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Neighbor News

Petaluma Short Film “NANA” Crowdfunding Now: Local Crew, Community Screenings Planned

With 12 days left, the team invites neighbors, schools, and local businesses to help bring a North Bay story to the screen.

Alexx Zaki, Neighbor
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Poster for NANA: two kids lie on grass under a starry sky; headline reads “Join the Campaign,” with a QR code linking to the Seed&Spark page.
Poster for NANA: two kids lie on grass under a starry sky; headline reads “Join the Campaign,” with a QR code linking to the Seed&Spark page.

Petaluma—A local film team is raising funds for NANA, a short narrative about two kids whose new friendship becomes a lifeline after a bullying incident. The production plans to film in Petaluma with North Bay collaborators and to host community screenings with captions once the film is complete.

“NANA celebrates care, friendship, and the support kids find in the people around them,” said autistic writer/director Alexx Zaki (they/them). “We’re making this with our town, and we’d love Petaluma’s help during the final stretch.”

The crowdfunding campaign is live on Seed&Spark: seedandspark.com/fund/nana. On Seed&Spark, projects must reach 80% to receive funds raised, so your pledge today moves us closer to that mark. Contributions start at $10 and perks include digital art, special film credits, behind-the-scenes access, local screening invites and more. Local businesses that chip in or share the link can be listed as Community Backers.

Find out what's happening in Petalumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The story centers Sam, a neurodivergent, gender-expansive kid who uses they/them pronouns, and Nana, a younger neighbor. After a traumatic bullying incident leaves Sam with memory loss and feeling completely isolated, it is this new, unexpected friendship that begins to heal them. The creative team is working with local advisors to keep the portrayal respectful and age-appropriate.

How neighbors can help

Find out what's happening in Petalumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Pledge: Even $10 moves the project forward: seedandspark.com/fund/nana
  • Share: Post the link or flyer on social media, neighborhood groups, or newsletters.
  • Sponsor/Match: Local businesses can offer a small matching challenge to inspire neighbors.

Accessibility & education

The team plans captions for all screenings and a simple discussion guide for parents and educators. If your school or organization is interested in a future screening, reach out below.

Festival goals
Our first hope is to premiere locally at the Petaluma Film Festival next year and celebrate with our neighbors. We’ll also submit to major festivals—including Sundance and Cannes—to bring broader attention back home to Petaluma.

Key dates

  • Campaign ends: NOV 21 9:00AM PST — 12 days from today
  • Production window: December 2025 — February 2026
  • Community screenings: timing TBD

About the filmmaker

Alexx Zaki is a Bay Area filmmaker and UC Berkeley alum. Their work focuses on neurodiverse stories, community and youth-centered themes.

Contact & links

“If there’s a better way to share with your audience, we’re all ears—happy to provide custom images, a short blurb, or an IG Collab,” - Alexx.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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