In a world where big studios call the shots, multi-talented creator Stormi Maya just proved that a powerful story and a die-hard fanbase are the ultimate greenlight. The actress, musician, and producer has officially smashed the initial crowdfunding goal for her passion project, the indie feature film ‘Hicktown,’ with 10 days still left on the clock.
This isn’t just a win for Maya; it’s a testament to the growing power of creator-led projects, where artists are bypassing traditional gatekeepers and taking their vision directly to the people who believe in it most.
A Story That Demands to Be Told
‘Hicktown’ is far from your typical film. Written, produced by, and starring Maya, the movie dives deep into the life of Amber, a biracial woman feeling suffocated by her racist family and the oppressive atmosphere of her small Texas town. To survive, she prostitutes herself, until she meets Lenny (played by the acclaimed Khalil Kain), a Black man fresh out of prison and determined to start over. Their connection sparks a journey of escape, self-discovery, and confronting the demons of their past.
For Maya, this project is deeply personal and carries a powerful message. It’s a story she felt compelled to bring to life.
“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.”
Fans have rallied behind this vision, flooding social media with encouragement. Comments on her Instagram and X pages, where she’s been sharing updates, are filled with excitement, with backers saying they “can’t wait to see this vision come to life” and are “proud to support independent art.”
From ‘Bare Bones’ to the Big Screen
After flying past its initial $10,000 goal on Kickstarter, the ‘Hicktown’ team now has the funds for what they call a “skeleton crew” production—enough to get the movie made. But Maya is dreaming bigger. The campaign is now pushing towards its stretch goal, a “true budget” that would transform the film from a raw indie flick into a polished cinematic experience.
What does that mean? According to the campaign page, the extra funds will allow for a professional crew, securing key filming locations, high-quality post-production, a powerful musical score, and, crucially, paying fair wages to the entire cast and crew. It also means the film can be submitted to major festivals, giving it the platform it deserves.
This approach highlights a major trend in the adult and mainstream creative industries: audiences are becoming patrons, directly investing in the content they want to see. By supporting projects on platforms like Kickstarter, fans are no longer passive consumers but active partners in the creative process.
What’s Next for ‘Hicktown’?
With the initial goal secured, the film is officially happening. The question now is how big it can get. The coming days will determine if the groundswell of support can carry ‘Hicktown’ over the finish line to its true potential. Maya, known for her dynamic presence as an actress and lead singer of the metal band Cinnamon Babe, is putting all her creative energy into making this film unforgettable.
As she looks toward the final stretch of the campaign, her gratitude and determination are palpable.
“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 follow the final days of the campaign and get updates on the film’s progress by keeping up with Stormi Maya on her social media channels, including Instagram, X, and TikTok.
* Thumbnail from asnhub.com
