Twin brothers Brendan and Jeremy Smyth share nearly everything — from the same last name to the same DNA to the same passion for creating real-world documentaries.
To fulfill their latest project, the UF graduates need $8,000 by Nov. 20 to fund their newest documentary, called “Rice for Sale.”
Brendan Smyth, 23, said he wants the film to depict the life of Balinese inhabitants who travel to the United States to earn money for their families.
“These people are flying across the world to fulfill their dream,” he said. “They had to basically run away and go to America because they can’t make enough money to support their family.”
Jeremy Smyth said showing personal accounts of the native people will allow viewers to truly understand their culture.
“The worst thing for us to do is to make a movie saying tourism is bad and indigenous people are good because that’s not how they think,” he said. “They can only exist in the harmony.”
Brendan Smyth said donations are submitted through Kickstarter, “a website for starving artists.”
Jeremy Smyth said they asked for $8,000 because he doesn’t think he and Brendan have enough influence on the world to receive more than that.
“I will drain my bank account for that movie,” he said.
And local film enthusiasts have taken notice of the brothers’ talents.
Roger Beebe, a UF film professor and owner of Video Rodeo, said despite the competitive market for independent filmmakers, the Smyths have a distinct style.
“Maybe them being twins and having two people keeps moving things forward,” he said. “I have faith in their ability to do this.”
Jeremy Smyth said he and his brother rarely become upset, but if they don’t raise enough money, that will change.
“If the Bali project is unfunded, we will face imminent depression,” he said. “This is the No. 1 priority in my life — trying to fund this project. It is my No. 1 passion.”
