisters, for 20 years, and teaching elementary school (which I still occasionally do to make ends meet). The call followed other creative endeavors as well: writing several books—one of which was optioned by an esteemed Hollywood couple (a Warner Bros. Executive and his wife) in 2001—and writing and producing several plays that filled theaters throughout Los Angeles.

My creative journey has spanned over 30 years, and I'm grateful for every step along the way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this note. Your belief in me means everything.

With gratitude and purpose,

MeMe

@onenightinalamovie and @memekellywrites1 (social media)