About the Film

    “When We Were Pirates” opens with a vintage 1970s vibe, capturing the innocence of childhood juxtaposed with the violence of Los Angeles at the time. As the city was being torn apart by racial disharmony, a group of kids remind us that hatred is taught. It’s a love story of six friends who make a playground promise and as adults, have to find forgiveness for each other and ultimately themselves, in order to honor that promise. “When We Were Pirates” is a cult classic waiting to be born.


    “When We Were Pirates” screenplay is a Finalist at the 13th Annual ReelHeART International Film and Screenplay Festival! Thousands of entries were submitted. For a screenplay with such big heart, it makes sense that “Pirates” would be chosen by ReelHeART. They get us and our message. What the world needs now is love, sweet love, and “Pirates”!


    The screenplay was rated 7 on The Blacklist (www.blcklst.com). Following are excerpts from the critiques:
    “Positioning itself as a nautical/beachside BIG CHILL, the script offers up an abundance of charming characters and strong relationships. The way the writer has constructed the characters, they feel like people who—even after being separated for multiple years—have a kind of shorthand with each other. In other words, they capture the feeling of a group of people “being” friends, which is a rare talent. And though stories involving a central character with a terminal illness often risk dipping into the overly saccharin and sentimental, this one manages to walk a fine line by showing characters as both highly empathetic as well as highly bitter. When things do end up taking a turn for the worst, the moment ends up feeling powerful and earned because you’ve really gotten to know these characters and their struggles.”

    “While it seems like it should just be common knowledge, the fact that the writer is so good at writing the voices of the children is commendable. There are far too many scripts that can’t capture both the innocence and occasional maturity that makes things realistic when writing younger voices, but this one does it well. Additionally, there’s something truly powerful in the first act as the audience watches Ray transform. Having lost his innocence, it’s endearing to watch him reclaim some of it as he becomes the Pirate Captain. Moreover, their adult relationships are well crafted as well. It’s charming to see them still holding onto their Pirate pasts and still living up to their oath but also heartbreaking to see how far they’ve fallen apart. Their final moments together would be emotional for any viewer.”


    Filmmakers

    Become A Pirate

    We successfully raised $25,000 on IndieGoGo! Check out the journey here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/when-we-were-pirates#/story

    As a “perk” of the Bucko level, we are posting a picture of the contributor with their best friend to honor their generosity of giving $300 to help us meet our goal. Some of these folks donated at the Buccaneer level ($500!) and will be included in the closing credits of the film as well. You’ll have to wait to see who it will be!

    Betsy Hume, Ali Hashemian, and their niece and nephew, Shay and Ky

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