YONY LEYSER is back!

Critically acclaimed director YONY LEYSER (William S. Burroughs: A Man Within) and AMARD BIRD FILMS are pleased to announce the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the completion of daring debut narrative film DESIRE WILL SET YOU FREE.

DESIRE explores artistic and marginalized life in Berlin with an often critical, and sometimes humorous (but never mocking) eye. The story follows the encounter between an American writer of Israeli/Palestinian descent and a Russian aspiring artist working as a hustler.

Actively exploring gender identity, sexuality, and the differences between expatriate and refugee life, the main characters travel through Berlin’s layered history and unique subcultural landscape. On their adventures they discover influences and remnants of the Weimar Republic, WWII, the Bowie years, and punk.

The film features Berlin’s queen of punk herself Nina Hagen (pictured right), electro star Peaches, Brooklyn’s Blood Orange, German sensation Rummelsnuff, rapper Sookee, Jochen Arbeit of Einstürzende Neubauten and Wolfgang Müller, plus cast members Amber Benson (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame), German film legend Rosa Von Praunheim, artists Eva & Adele, photographer Miron Zownir, as well as newcomers Tim-Fabian Hoffman, Chloé Griffin and the director himself, Yony Leyser.
The script is based on Leyser’s real life experiences and evolved from conversations over the last few years while making the German capital his home:

“This film represents a world that I have been part of for the last 4 years in Berlin, and the characters are based on interesting people here who have been part of my life. Berlin is a city of refugees, a place for outcasts and artists to gather, and this film in a big way is the story we share together.”

With shooting for DESIRE now complete and the premiere scheduled for Spring 2015, Leyser, along with Amard Bird Films, is working with Kickstarter to help free the project from the financial constraints of post-production.

“Because of the edgy nature of the film, studio financing is not always the best approach. Kickstarter allows us to connect to the public directly and let them be a part of the process.” Leyser explains. “We have already achieved so much as a result of our talented cast and crew, now we just need to get over this one final hurdle.”

DESIRE has been a community collaboration since its genesis, and will continue to evolve as such with this campaign. To learn about the special rewards section and pledge your support, please visit DESIRE WILL SET YOU FREE’s Kickstarter HERE. The campaign ends on August 6th.