JEFFREY JONES: A GREAT CAUSE

Maria Cabardo has launched an Indiegogo program to raise the final funds needed to get her documentary, Better Things: The Life and Choices of Jeffrey Catherine Jones into release. Everyone knows that documentaries are labors of love – special, often important projects that should be done but which rarely turn out to be profitable – and it takes a special person to throw caution to the winds to take on both the labor and the debt.

Maria is one of those special people.

Maria knows that memories are fleeting and recognized that preserving and telling Jeff's story was important – is important – and has spent the last four years working hard to be able to do so. And she has done a superb job. Here's what Arnie and Cathy (who believe so much in the film that they became executive producers) had to say about it following an advance screening of a rough cut at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live last May:

"Both celebratory and, at times, melancholy, Better Things examines the brilliance of an influential and conflicted artist. A legendary member of The Studio and a star of the comics and fantasy art fields, the unflinching portrait this film paints of Jeff Jones is at once vivid and compelling.

"Honest without being judgmental, Better Things is affectionate while maintaining its objectivity (which is no small accomplishment). Maria Paz Cabardo's thoughtful exploration of "the life and choices of Jeffrey Catherine Jones" is revelatory, compassionate, and ultimately unforgettable."

Following the SFAL premiere at the Screenland Theater, an audience of fellow artists gave Maria a standing ovation. No surprise there. Everyone recognized what she had beautifully accomplished, largely all alone with only will power and determination to keep her going.

But if the film is done, what does she need additional funds for? All kinds of things, really: legal fees, fees for rights and permissions, advertising, fees for entering film festivals (in the hopes of securing distribution), on and on. There is no film studio with deep pockets backing her film and paying the bills: everything has come out of Maria's pocket and the pockets of a handful of enthusiastic supporters. You can help push Better Things over the finish line (and get some nice incentive items in the process). You'll be helping a deserving young filmmaker, but also helping to preserve the story of a wonderful artist for future generations.

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