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About this project

WE DID IT!!  THANK YOU!! 

What people are saying:

Shechter and her film How To Lose Your Virginity are part of a new vanguard of feminist thinkers and media makers (think The Purity Myth’s
Jessica Valenti, Lena Chen of The Chicktionary or historian Hanne
Blank) seeking to redefine how we think about virginity.  Or better yet,
to do away with the concept altogether.  Daily Life (Australia)

"The timeliness of this feature is incredible: Rush Limbaugh is slinging 'slut' around at every woman who uses birth control. "Bust Magazine

"Virginity is a powerful and malleable concept, as evidenced by the
teenagers in Therese Shechter's smart, funny and provoking documentary...You really should help her finish making her movie."  Huffington Post

Why virginity? 

We're calling all virgins, past, present and born-again: Let's free all our first times from myth, confusion, sexism and stereotypes. 

The US government has spent 1.5 billion dollars promoting it.  It has
fetched tens of thousands of dollars at auction.  And 50 years after the
sexual revolution, it continues to define a young woman’s morality and
self-worth. 

Our goal for How To Lose Your Virginity
is to undo centuries of myths and contradictions around virginity, and
to encourage an honest conversation with people navigating the confusing process
of deciding when and why to become sexual.  What do a rock violinist, an Ivy League blogger and an Ohio engineer
have in common?  They're all subverting the virginity narrative in our film. 

We're excited to be back with a second Kickstarter campaign to raise money to finish up the film this fall, hire our composer and animator and license our footage.  We are so close to being done, but we can't finish without a successful fundraiser.  BUT - If we don't reach our funding goal by May 9th, we don't get anything. 

There is a war on women.  This could not be timelier. 

Recently, Rush Limbaugh told single women everywhere that they’d better act like virgins if they don’t want to be shamed as sluts and insulted on national television.  Female virginity has been ‘restored’ through surgery, fetishized by porn and commoditized by popular culture.  That's our damaging virginity culture at work and our film addresses these issues head-on. 

We're talking to young people.  And they're talking back. 

“Hearing about other people’s experiences with virginity made me
feel differently about losing my own, and all the soul searching that
resulted.  I don’t know what it’s going to take for me to achieve a
normal sex life, but I feel more comforted that maybe one day it’ll
happen.”  Read more of these

My first documentary I Was a Teenage Feminist ignited a movement to redefine feminism for the 21st century at universities, on television and at events all over the world–and it’s still going strong seven years later. 

I invite you to join me in this new quest to discover how young women are encouraged by the media to look hypersexual, called prudes for not putting out, and then punished for actually having a sex life.  Using my own journey out of 'virginity' to guide the story, I'll
introduce you to a group of amazing women and men telling their own
personal stories from across the sexuality spectrum. 

The road to understanding our obsession with virginity will take you to places you never thought you’d go–from a Love & Fidelity Abstinence Conference at Harvard to the set of a Barely Legal porn movie shoot in the San Fernando Valley. 

Help us backers, you're our only support! 

There is little if any funding for independent media that focuses on the lives of young women, especially films like How to Lose Your Virginity which encourage young people to challenge the damaging messages in the pop culture landscape. 

You have the power to challenge these damaging messages by making a generous donation to fund the final cut of the film.  Your backing will help us raise the $35,000 that will catalyze this conversation to a whole new level.  This is not just a film, it's a multi-media project with huge outreach potential. 

We've finished our first rough cut, are talking with distributors and
have given voice to young people all over the world who've submitted
their own stories to our blog. 
The project earned spots in prestigious events such as the IFP Film
Market, the Paley Center pitching forum, and the Hot Docs Documentary
Festival Master Class. 

As a result of being in the IFP Film Market, we've had massive interest in the project, but–and this is a big but–distributors today need to see a finished film before they can get it onto television, into theaters and into schools. 

That's why we need you. 

Since we debuted the film's first trailer on Vimeo, we’ve had over
60,000 views, hundreds of blog posts and an overwhelming number of
people speaking to each other through our online crowd-sourced First Person story series.  Demand for this kind of information is so high, the trailer is already being used in university Human Sexuality classes across North America. 

Speak out.  Change the conversation. 

Back How to Lose Your Virginity today to support independent media and documentaries that are changing the conversation, speak out against the sexism of virginity culture, and make sure conservative blowhards can't shame us for our sexual decisions. 

Want to help but are totally broke?  You can also help by spreading the word to everyone you know using the links right under the video above!  Every single dollar, Facebook post, blog entry and tweet gets us that much closer to our goal. 

Shechter seems like
the perfect filmmaker to tackle the complexities around virginity.  It’s a
topic that far too many people are obsessed about – probably for
all the wrong reasons."  Basil Tsiokos

I've
just discovered the trailer for your hilarious virginity documentary
and I'm laughing my head off.  To use a saying I'm using too much "That's
so xo" xojane.com

Thank you so much from Therese, Lisa, Ellice, Dina, Marin, Jude, Matt and the rest of Team Trixie Films! 

