Begging!

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm honored to have been granted a very prestigious Artist's Residency in Budapest, Hungary, through the Hungarian Multicultural Center, this coming summer from July 15 - August 7th! Out of 328 applicants, I was one of a dozen selected. Amazing.

While there, I'll begin the research and pre-production phase for my PhD Project of Excellence -- a documentary film (and 70 page written thesis!) on the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and my mother's experiences living through this tumultuous time in Stalin-controlled Hungary, her father's life as a revolutionary freedom-fighter and the tragedy of her mother's death at age 28. Just 7 years old, my mother, her brother Peter and her father Istvan, on the day of her mother's funeral, fled Hungary by cover of night, through old WWII mine fields, to become refugees in Yugoslavia. A year later, by way of the Red Cross, they came to the United States. My grandfather never even knew where his wife was buried - my mother has never returned to Hungary. This film proposes to find my grandmother's resting place, tell the story of my family and seek closure by filling the gaps and reuniting my family, and the world, with our cultural roots, history and heritage.

But, I can't do it without a little help. And here's where I beg.

I'm not asking for much, but I am, humbly, searching for donations for my residency fees -- which total about $4500 for the three weeks (room, board, airfare, beer, bribes). Whether you can give $1 or $100 to help fund my summer residency -- any amount of generosity is greatly appreciated.

My pledge to you: YOUR NAME will be in the credits of the film! Granted, this glorious accolade might take 3 - 5 years to actualize, but it is a rewarded donation nonetheless! I'll also send out periodic updates of my progress on this blog. My goal after this residency is to accumulate enough grant money to return to Hungary in two years with my mother, a talented crew (Christian, Dana and Marianne - more if budgets allow!) and a lot of research under my belt to complete a fantastic, and hopefully award-winning film! Oscar? You bet!

I've talked about The Hungary Project for years, now it's finally real and kick-starting. And that's a bit scary. But I was born to make this film and tell this story.

Donations can be made safely and securely via Paypal (just click the link!) or if you prefer, I do take checks! Our address is available upon request.

Thank you so much for any and all support you can give - from you heart, your bank account, or both! Please feel free to call or email with any questions.

Love & Happiness,
Kristine

agenttrever@hotmail.com
treverk@vcu.edu
http://ramsites.net/~treverk/
http://phdkt.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1081328579
http://www.myspace.com/kt3


PS...Philanthropy is so hot right now!