Teshya Alo is 14 years old and a hundred pounds.  But on the judo and wrestling mats, she throws down women twice her age and pounds heavier.  And she beats boys.  Now, she has her sights set on a judo world championships and eventually the Olympics.  But it won’t be easy.  Her raw talent provokes jealousy.  Her training strains her family’s resources.  She’s a student at a select private school in Hawai‘i.  And she’s going through puberty.

THE ANIMATED ADVENTURES OF JUDO GIRL is the story of this teen phenom whose soaring athletic ambitions and winsome personality make her an impressive–and at times threatening–force. The documentary mixes verité footage of real life Teshya with sequences of her as Judo Girl, an animated character representing Teshya’s inner world.

Part athletic journey and part coming of age tale, the film introduces the world to an elite athlete striving for gold and a mixed-race Polynesian girl just discovering the joys and challenges of life.

PROJECT STATUS

The film received a R&D grant from Pacific Islanders in Communications, with which the fundraising trailer was produced.  The trailer features animated sequences by Hawai‘i Animation Studios and music courtesy of MusicBox. The project is currently in production, however, we need your help in order to continue.  Please read below to find out how you can support it.

HELP KEEP US GOING

The film has fiscal sponsorship through Women Make Movies,a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the nation’s premier source for the production, promotion, distribution and exhibition of independent films by and about women.

Thus, donations to the film are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and can be made via check or credit card (Visa or Mastercard…sorry we cannot accept American Express).

To donate online via credit card, go to Women Make Movies’ website and follow the instructions there:

http://www.wmm.com/filmmakers/sponsored_projects.aspx?cmd=ae&id=1#1362

To donate with a check or credit card via mail/email, please do the following:

1) Click here for the DONATION FORM as a pdf

2) Print and fill out the “Donation Form” on the bottom of page 1

3) Print and fill out the “Women Make Movies Fiscal Sponsorship Contribution Confirmation Form” on page 2 if your donation is $250 or more

4) Send in the form(s), along with your check (if applicable) to the mailing address below.  You can also just email us the information as an attachment or in the body of an email (however, for donations of $250 or more, you must also email the Contribution Confirmation Form on Page 2).

Making Waves Films LLC
P.O. Box 161236
Honolulu, HI  96816

Email:  makingwavesfilms@yahoo.com

Checks should be made out to Women Make Movies with “The Animated Adventures of Judo Girl” written on the memo line.

You will receive written acknowledgment of your gift.  Thank you for your support!