LOCAL NEWS

Corpus Christi native raising funds for COVID-19 documentary series 'Unmasked'

Ashlee Burns
Corpus Christi Caller Times

While many face isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Corpus Christi native is reaching out to people around the world to learn about individuals making a difference in their communities despite the challenges they face.

Annette King spent the past 12 months interviewing people via Zoom to understand how those from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds are dealing with the pandemic.

What she learned inspired her documentary film project called "Unmasked," spotlighting people who confront social issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and barriers to education and healthcare.

The series will feature people from across the world, such as a man named Maick, a refugee from the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo who founded the first and only school for refugee children at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.

Corpus Christi native Annette King spent the last 12 months interviewing people via Zoom to understand how those from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds are dealing with the pandemic.

"The first thing he thought about was how to help the community when the children did not have education," King said. "We talked about how they were dealing with COVID-19 and it really opened our eyes as westerners. That’s how the story took a turn to this series."

Maick's interview introduced King to the word "ubuntu," meaning "humanity" or "I am because we are."

The concept of a universal bond connecting all humanity resonated with King, who said similar virtues were instilled in her as a South Texas native.

"Having left Texas and living in Florida for some time, I miss that connection and virtue of consideration for others," King said. "It really came back to me when he talked about 'ubuntu."

South Texas actor and business owner Andres Elizondo II pledged to sponsor the docu-series pilot episode as executive producer.

Unmasked was recently a featured project on the Kickstarter platform. Contributions to produce the series pilot will be matched through Sunday, May 2.

The project was $2,000 away from its $25,000 goal on Friday. King said the next step is to produce a pilot episode that will help the team get in front of companies who can help produce a full series.

The campaign ends May 4 and the episode is expected to be released in late 2021.

"At this stage I think we’re trying to tell these stories to inspire change makers," King said. "If anyone would like to reach out to tell a story our website, www.splicerfilms.com, has a nomination section. We’re looking for people to support the pilot to get the project off the ground."

Those who donate will receive details or a link to the pilot when it is released. To receive updates about the project, join the Splicer Films email list or follow on social media.

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Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe