In a move that’s got the whole industry buzzing, multitalented creator Stormi Maya didn’t just meet her crowdfunding goal for the indie feature film ‘Hicktown’—she blew past it with days to spare. The Kickstarter campaign officially wrapped after successfully raising over $13,000, clearing the path for Maya to bring her deeply personal and gritty story to life.
Maya, who is wearing the hats of writer, producer, and star for the film, has been vocal about how much this project means to her. It’s not just another movie; it’s a mission.
A Story That Needed to Be Told
From the jump, Maya has emphasized that ‘Hicktown’ is fueled by passion and purpose. She’s diving headfirst into heavy-hitting themes that resonate on a personal and societal level, aiming to create something that entertains and provokes thought.
“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, especially sexual assault, and what it’s like to be biracial and feel like you don’t belong and be isolated.”
From Star to Storyteller
We know Stormi Maya in front of the camera, but with ‘Hicktown’, she’s proving she’s a force behind it, too. This isn’t just a career pivot; it’s part of a bigger industry wave where creators are ditching the traditional studio gatekeepers. By using platforms like Kickstarter, artists like Maya can maintain complete creative control and connect directly with the fans who are eager to support more authentic, challenging stories. She’s not waiting for permission from Hollywood to tell a story she believes in—she’s making it happen with the help of over 100 dedicated backers.
So, What is ‘Hicktown’?
Get ready for a story with some real grit. According to the project’s page, ‘Hicktown’ follows a young woman named May (played by Maya) who returns to her late mother’s small, predominantly white hometown. As a biracial woman, she feels like a complete outsider. Her journey of grief quickly spirals into something darker when she uncovers a family secret and finds herself fighting to clear her cousin’s name after he’s been wrongfully accused of a terrible crime. You can get a feel for the tense, atmospheric vibe in the official teaser, which is currently up on YouTube.
The initial $10,000 goal was just to get the cameras rolling with a skeleton crew. But by smashing that target, Maya can now aim for her “true budget.” That extra funding means hiring a full professional crew, securing better locations, paying everyone a fair wage, and investing in high-quality post-production, music, and sound design—all the elements that will make ‘Hicktown’ a polished, powerful piece of cinema ready for the film festival circuit.
What’s Next?
With the funds secured, the real work begins. The success of the campaign is a massive vote of confidence from the community, giving Maya and her team the momentum to move into full production. While a release date is still a ways off, one thing is certain: Stormi Maya is creating this film on her own terms, and her fans have shown they’re right there with her. As she said herself, this is more than just a movie.
“It’s a story about identity, justice, and the fight to belong. Thank you to everyone who believed in this vision.”
* Photo from avn.com
