LOGLINE
After the death of their father, siblings travel to Mexico in search of their secret half-brother, uncovering family truths and reconnecting with the culture they left behind.
SYNOPSIS
Finding Jose is a comedy drama set between the U.S. and the heart of Mexico, following three Mexican American siblings who venture to return father's ashes to a country they have been to in decades. The story begins at a cousin's baby shower as the siblings settle with the absence of their father a chisme is overheard revealing another secret son. Hitting the road to find the truth they connect With their outcast yet sentimental Tio lets and their rebellious and ambitious cousin Thalia. Through dusty highways, cantinas, and small-town festivals every wrong turn reveals more about who their father really Was, and Who they are Without him. Through heartbreak and absurdity, the film captures the ache of returning home to a place that no longer feels like yours.
Finding Jose explores the messy beauty of family, the guilt, the love, the secrets we bury, and the roots We can never escape. A love letter to Mexico, to the children of immigrants, and to every family still learning how to say goodbye.
Donor | Comment |
|---|---|
Natalie A. | Good Luck, you can do it! |
Tommy S. | Your support and contributions are helping fuel the passion of others. Let this passion, which is coming to life, serve as an example that you, too, can bring your passion and dreams to life. Get to work! |
Withdrawal Film | Thank you to the Withdrawal Team! |
Blanca Mendoza | Good job mija! |
Yemina Ayala | Wishing you and your whole team so much success with Finding Jose! Such an exciting and meaningful project. I can’t wait to see your vision come to life. Thank you for creating stories that represent culture, family, and community in such a beautiful way. |
Alejandra Sanchez | I believe so much in you and this project! Rooting for you always! |
Yaritza Sifuentes | Have fun Ms. future Oscar winner, can’t wait to see the film! |
Christina Goursky | I back projects I believe in. Finding Jose is a reminder that we can accomplish everything we set our minds to. Congratulations on your success! |
Diana Shiller | Good luck! - Supporter #10 |
Stephen Gonzalez | I’ve spent years looking for José. At this point, I’m just excited someone finally got a budget for it. |
Gerardo Padilla | It’s not much!! But I’m confident you’ll get there 🫶 best of luck 🍀 I’m really proud of what you are doing!! |
Amy Huang | In honor of Carol, Zoe, Sissi — who loved Lisset and believed in her endlessly. So proud of you for chasing your dreams |
Dieter Eckstein | Best of luck Lisset and your team! Some of my favorite films have a great story to tell, but when I found how they were made, it was just as great story! I look forward to yours! |
Frieda de Lackner | Good luck! - Supporter #15 |
Michelle Reder-Zadeh | Good luck! - Supporter #16 |
Zee Zee Baset | Good luck! - Supporter #17 |
Jack Powers | Break a leg to Lisset and team! Lots of hard work ahead and I know you’re up to the challenge. You’ve got this! |
Mary Gomez | Good luck! - Supporter #19 |
Christine Hughes | So happy for you and can’t wait to see this get made! |
Jon Pham | Good luck! - Supporter #21 |
Claudia Campas | lo único que te deseo es que sigas adelante con este proyecto tan bonito y más que nada que se está llevando a cabo en la tierra de mi abue. |
Gene Park | Good luck! - Supporter #23 |
Alle Hsu | Rooting for you, Lisset! Cant wait to see you make your feature debut! |
Maria Hernandez | Good luck! - Supporter #24 |
Elizabeth Tulasi | Good luck! - Supporter #25 |
Thomas Kuo | Good luck! - Supporter #27 |
Francisco Espinoza | Good luck! - Supporter #28 |
Anonymous | Good luck! - Supporter #29 |
Isabel Campos | Siento una conexión emocional con tu proyecto. Seguiré su desarrollo con gran anticipación. |
Katerin Garibay Aleman | Good luck! - Supporter #30 |
Jocelin Hermosillo | Good luck! - Supporter #30 |
Christina Goursky | I back projects I believe in. Finding Jose is a reminder that we can accomplish everything we set our minds to. Congratulations on your success! |
Blanca Mendoza | Good job mija! |
Natalie A. | Good Luck, you can do it! |
Amy Huang | In honor of Carol, Zoe, Sissi — who loved Lisset and believed in her endlessly. So proud of you for chasing your dreams |
FINDING JOSE - SUPPORTER WALL
Our Partners & Supporters
SUPPORTER PERKS
SPANGLISH MIXERS
Our Spanglish Mixers are community fundraising events supporting the production of Finding Jose. In collaboration with local restaurants and businesses, we bring Spanish and English speakers together for conversation, games, and cultural exchange. Every event helps raise funds for the film while creating a welcoming space where people can practice a language, build confidence, and connect with their community.
