About



What is 'Camp Revelation'?

'Camp Revelation' is a feature film about reparative or "ex-gay" therapy: the practice of sexual orientation conversion, typically administered by religious organizations, which suppose homosexuality is a disorder that can be "cured" or changed.

We, the filmmakers, believe that reparative therapy is not only unnecessary (no one should have to change their sexuality to fit in) but also harmful. As it turns out, many medical and mental health organizations (like the American Psychiatric Association) agree with us. We've therefore set out to make a film to help spread the word and to show audiences everywhere the truth about reparative therapy:

It doesn't work, it's harmful, and no one should have to go through it.

We're obviously not fans of reparative therapy for anyone but we especially don't believe children should be sent to "ex-gay camps" by their parents. Sadly, that's often what happens to LGBT children all over the world. In our video above, a young man, Mathew Shurka, discusses what it was like being sent to ex-gay therapy when he was only 16 years old. Ideally, we hope that families and parents will see our film and reconsider sending their own children to similar programs.

Times do seem to be changing, though; Recently the state of California banned reparative therapy for minors. It's a trend we very much hope to see continue and the best way to do that is by spreading the word.

So What's Your Film About?

In order to reach as many people as possible, we've set out to make a fictional film, rather than a documentary. We hope that the fictional format will be more accessible to audiences and will help us better spread the message of what ex-gay therapy is all about.

Our film tells the story of a socially conservative straight man who learns that his younger brother is gay and has been sent to an ex-gay camp by their parents. In an effort to get his brother out of the camp--at the urging of a friend--our protagonist must enroll himself and undergo the same sorts of therapy sessions as his brother. As he walks a mile in his brother's shoes, he must challenge many of his conservative beliefs and assumptions, trading intolerance for acceptance and fear for love. As he experiences the process, so does our audience.

Our film promotes acceptance, equality, and love. It certainly does not denigrate heterosexuals or any religious faith. Although this film deals with a lot of LGBT issues, we're hoping to reach audiences everywhere, from all walks of life. Only with the help of our straight allies and our religious allies, can we hope to make lasting, positive change.

And Who Are You, Anyway?

Kerstin Karlhuber (Director): Kerstin Karlhuber is an award winning filmmaker whose work in the arts has been seen around the world from Off Broadway and Cannes, to the Arclight in L.A. and a national ad campaign. After receiving her MFA in film production, and directing several well-received student films, she began her career in the film and television industry. She was recruited out of grad school by a major New England cable TV station as a Creative Services Producer, directing and producing TV segments, commercials and promos. Kerstin then moved on to manage substantial crews and shoots all over New York City as Head Producer at a boutique creative firm where she headed up docu-reality, commercial, and promotional shoots. Longing to continue her directing career, she began freelancing across the country, directing films, music videos, promotional videos, and national ad campaigns. She is the Founder and Director of Silent Giant Productions which collaborates with the most talented screenwriters, producers, actors, and cinematographers in New York and Los Angeles. Silent Giant just wrapped the short Legacy Cleaning directed and co-written by Kerstin and is currently in pre-production for the feature film, Camp Revelation. Kerstin continues to work as a director and filmmaker in Los Angeles, New York, and everywhere in between.

Jack Bryant (Screenwriter): Jack Bryant was born in rural Kentucky and grew up on a small farm in a conservative, Christian community. He earned a BA in literature from Western Kentucky University before earning an MFA in film from Boston University. He has taught screenwriting at Boston University, the New York Film Academy, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. During a break from teaching, Jack worked at International Creative Management for the department of Motion Picture Talent before returning to New York for a stint at iNK Stories, a video game and film production company, alongside executives from Rockstar Games. With credits on several film projects, Jack is proud to be developing his first feature film. He currently teaches screenwriting at Ithaca College in upstate New York.

And we have a great production team in place. Check out our website to learn a bit more about the group making this film happen!

Goal:

We want to raise $50,000 to get us on set and filming this amazing movie! Our budget gets us through post-production.

Rewards:

At 'Camp Revelation,' we believe that the experience is what matters. So we are using our rewards as a way to help you share the film-making experience and celebrate with us: workshops, screenings, premier party, walk-on roles, participating in the editing process, etc. Transportation and lodging is not included unless otherwise stated.

So, what if you don't live in or near NYC or one of our shooting locations? That's not a problem. We will let you gift your reward to a friend OR donate it back to us. We'll find young filmmakers or LGBT youth that will gratefully accept on your behalf.

For international addresses, please add $10 to your contribution.

You've Donated to the Campaign; How Else Can You Help?

That's simple. Follow our progress online, share the campaign with your friends and family, encourage everyone you know to support progressive, independent film. Crowd-sourcing doesn't work without a big crowd and we need your help spreading the word. And send us suggestions. Are there additional rewards that you would like to see us offer? Ideas for events? Send us an e-mail at camprevelation@gmail.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampRevelation

Website: http://www.silentgiantproductions.com/file/Camp_Revelation.html

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CampRevelation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CampRevelation

Thank you, and... ACTION!