The Rewards!!! 

$500-$750 PLEDGES: Media critic and feminist journalist Jennifer Pozner has kicked serious ass, from The Daily Show to FOX, and she'll teach you to do it.  Media pitches, book proposals, Reality TV snark…Jenn will do a 1- or 2-hour media consult to improve the skills you need most.  The two hour reward can be used for a media consultation, media literacy or media training workshop.  You can gift it to a non-profit org!  Both of Jenn's rewards are in person for the NYC area, and by phone or Skype elsewhere.  You can read her very impressive bio here !! 

$50 PLEDGE: Here's the adorable cherry pendant, custom-designed just for us by Irene!  It's embedded in a clear 'glass' tile and is about 3/4" square. 

$75 PLEDGE: Get a full pass to CatalystCon, happening in Long Beach this September, and (bonus!)  see a sneak preview screening of "How to Lose Your Virginity" during the conference! 

SOLD OUT!  Two of our favorite books about virginity!  Signed books from Hanne Blank (Virgin: The Untouched History) and Kate Monro (The First Time). 

MORE PHOTOS OF REWARDS TO COME! 

ALL PLEDGES $25 AND UP: Your very own plastic wallet-sized V Card: However you define it, whether you're losing it, keeping it or rejecting it as a social construct, this handy card is sure to spark some conversations.  So cool, you'll never want to give it away. 

We were so thrilled that we exceeded our goal, and every last penny went into 'kickstarting' our editing.  But here's the reality of this industry: Most of the docs you see on TV end up costing $500,000 to $1 million, even though many filmmakers contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars of their free labor to complete their projects.  Our very low-budget indie DIY documentary costs a mere fraction of that, but we've had to do the same.  With the support of backers like you, lots of donated time and talent, begging and borrowing, and reaching deep into our own pockets we've funded this film bit by bit.  We're so close to finishing now that we can taste it – and we hope you'll be there to celebrate with us when we go all the way. 

We'll be releasing the film in North America and internationally for TV, theaters and film festivals, and universities and sexual health organizations. ( And selling the DVDs for home and dorm room viewing.) 

The best part of making a film like this is traveling with it, meeting people, and talking about the issues that are so important to us.  Please join our mailing list and we'll alert you as soon as we're ready to screen. ( You can also get a screening as one of the rewards!)  http://www.virginitymovie.com/newsletter/

There are handy estimated delivery dates under each reward and we've made sure to offer lots of great things we can send you as soon as the fundraiser is over.  We'll get you the parts of the rewards requiring a completed How to Lose Your Virginity as soon as it's released (we can't wait!) 

Unfortunately, donations to our project through Kickstarter are not tax-deductible.  If you'd like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the project, go to http://www.virginitymovie.com/support-us/ for more information.  Unfortunately, it won't count towards our Kickstarter goal but we're really happy to accept any donations to the film. 

First of all, thank you so much!!  If your reward involved the finished film, we'll get it to you as soon as it's released.  Believe me, it will be so sweet to send out finished DVDs!  If it was something we promised right away and you haven't got it yet, please contact us at info@trixiefilms.com and we'll get it to you with our apologies! 

Rewards

Pledge $10 or more

JUST FRIENDS: A special thank you on our website and access to all of our backers-only posts. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $25 or more

81 backers

FIRST BASE: Your very own V Card, a signed DVD of Therese’s animated short short “Womanly Perfection,” and a special thank you on the website and social media love on Twitter and Facebook. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $50 or more

35 backers
Limited (15 left of 50)

GET OUR CHERRY: A limited-edition custom-designed cherry pendant with our cherry logo on it, your very own V Card, and all the special online thank yous. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $60 or more

2 backers
All gone! 

Are you a filmmaker?  Get the essential "Trailer Mechanics," signed by the author, story consultant Fernanda Rossi (we're in the book!),  your very own V Card and all the online thank yous. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $75 or more

9 backers

INSTANT GRATIFICATION: A signed DVD of Therese’s film “I Was A Teenage Feminist,” (home video version) OR “How I Learned to Speak Turkish” (your choice!),  your very own V Card, the above thank yous–plus a thank you in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $75 or more

2 backers
All gone! 

OUR FIRST TIME: A copy of "The First Time: True Tales of Virginity Lost and Found" personally signed by author Kate Monro, a custom cherry pendant, your very own V Card and all the online thank yous–plus a 'special thank you' in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $75 or more

2 backers
All gone! 

ALL TALK: One pass to CatalystCon, a conference created to inspire exceptional conversations about sexuality.  Sept 14-16 in Long Beach CA.  www.catalystcon.com Brought to you by Dee Dennis, co-organizer of MomentumCon. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $80 or more

1 backer
All gone! 

FOODIE FOREPLAY: Dinner for two at acclaimed Culinary Salon CITY GRIT for an upcoming seating of their famed Breakfast for Dinner event.  Chef Sarah Simmons will feed you and a friend some delicious treats to get you in the mood for

?  http://citygritnyc.com/about

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $85 or more

2 backers
All gone! 

