The United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed support for production of the film, "Moving Parts," co-written, co-produced and directed by Trinidad-based, American director, Emilie Upczak.

"Moving Parts" is described as a story of human smuggling in the Caribbean, set in a Chinese restaurant. The film will bring a fresh approach to a difficult topic, and boasts a lineup of diverse and talented actors, including the Chinese-Canadian actress Valerie Tian, South African-born Canadian actress Kandyse McClure, UK-based Trinidadian Jacqueline Chan, as well as popular local Trinidadian actors Raymond Choo Kong, Stephen Hadeed Jr and Dru Castiglione.

The film’s production team recently celebrated crowdfunding success when 230 backers pledged towards the $25,000 production goal, raising over $26,000.

“Crowdfunding taught us how to build our core audience and to engage individuals in our fundraising process,” Upczak said. “The level of engagement as well as knowledge of the film skyrocketed throughout the crowdfunding process. We were so happy to meet our goal and now we are even more thrilled that the UN sees the importance and impact of our project and we are grateful for their encouragement and support”.

The funding from the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Trinidad and Tobago, which, in addition to helping "Moving Parts" go into production, is an important endorsement for film, as it artistically addresses a grave global issue within a Caribbean context.

"Moving Parts" will go into production in Trinidad and Tobago in June, followed by post production in Puerto Rico.

The film will be released in 2017.

Emilie Upczak is a filmmaker and festival programmer specifically interested in ritual practice and sexual identity. Emilie has produced short films and experimental video installations. Most recently, she was the Creative Director of the trinidad+tobago film festival in charge of the Caribbean Film Mart and Caribbean Film Database.

For more information on Moving Parts visit: https://www.facebook.com/movingpartsthemovie.

Emilie Upczak

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