Support Us

After several months and countless hours of fundraising and planning we commenced shooting of Bilal's Stand on July 11th, 2006. From in-kind donations, grants, and investments we raised the $217,743.00 needed to complete primary production on August 14th 2006.

Where We Are Now -

We are currently trying to raise funds and/or obtain the resources necessary to complete the film--an estimated value of over $40,000.00.  We hope to raise this through contributions and investments from businesses, public and private foundations, and individuals throughout our community. Of course, we appreciate both large and small contributions, all of which are tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)3 organization through the University of Michigan. If you are interested in donating and receiving a tax deduction, please make checks out to "The University of Michigan" and mail them to:

Student EFEX
c/o Prof. Terri Sarris
Department of Screen Arts and Cultures
6525 Haven Hall
505 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1045

Please contact use at efexcoordinators@umich.edu or call Beyond Blue Productions at (734) 560-5927 for more information. We hope that you take this opportunity to support education and achievement in our community.

Regardless of the film's success in festivals or distribution, the success of the project rests with the students and the community. We hope to stimulate pride among the people of the community once they see the final product of such a unique undertaking. While the film will primarily serve as a learning experience, we hope to enter it in film festivals around the world. The success of Bilal's Stand will bring attention to the successes and challenges facing the people and the city of Detroit, and provide the money necessary to keep the EFEX Project going in future years. We believe the film will pique the interest of all who hear about it.

Project Sustainability-

 Ultimately, one of the most critical outcomes of the project will be the creation of ongoing relationships. The current and ongoing model serves as a pilot that, if successful, may be repeated with a different script in future years and will further create lasting partnerships and collaborations. Looking ahead, the University's completion of North Quad--with its mixed academic (including production studios) and residence hall facilities--suggests unparalleled opportunities for summer living/learning, service learning, and U-M and State of Michigan outreach programs around media making and analysis. As a result EFEX could become a regular part of the curriculum of the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures during spring and summer terms. We envision the project as a year-long program, involving students in fund-raising efforts (similar to group Dance Marathon fundraisers) and pre-production that will culminate in future spring/summer workshops.