In a world where creators are taking the reins, Stormi Maya just proved that with a powerful story and a loyal fanbase, anything is possible. The writer, producer, and star has officially smashed the crowdfunding goal for her indie feature film, “Hicktown,” turning a deeply personal passion project into a reality.
After launching a Kickstarter campaign, Maya and her team successfully raced past their initial $10,000 target with days to spare, ultimately raising nearly $12,000 from fans eager to see her vision come to life. The campaign saw a flurry of activity, with Maya actively rallying support on her social media. “We made our goal for Hicktown!!!” she celebrated in a post on X. “Thank you so much everyone who donated and shared!”
A Story That Demands to Be Told
So, what’s all the buzz about? “Hicktown” isn’t your typical flick. It’s a raw, intense drama that dives headfirst into complex themes of race, identity, and justice. The film stars Maya as Amber, a biracial woman feeling suffocated by her small, rural Texas town and her racist family. Trapped and exploited, her world is turned upside down when she meets Lenny (played by the talented Khalil Kain), a Black man recently released from prison and fighting to rebuild his life.
Their meeting sparks a journey of escape and self-discovery as they confront their pasts to build a new future. For Maya, this project is more than just a movie; it’s a mission.
“This is definitely a passion project. It’s also to open up people’s eyes to the realities that Black men are disproportionately accused and incarcerated for crimes they didn’t commit… and what it’s like to be biracial and feel like you don’t belong and be isolated.”
She added, “Obviously, the second part applies to my life, but I have seen many people be affected by both.”
The Power of Direct-to-Fan Connection
Maya’s success with “Hicktown” is a perfect example of a growing trend in entertainment: creators bypassing traditional studios and connecting directly with their audience. By using a platform like Kickstarter, she maintained full creative control and built a community around the project before a single scene was officially in the can.
The initial $10,000 goal was set to get the cameras rolling. Now, with that secured, every extra dollar helps elevate the film’s quality. The campaign’s stretch goals outlined ambitions for hiring a top-tier professional crew, securing key locations, and funding high-quality sound design, music, and post-production. While they didn’t hit the higher stretch goals, the initial funding ensures the story will be told.
What’s Next for Amber and Lenny?
With the funds secured, the real work begins. As Maya noted in a Kickstarter update, “Now we have the hard part of making the actual film.” The money raised will go toward paying the cast and crew fair wages and getting the essential production elements in place.
The journey from a crowdfunded dream to a festival-worthy feature is a challenging one, but Maya is clearly ready for the fight, driven by the story’s importance and the incredible support from her fans.
“This indie film will help people see the realities of both, and I’m so grateful to be able to make the film and have such an incredible cast and crew. Hopefully, we will make the stretch budget for the best possible film.”
You can keep up with Stormi Maya and the “Hicktown” journey by following her on X.com.
* Photo from xbiz.com
