On the eve of America’s Independence Day, Rajesh, a widower, and his two teenage daughters, Taila and Deepa, participate in their community’s annual cultural gathering, the crowning event of which is a Hindi-speaking competition. The victor is to receive a $10,000 college scholarship prize. But when a sibling rivalry erupts between the girls, the family must grapple with its dysfunction, reevaluate their familial love, and reassess what it means to be a “winner.”

The film is partially funded by USC's prestigious Peter Stark Special Project Grant, which was awarded to the filmmakers based upon the original screenplay. Featuring an all-Indian cast, Second Best brings to the screen an ethnic-American community that, outside of Bollywood, has rarely been featured in movies.

Shoot Dates: January 7-14, 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Format: HD (RED Camera)
Length: 20 minutes
Total Budget: $30,000
Distribution: Guaranteed entry into the prestigious FIRST LOOK FESTIVAL at the Directors Guild of America. The project will be submitted to a number of film festivals across the United States.

As you are probably aware, film production is a costly venture, especially for students. And though we've received some grant money to make this film, it only covers half of our $30,000 in total production costs. So we need your help!!!

$10, $25, $100 - any donation amount is greatly appreciated! Your monetary contribution will help us cover our basic costs - securing locations and permits, renting film equipment, art department materials, and feeding our cast and crew.

ALL DONORS WILL RECEIVE "SPECIAL THANKS" CREDIT in the film and on the website. Donors at the higher levels will receive perks such as: an invitation to be on set, VIP tickets to the film's premier, and a signed copy of the DVD & script. Please refer to our "LEVELS OF SPONSORSHIP" section for more details.

Donating online is fast and easy. Just click the "Donate" button at the top of our homepage. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or bank account transfer thru Paypal. It's secure!

Online donations are NOT tax deductible. If you would like to give a tax deductible gift, please contact producer Justin Bell at donations@secondbestfilm.com. He can guide you thru the additional steps.

GOLD SPONSOR: $1,000 and above. Most prestigiously placed "Special Thanks" credit in the film and on the website. Invitation to visit the set during production including lunch with the cast and crew. VIP tickets to the premiere screening. DVD copy of the film. Signed copy of the script & DVD.

SILVER SPONSOR: $500 – $999. Premiere "Special Thanks" credit in the film and on the website. VIP tickets to the premiere screening. DVD copy of the film. Signed copy of the script & DVD.

BRONZE SPONSOR: $200 - $499. Priority "Special Thanks" credit in the film and on the website. Invitation to the premiere screening. DVD copy of the film.

BLUE SPONSOR: $50 - $199. "Special Thanks" credit in the film and on the website. DVD copy of the film.

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR: $10 – $50. "Special Thanks" credit in the film and on the website.

Donations will be accepted thru May 15, 2009 - the end of post-production.

Will also accept non-monetary donations such as: food, coffee, film equipment, and office supplies.

For more information on how to give non-monetary gifts, contact producer Justin Bell at donations@secondbestfilm.com.