A Story of Place
A Dream in the Fog
A musician at a crossroads in her career inherits a mysterious artifact that triggers a series of surreal and haunting events that force her to decide what’s real and choose the right path for her future.This is Echo of the Jade Lion a 40 minute long, poetic and thrilling contemporary film noir set in Tacoma, WA. It takes elements from Tacoma's rich history and combines events to the tell a story about place and intuition,We need your help to bring it to life.
Synopsis
Echos and the Future
Victoria, a musician from Tacoma receives a Chinese artifact from her grandfather who discovered it in Commencement Bay. Soon after, she is haunted by a series of surreal and frightening events in which it's hard to discern reality from imagination. Through her experiences she must decide what’s real and choose a path into the future.
Driven by Purpose
Why We're Making This
Donovan Wilson is a new filmmaker from Tacoma, WA who has produced multiple short films in the area. He is fascinated by classic films, film noir and the glamour of old Hollywood. He is inspired by filmmakers who attempt to embed deep meaning in their work and weave important truths into entertaining and impactful films. Donovan’s goal with the help of co-producer Victoria Fragoso is to tell a story that is specific to Tacoma while creating universal appeal with inspiration from the classics but brought into line with contemporary expectations.Our team needs your help to bring this project to life. Keep reading to get details on how you can support it.
$1297 raised so far!
Never alone
Who & How
Donovan and Victoria have been developing this script over the last year. Approximately 20 actors have applied for roles in the project. We have secured two major locations to film at, Corina Bakery and Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Community. The script is complete and shot list almost finalized. The goal is to film in a unique way using multiple cameras, so as to minimize time setting up each shot. Depending on how things can be scheduled I feel like we can complete most of the principal photography in under 5 days. I am looking for more volunteers to help bring this project to life and as momentum builds I’m confident they will materialize.Any funds that we raise will go to extending shoot days, paying for props and costumes, and paying everyone involved for their contributions.
Paths are uncertain but must be taken
Where We're Going
Everytime I make a film I set a high standard for myself and imagine it being accepted to Cannes. It’s a way to maintain motivation and attempt to make something great. The goal for this film is that it is completed in early spring 2026 and ready to submit to festivals around the world. Any pledge you make will secure a ticket to a private screening in Tacoma too!My original goal was $50,000 — but without a large contact list, I’ve decided to raise whatever I can.
Even a small donation could be the spark that helps this project grow through word of mouth.
Carpe Diem
Help Bring It to Life
Please consider contributing $5, $25, $50, or $1000 to help bring Echo of the Jade Lion to completion in time for a March 2026 Cannes submission.Each pledge secures a seat at a private local screening. With your help, we can make something truly beautiful — and maybe even historic.
Inspired and Motivated
The People Behind the Vision
Donovan Wilson is a filmmaker, writer, and director based in Tacoma. His work lives at the intersection of poetic mystery and visual storytelling — grounded, dreamlike, and always reaching beyond the sum of its parts.Over the past few years, I’ve produced multiple short films and a music video, with budgets ranging from $1,000 to $17,000.This film is a continuation of that journey: to create something meaningful, cinematic, and transcendent right here where I live.You can explore my past work on the site linked below.
Lyrical Vision
In Collaboration with Victoria Fragoso
Victoria Fragoso — an extraordinary musician, artist, and storyteller — has helped shape the emotional core of this film.
She’s not only starring in the lead role, but also co-producing and co-developing the script with me.
Together, we’re building something timeless — and truly from the heart.
Carpe Diem
Help Bring It to Life
Please consider contributing $5 or more to help bring Echo of the Jade Lion to completion in time for a March 2026 Cannes submission.
Each pledge secures a seat at a private local screening. With your help, we can make something truly beautiful — and maybe even historic. Pledge your support below using Paypal or Venmo!
Join Us!
Stay Connected
Even if you’re not able to contribute financially, we’d still love to keep you in the loop.
Your encouragement and interest mean the world to us — it’s what helps us keep going and finish projects like Echo of the Jade Lion with heart and determination.