Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring State of Choice to life.
 

Logline

In a state that bans reproductive and trans healthcare, two desperate strangers compete for the singular spot on a transport to California with the help of a conservative transporter who is only doing this to get money for his ailing wife’s medical bills.

Synopsis

In the near future, a pregnant woman named JACKIE goes to a small Ranch House in a midwestern red state. She’s there to meet someone who provides transportation out of state and to California for an abortion. This is due to strict measures that are under the conservative regime. As she waits, she meets with another person who’s there for transportation. Their name is CAMERON. They’re transitioning from man to woman. As they speak amongst themselves, MOSES comes out to greet them. An ultra-conservative, Moses is only doing this to pay for his dying wife’s medical expenses. He invites Jackie and Cameron to his backyard. Moses takes every opportunity to slight them as he gives an important update on the transportation. Good news, due to a change in his schedule, Moses can do the transportation tonight instead of next week. Bad news: he can only take one person, while the other has to wait another month. This is due to harder crackdowns at the border. Moses discusses with Jackie and Cameron about who will be going. This causes Jackie & Cameron to plead their cases of why they should be picked. With this, the two belittle the other. It gets to a point where, LOUDLY, Moses puts a halt to this by threatening them with a knife. Calming down, Moses decides God will decide who goes by spinning the knife. Whoever it lands on will go. Everyone watches it spin. The knife stops. They all look at each other. No telling faces.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Anthony Gutierrez — Writer/Producer/Director
Mr.Gutierrez is a writer, producer, and director. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California-Irvine in Film and Media Studies with a keen eye on directing. He has written, edited, and directed five short films that range from avant-garde, thriller, drama, and even surrealism, being recognized at multiple film festivals. His current short script and project seeking fiscal sponsorship, State of Choice, has become a quarterfinalist at The Big Apple Film Festival, a semifinalist at the Katra Film Series Festival and BAFTA-Qualifying Flickers RIIFF, and a finalist at three film festivals, including the Oscar-qualifying DIFF.

Nikolas Sani — Producer
Nikolas Sani is an Indonesian filmmaker who specializes in producing, screenwriting, and directing. The topics of his films revolve around the voices of Queer and BIPOC experience, told in various genres, such as, but not limited to, fantasy, boy’s love, avant-garde, and horror. In 2023, Nikolas produced two short films with Anthony Gutierrez— Know and The Blue Door at the Bottom of the Hill, which was a selection at The Best Film Festival 2024. Nowadays, when not producing, he explores fiction writing and poetry.

Mario Nieves Acevedo — Cinematographer
Mario Nieves Acevedo is a dedicated Mexican Cinematographer from Zacatecas – Mexico, specializing in underrepresented stories and themes. His career spans 10 years and has been nominated and won many prestigious awards, chiefly the Best Cinematography award from the University of California, Irvine. Mario enjoys collaborating with other strong creatives and combining the technical with the magic of filmmaking to produce creative solutions. His work includes partnerships with AstroAI, Intuit, Apres Nail, HiCozy, The Dice Decides, Task Master LA, and more. Currently, Mario is slated as the Director of Photography for the upcoming short narrative film, State of Choice.

Rafaell Teixeira — Sound Design
Rafaell Teixeira began his career in Brazil, where he developed a deep passion for audio and gained valuable hands-on experience in the vibrant film industry. With a degree in Sound Design and 14 years of experience, Rafaell specializes as both a location sound mixer and sound designer, capturing high-quality audio and creating immersive soundscapes for film and television. Rafaell’s expertise in advanced sound equipment and commitment to artistic collaboration have allowed him to enhance storytelling through sound. Rafaell prides himself on delivering exceptional audio quality while staying current with the latest industry technology and trends.

Make a donation to State of Choice.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.