The Story

South Africa: Four Journeys. One Mirror. Ideologies confronted.

Ubuntu Rising is a documentary that follows four Black American millenials: an aerospace engineer, pastor, public health official, and entrepreneur. Together they travel to South Africa, almost 30 years after apartheid.

As the journey unfolds, the team uncovers striking parallels between apartheid’s aftermath and America’s present. Wealth inequality that refuses to die and unresolved questions about opportunity and responsibility surface. These realizations ignite heated debates and tense conflicts as the team clashes over topics ranging from systemic oppression vs. personal responsibility to capitalism, reparations, and the different paths toward change.

They set out searching for answers to America’s toughest questions, but instead found themselves wrestling with their own beliefs. What follows is an emotional rollercoaster of clashing worldviews, and revelations that grip both the team and the audience, daring viewers to question their own assumptions about change, responsibility, and progress.

AseResearchFilm.org

Short Summary

We’re a group of friends who traveled to South Africa in 2019, hoping to learn about economic inequality through the country’s post-apartheid journey. Instead, we found ourselves learning just as much about who we are—sparking deep discussions, frustrations, and revelations about challenges that cross oceans, cultures, and communities. The experience was humbling, reshaping many of our core beliefs about progress and problem-solving. Ubuntu Rising brings that journey to life, blending drama, reflection, and optimism into a powerful, thought-provoking film. We invite you to be part of it.

What We Need & What You Get

We've raised tens of thousands of dollars, built partnerships with amazing institutions, and have put thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears into the development of the film over the years. However, we now need at least $50,000 to bring the film to completion.

We would love to bring you into the fold at one of our donation levels:

DONOR TIERS

Tier 3: $1,500+ - Special Thanks (Priority Film Credits + Signed Film Poster + Swag package + All Tier 2 benefits)
Tier 2: $200+ - Key Supporter (Exclusive T-shirt + Name in Credits + All Tier 1 Benefits)
Tier 1: <$200 - Community Backer (Raffle Entry for swag + Early access perks + social media shoutout)

Your funds will go toward:

Final and assistant editor (~$22,000)
Original music score and sound design ($10,000)
Writer and narrative development consultant (~$8,000)
Errors & Omissions Insurance (~$5,000)
Archival Footage licenses & equipment (~$5,000)

The Impact

Here’s why we think this film can reach far and make a lasting difference:

A compelling story:
This film merges international perspectives into a deeply personal journey, part coming-of-age, part coming-of-consciousness. It’s both intimate and global, following four Black Americans as they confront the complex realities of race, inequality, and progress across two continents.

An extraordinary cast of voices:
Featuring powerful perspectives from (non-exhaustive):
• Luvuyo Madasa – Executive and great-grandson of Nelson Mandela
• Dr. Mamphela Ramphele – Anti-apartheid leader and former South African presidential candidate
• Nigel Branken – Self-described “recovering racist” and activist for reconciliation
• Ayanda Allie – National media personality, politician, and community leader

Guided by experienced advisors:
Our advisors have worked on Emmy-nominated films and been featured on HBO, Amazon Prime, and National Geographic, helping us lay the groundwork for a strong festival and distribution strategy.

Backed by trusted partners:
Supported by institutions and networks that believe in the film’s mission, including Harvard University, MIT, the (Jack) Connors Family Foundation, and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference.

Together, these elements make Ubuntu Rising not just a film, but a catalyst, connecting audiences across borders and generations to rethink what freedom, healing, and shared humanity truly mean.

Risks & Challenges

Finishing a feature documentary is a complex process that requires both funding and time. International post-production, archival licensing, and festival distribution can bring unexpected costs or delays.

Our team is prepared. We’ve already completed filming in both South Africa and the United States, with mentorship from award-winning producers and partnerships that position us for success. Our editors, sound designers, and composers are standing by; once funding is secured, we can move directly into post-production.

We’re committed to transparency with our backers every step of the way.

Other Ways You Can Help

Share our campaign on social media and with those that may be interested!
Follow us at @AseResearchFilm on Instagram and Ase Research Film Project on Facebook to grow awareness.

FAQs

When will the film be finished?

We are currently in post-production. With your support, we expect to complete the final cut by summer 2026, followed by festival submissions and community screenings later in the year.

How will my contribution be used?

Every dollar goes directly toward finishing the film — editing, sound design, music, color correction, and distribution. We’ve already completed filming in both South Africa and the U.S.; this campaign funds the final stage that brings the story to audiences worldwide.

What happens if you don’t reach your full goal?

We’ll still use all funds raised to complete a festival-ready cut of the film. No matter the total, your contribution moves Ubuntu Rising closer to release. Subsequently, we will likely run a follow-up fundraising campaign as we get further along the project journey.

Will contributors be credited in the film?

Yes! Contributors at the Key Supporter level ($200+) will be listed in the end credits, and higher tiers receive priority placement and signed merchandise.

Ubuntu Rising Film