SEX EDUCATION: A copy of "Virgin: The Untouched History" personally signed by author Hanne Blank, a custom cherry pendant, your very own V Card and all the online thank yous–plus a 'special thank you' in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $85 or more

2 backers
All gone! 

A copy of "The Purity Myth" personally signed by author Jessica Valenti, a custom cherry pendant, your very own V Card and all the online thank yous–plus a 'special thank you' in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

40 backers

WORTH THE WAIT: A signed DVD of "How to Lose Your Virginity" when it’s released, our lovely custom cherry logo pendant, your very own V Card and all the online thank yous–plus a 'special thank you' in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $150 or more

14 backers
Limited (6 left of 20)

TOYING WITH US Our amazing gift bag containing our signed DVD, some exciting treats from Good Vibrations, the custom cherry logo pendant, your very own V Card, all the online thank yous plus a 'special thank you' in the film's credits. ( We'll get the DVD to you when it's released)

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $250 or more

5 backers

WE’VE MADE OUR BED, NOW LIE IN IT: Join Team Trixie Films for a rough cut screening, give us your feedback, plus a signed DVD when the film is released, your very own V Card, our adorable custom cherry pendant, all the online thank yous plus an 'inner circle' thank you in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jul 2012

You selected

Pledge $250 or more

1 backer
Limited (1 left of 2)

GO ALL THE WAY (SUNDANCE?)  A 1 1/2 hour one-on-one FILMMAKER consultation with our Senior Producer (and Sundance filmmaker) Jude Ray.  She works with filmmakers from soup to nuts—from story structure, to fundraising strategy, packaging, to proposal honing—she'll help you get your film or transmedia projects made and out there. Plus a custom cherry pendant, your very own V Card and all the online thank yous–plus an 'inner circle' thank you in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $250 or more

1 backer
All gone! 

GET PERSONAL Author Fernanda Rossi, story consultant to Academy Award® Nominated filmmakers, will do a consultation on your Kickstarter trailer, pitch
and/or synopsis.  She helped makes ours great...let Fernanda work her magic for you at a fraction of the actual fee.  http://www.documentarydoctor.com/.
Plus a custom cherry pendant, your very own V Card and all the online thank yous–plus an 'inner circle' thank you in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

4 backers
Limited (6 left of 10)

PLEDGERS’ PURITY BALL: You and a guest get two tickets to a one of our screenings, invitation to our exclusive after-party, two of each: custom cherry pendants to wear, V Cards to flash, signed DVDs of the film when it’s released, all the online thank yous–plus an 'inner circle' thank you in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

0 backers
Limited (1 left of 1)

ALL TALK & ACTION 1: Media critic and feminist journalist JENNIFER POZNER has kicked serious ass, from The Daily Show to FOX, and she'll teach YOU how to do it, too.  Media pitches, book proposals, Reality TV snark…Jenn will do a 1-hour media consult to improve the skills you need most.  More about Jenn at http://bit.ly/L9HXS9

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $750 or more

2 backers
Limited (2 left of 4)

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS: You and a guest are invited to our NYC premiere screening and after-party, dinner with the filmmakers, two of each: custom cherry pendants to wear, V Cards to flash, signed DVDs of the film when it’s released, all the online thank yous–plus an 'inner cirlce' thank you in the film's credits. 

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

You selected

Pledge $750 or more

0 backers
Limited (1 left of 1)

ALL TALK & ACTION 2: Two hours with JENNIFER POZNER for a media consultation, media literacy or media training workshop!  You can gift it to a non-profit as well!  Both of Jenn's rewards are in person for the NYC area, and by phone or Skype elsewhere.  About Jenn: http://bit.ly/L9HXS9

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

You selected

Pledge $850 or more

1 backer
Limited (4 left of 5)

TOTALLY HOOKING UP: A private screening for your friends, or class or group in the New York area with director Therese Shechter, 6 signed DVDs, V Cards for everyone, all the online thank yous plus a 'special someone' thank you in the film's credits.  If you’re not in NY, Therese can Skype In for your Q&A and discussion! 

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

You selected

Pledge $1,950 or more

0 backers
Limited (2 left of 2)

LONG DISTANCE LOVE AFFAIR: A private screening for your friends, or class or group anywhere in North America with director Therese Shechter, 10 signed DVDs, V Cards for everyone, all the online thank yous plus a 'special someone' thank you in the film's credits.  OR if you can’t wait, Therese will host a screening of "I Was A Teenage Feminist" for you now. 

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

You selected

Pledge $10,000

0 backers
Limited (1 left of 1)

CONJUGAL BLISS: One special someone will get “Executive Producer” credit in the film and the DVD and screening rewards PLUS Therese will don her wedding dress, and Lisa, who is an ordained minister, will seal the deal, only professionally, of course.  We’ll even feed you cake. 

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

Funding period

Mar 27, 2012 - May 9, 2012
(43 days)

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