Muir Mentor Seeks Film Funding

Working with young people through organizations like Muir High School’s Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD), filmmaker Johnny Kirk often reflected on the challenges of his childhood. Kirk learned resilience from his mother, who broke free from an abusive marriage and raised her son to be confident and caring. “She went through domestic violence in her marriage and I remember witnessing that and thinking, ‘This is something I don’t want my mom to go through,’” Kirk recalls.

A graduate student at the Cal State LA film school, Kirk is pouring his experiences into “Vici,” (pronounced “vee-chee”), the story of a woman boxer whose battles in the ring parallel her struggle to regain power in her violent personal life. The title comes from the Latin phrase “veni, vidi, vici” – “I came, I saw, I conquered” – which Julius Caesar is said to have uttered after capturing Britain in 55 BC.

“I chose the title ‘Vici’ because the young lady in my film represents anyone who is struggling to conquer an osbstacle or a task,” explains Kirk. “With courage and perseverance, we can all say, ‘I conquered!’”

Like many independent filmmakers, Kirk has turned to online fundraising to gather support for his project. The “Vici” page on Indiegogo.com features behind-the-scenes footage, details on the cast and crew and a video message from Kirk discussing the film.

For more information on “Vici” and to pledge your financial support, go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vici/x/451178Vici project