FIRST DATE
A fun language exchange fundraiser for Finding Jose
📅 July 26
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Restaurante Las Cazuelas, 312 N Bush St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
🎟️ Limited to 50 guests
FUNDRASING EVENTS
BUDGET
Finding Jose is an independently produced feature film with an estimated production budget of $500,000 USD, covering:
• cast and crew compensation
• camera, lighting, and sound equipment
• travel and transportation for production
• accommodations and hospitality for cast and crew
• production design, wardrobe, and props
• location costs and permits
• post-production editing, sound design, and color
• festival and distribution preparation
$500,000 FILM BUDGET BREAKDOWN
PRODUCTION (70% – $350,000)
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Cast Salaries (including extras): $150,000 (30%)
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Crew Salaries: $95,000 (19%)
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Equipment Rentals: $45,000 (9%)
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Travel & Accommodations: $30,000 (6%)
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Food & On-Set Transportation: $20,000 (4%)
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Production Design, Wardrobe & Props: $10,000 (2%)
TOTAL PRODUCTION: $350,000 (70%)
POST-PRODUCTION (20% – $100,000)
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Editing (Picture): $35,000 (7%)
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Sound Design, Dialogue Editing & Mix: $20,000 (4%)
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Color Correction & Finishing: $15,000 (3%)
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Original Score & Music Licensing: $20,000 (4%)
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Post Deliverables / QC / Mastering: $10,000 (2%)
TOTAL POST-PRODUCTION: $100,000 (20%)
MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION (10% – $50,000)
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Festival Strategy & Submissions: $15,000 (3%)
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Publicity & Press Campaign: $12,000 (2.4%)
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Trailer, Poster & Promotional Assets: $10,000 (2%)
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Social Media & Digital Marketing Campaign: $13,000 (2.6%)
TOTAL MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION: $50,000 (10%)
BUDGET SUMMARY
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Production: $350,000 (70%)
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Post-Production: $100,000 (20%)
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Marketing & Distribution: $50,000 (10%)
TIMELINE
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
Every film starts with an idea. Here's where we are on the road to bringing Finding Jose to life.
STORY DEVELOPMENT
Completed
The screenplay has been written and refined through multiple drafts, with feedback from filmmakers, writers, and our creative team.
BUILDING THE TEAM
Completed
We've assembled our core team of producers, writers, department heads, and creative partners to help bring the film to life.
LOCATION SCOUTING
Completed
We've traveled through the places that inspired the story, scouting locations and building relationships with local collaborators.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Now – Fall 2026
Casting, fundraising, partnerships, production design, camera tests, scheduling, and final preparations.
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY
November – December 2026
Production begins as we travel across Mexico and California to capture the world of Finding Jose.
POST-PRODUCTION
January – June 2027
Editing, sound design, color grading, music, visual effects, and final delivery.
FILM PREMIERES
Summer/Fall 2027
Our goal is to premiere Finding Jose at film festivals and begin sharing the story with audiences.
COMMUNITY SCREENINGS & THEATRICAL RELEASE
2027 AND BEYOND
Bringing Finding Jose to Latino communities, independent theaters, and audiences around the world.
SUPPORTER PERKS FAQ
When will I receive my perk?
As an independent film in pre-production, some perks may take time to fulfill. Physical items, signed materials, credits, and film-related rewards may not be delivered until production, post-production, or the film's completion. We appreciate your patience and will keep supporters updated throughout the filmmaking journey.
Why haven't I received my perk yet?
Many perks are created as part of the filmmaking process and cannot be fulfilled immediately.
For example:
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Signed posters and scripts must be produced after filming.
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Film credits are finalized during post-production.
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Screening access will be available closer to release.
We'll provide updates as milestones are reached.
Are donations tax deductible?
Donations are made through our fiscal sponsor, Film Independent. Tax deductibility may depend on your individual circumstances and applicable laws. Please consult a tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Can I transfer my perk to someone else?
In most cases, yes. If you'd like a perk, screening invitation, or recognition transferred to another person, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
How do I receive a supporter perk?
Supporter perks are tied to specific contribution levels. To receive a perk, your donation must match one of the listed contribution amounts exactly.
For example:
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A $50 donation receives the $50 perk.
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A $100 donation receives the $100 perk.
If you'd like to contribute a different amount, we are incredibly grateful for your support, but perks may only be available at the listed contribution levels.
Can I donate more than the listed amount?
Absolutely! Additional contributions help bring Finding Jose to life. However, supporter perks are based on the listed contribution levels and may not automatically combine unless otherwise noted.
What if the film's schedule changes?
Independent filmmaking is a long process, and production timelines can shift. If schedules change, perk fulfillment may also be adjusted accordingly. We'll keep supporters informed of any major updates.
Will I receive updates on the film?
Yes! Supporters will receive updates as Finding Jose moves through pre-production, production, post-production, and festival submissions. We want you to feel like part of the journey.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding your donation or supporter perks, please reach out through our contact page or social media channels. We'll be happy to help.
Supporter Perk Disclaimer
Supporter perks are offered as a thank-you for supporting Finding Jose through our fiscal sponsorship campaign. Contributions are donations supporting the production of the film and are not purchases of goods or services. Perk fulfillment timelines are estimates and may be subject to change based on production schedules, availability, and other factors outside of our control.
Thank you for helping bring Finding Jose to life.
This wording should help protect you while setting realistic expectations for supporters.
