Jasper's Belt - Short Film

This project is a short film about a group of neighborhood kids from different walks of life scheme together to see their friend Jasper’s belt. This story is light-hearted, humorous with a tragic twist showing how powerfully wealth, class and friendship can affect a child's experience of the world around them.

Celestine Ocean (Writer/Director) born and raised on Orcas Island--a small town in the San Juan Islands--the majority of her early years were spent barefoot, running around outside, telling stories to friends and drawing fantasy worlds. She came to love writing and film through reading every book she could get her grubby hands on and watching VHS tapes on an old beat up TV in the laundry mat. 

She studied at SACI College of Arts & Design in Florence, Italy and got her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Cornish College of the Arts. During her time at university she began making experimental video art pieces and directing music videos for friends' bands creating her first short film-music video hybrid titled Green Fuzz (2019). She wrote and directed her second short film and first completely narrative film Bubblegum (2024)which has gone to various festivals and is continuing to be considered for film festivals around the world. Currently she is completing a TV Writing course at the Sundance Institute Collab program, writing an episodic TV series and is in production of her second short film Jasper’s Belt filming in New Zealand.

A true storyteller at heart, she is interested in finding the deeper truth and exposing the beauty and tragedy of life. She is inspired to make films that expose the softness and darkness of human interactions with the world around them. She draws inspiration from her own lived experiences, mysticism and folklore, her friends, family and strangers observed and interacted with in daily life. Elements of humor, surrealism and colorful, quirky mise-en-scene help aid in her exploration of the human experience. Her work can be found here: https://celestineocean.com/.  

Anna Brajkovich (Director)

Croatian-Kiwi director Anna Brajkovich holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Psychology. Her journey into filmmaking began during her free time at 48-hour film competitions, where she discovered her passion for storytelling. Over the past year, Anna has gained diverse experience, serving as an assistant director, assistant camera and actor. Notably, she served as AD for Sam McKillen’s feature film The Basement King and is currently working as the 2nd Assistant director on James Fink-Jensens feature film Where’s Smoky?. Anna’s recent project, she co-wrote and directed, Man Hand, was recognised as one of Sir Peter Jackson’s top six films at the 2024 48-hour film festival, winning Best Cinematography and earning her a nomination for Best Female Director. 

In addition to her filmmaking, Anna has actively engaged with community film groups. Together with her good friend Flora Xie, Anna co-runs Girls in Film Aotearoa (GiF), a global community of emerging filmmakers that fosters discussions around equality and representation in film. Eager to continue her growth as a director, Anna aims to tell stories that inspire change, and encourages people to donate to social causes:  https://www.instagram.com/annabrajkovich 

Arneth Murania (Director of Photography) is an award-winning cinematographer from Auckland, New Zealand, with a deep passion for capturing stunning visuals that elevate storytelling. Arneth views filmmaking as a powerful creative outlet to connect with and impact audiences through sharing compelling stories, realities, and perspectives. Through the lens, Arneth brings unique narratives to life, with a distinctive vision, solid technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling. Check out his work here: https://arnethmurania.com/. 

Your donation covers the cost of the production, which includes:

• Pay for cast, crew and chaperones for child actors
• Donation to KidsCan NZ - a charitable trust that works to help address New Zealand kids living in poverty (defined as living at 60% or less of the median wage, or one in four New Zealand children) through a variety of programmes.
• Secure location/filming permits
• Transportation costs
• Costuming/hair/makeup
• Food/Koha for the cast and crew
• Boosted campaign fees 

Jasper’s Belt is a story inspired by the director's experience as a child growing up in a lower class home and how her child self contextualized it. The story is about a group of neighborhood kids who go on an epic journey down the neighborhood block and will stop at nothing to see the infamous Jasper and his new belt. 

This story is important to share with the world because it unpacks the childhood experience of harsh realities you encounter when growing up. It also reminds us of the softer moments, the laughs, the silliness and simplicity of being a kid. When tragedy and joy mix together it becomes the beauty that is the human experience. Jasper’s Belt is a small slice of a big story about finding your place in the world. 

How can you support Jasper’s Belt?

• Donate - Every dollar goes to supporting a small independent film being conceived by passionate filmmakers. A portion of the funding made will be donated to an Aoeteroa charity that helps New Zealand youth. How exciting! 
• NZ residents can claim back 33% of your donation in your annual tax return. Mega exciting! 
• Spread the word - success of our campaign will rely fully on support from this amazing community. Share this Boosted campaign with friends, family, and deep pocketed cinephiles make a huge difference in the success of the project.
• Follow along - Updates about the campaign will be posted on instagram.com/celestialsoot.tv/ follow along as we fund this amazing film together! 

Only Boosted campaigns that meet 100% of their goal get all of the funds. Let’s make this happen! :~)