OUR MISSION

Support Uprooted, part of the 3-film anthology, Where Branches Reach, by UTSA upperclass students. This project brings real San Antonio stories to life, showcasing our culture and community. It’s the final capstone project for students launching their careers. We aim to engage the community and provide graduating students a platform to showcase their skills as they step into the industry.

THE STORY

In the heart of San Antonio, grief counselor Jane, a woman in her late 20s to 30s, is consumed by the devastating loss of her son. In her search for healing, she is drawn to a mystical tree known for its rumored ability to soothe pain and sorrow. Desperate, Jane drinks from its sap, but rather than finding peace, her reality begins to warp. Visions of her deceased son return, but they are not what they seem. As she spirals deeper into her grief, Jane becomes obsessed with the idea of reuniting with him, willing to go to any lengths—even sacrificing her sanity—to make it happen.

THE TEAM

Amber Montañez is the talented Director leading this project.

As a senior at UTSA majoring in Film and Media, Amber has already demonstrated her artistic range, with two of her projects chosen to screen at the renowned 46th Cinefestival in San Antonio. This film is a bold and exciting endeavor for her, as she aims to highlight the diverse and vibrant spirit of San Antonio. With a passion for exploring new creative dimensions, Amber brings a unique and thought-provoking approach to both this story and her previous works. The cast and crew would be incredibly grateful for any support—whether it's a donation or simply spreading the word with friends and family. Your help would truly make a difference in bringing this vision to life!

Josue Pelaez is the skilled Director of Photography for this project. A senior at UTSA majoring in Film and Media, Josue has gained extensive experience, having served as the Director of Photography for over 15 short films and 5 documentaries. With a deep passion for visual storytelling, he is eager to bring his expertise to this project, especially excited to team up with Amber and Ireland once again for another collaborative endeavor.

Ireland Robinson is the lead producer behind this project.

Currently a senior at UTSA, majoring in Film and Media, she has already made a remarkable impact in the industry. With a track record of producing and co-producing over four short films—three of which are currently being submitted to prestigious festivals—her talent is undeniable. Ireland is also the writer and director of the award-winning documentary On-Corps, which has gained national recognition, winning first prize and Best Student Documentary at film festivals across the country. Passionate about creativity and collaboration, Ireland is dedicated to inspiring others to reach their fullest potential while fostering a team-driven spirit of excellence.

WHY THIS STORY?

In Uprooted, we aim to not only tell a deeply personal and haunting story but to also connect with our community, sharing an intimate narrative that resonates with universal themes of love, loss, and the search for healing.

PROJECT STATUS AND NEXT STEPS

We are excited to be in the pre-production phase, with filming set to begin on April 12th. The journey ahead is filled with incredible locations that will bring our story to life, including an elementary school, a beautiful ranch, and even an unforgettable moment where we’ll be cutting down a tree—captured with the help of professional camera crews and a strong focus on safety and creative execution. With our talented team ready to bring their expertise, we are gearing up for a thrilling production that will showcase the story's emotional depth and visual beauty. The next steps will be critical as we move forward into production and continue building the world of Uprooted, preparing for an immersive and captivating experience for our audience.

BUDGET

Here’s where your support can make a difference for our film!

Thank you so much for your generous donations, support, and for sharing our project with others. Your contribution means the world to us and plays a crucial role in bringing Uprooted to life. We couldn’t do this without you, and we are incredibly grateful for your belief in our vision. Together, we’re creating something truly special, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Thank you again for being a part of this journey.

Sincerely,

Ireland Robinson

Producer