The Sale
Inspired by the true stories of my mother.
Synopsis
It’s 1993 and Sita has recently immigrated to California. She is desperate to make an encyclopedia sale as a first step to learning how to sell and starting her own business. Her lack of commissions have cost her family comfort and weigh heavily on her. As pressure mounts, she goes out to her 3 leads for the day and attempts to make a sale. Met with frustration, fear and humiliation, she fights every urge to give up.
Why Donate?
Hello! My name is Meera Angelica Joshi and I am the Writer-Director of The Sale. This film captures a sliver of time just before the internet when Encyclopedia salespeople would knock on doors to share the gift of knowledge. As the daughter of one of those very salespeople, I am so excited to bring this period to life. In all my research for this project, I have yet to find images of a woman, let alone a woman of color doing this work. Much like the encyclopedias themselves, this film serves as a record for a story that could be lost to time.
Our story has been generously supported by Tasveer x Netflix. Because of the time period we are recreating, we have a funding gap of about $15,000 and are looking to close that gap with your help. The money will be used to source authentic locations, props and wardrobe. We are also creating our very own Encyclopedias!
We have an extremely talented passionate team and a guaranteed premiere at Oscar-Qualifying Tasveer Film Festival in October 2025. Come walk the red carpet with us!
Thank you for visiting our page. Please consider being part of something special and unique. Donating is a very rewarding way to support arts in the Bay Area. Not only are you helping bring this story to life but you join our little community - updated on all our wins as we go through production, post-production and the festival circuit. Please consider supporting stories like this one that inspire our best!
Donation Incentives
0 - $250 Tax deductible + Personalized thank you message from the director
$250 - $500 The above + Special thank you in the credits
$500 - $2000 The above + 1:1 zoom call with the Director.
$2000 - $5,000 The above + Come visit us on set!
$5000 - $10,000 The above + Walk the red carpet at the film premiere with us!
$10,000+ The above + Executive Producer Credit
Does your employer match donations? Thanks to our Fiscal Sponsorship by Filmmakers Collaborative SF, your donation may be eligible to be matched by your employer. Please enquire with your HR department or workplace giving program to see if they participate in donation matching.
Other Ways to Support
Do you have access to a vehicle from the 80s or 90s that could be parked in a scene?
Do you want to be an extra?
Spread the word about our project.
Crew
Writer & Director: Meera Angelica Joshi
Producer: Christina Chin
Cinematographer: Juhi Sharma
Production Designer: Stephanie Houston
Costume Designer: Taya Badgley
Editor: Cecilia Delgado