BernieZule Films LLC Project Owner Equity Crowdfunding
Shooting in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas
A romantic comedy about love, family & finding your own way.
Watch
A short look at the story, the team, and why the Rio Grande Valley is ready for its moment on screen.
Sizzle Reel Coming Soon
Your 60–90 second pitch video will live here
Investor-Ready Structure
Clear ownership. Experienced production. One aligned mission — built so investors know exactly who raises the capital and who delivers the film.
Why This Film · Why Now
A regional story with a national audience — built on themes that resonate far beyond South Texas.
Latino audiences remain one of the most influential moviegoing demographics in America, yet authentic stories from communities like the Rio Grande Valley remain underrepresented on screen.
A coming-of-age journey told through the eyes of a young Latina athlete navigating family, identity, ambition, and belonging — universal themes across generations.
Few feature films authentically portray the people, culture, and traditions of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley — an untapped, proud, built-in regional audience.
The Story
At six years old, Zulema Cantu watched her mother leave — taking her younger brother but leaving her behind with Abuela Jesusa, on the promise that she would return soon. She never did.
Twelve years later, Zulema has become one of South Texas' most talented volleyball players. When a college scholarship offers a chance to leave the Rio Grande Valley, she must confront a question she has carried her entire life: does leaving make her just like the mother who walked away?
Guided by Abuela's wisdom and challenged by her mother's unexpected return, Zulema discovers the difference between running away and choosing to go.
"Your mother left like a storm.
You will leave like a sunrise." — Abuela Jesusa
Meet the Family
Her journey is our story — a multi-generational family bound by love, regret, and the meaning of home.
One of South Texas' most talented volleyball players, channeling the pain of her mother's departure into relentless determination — until a scholarship forces her to ask: "If I leave, does that make me just like her?"
She carries the stories, traditions, and values that shaped generations of the Cantu family. Through her wisdom and unwavering love, she reminds Zulema that home isn't the place you stay — it's the place you carry with you.
Loyal, hardworking, and deeply connected to the Valley. A reformed "bad boy" and Army veteran who came home to build a better life — proof that you can succeed without leaving the place you love.
Twelve years ago she fled an abusive marriage, making a choice that defined her daughter's life. Now she returns to South Texas seeking accountability rather than absolution — neither villain nor hero, but deeply human.
The World of the Film
It's a character. Set across Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, and Hidalgo County, the film celebrates a region rarely portrayed authentically on screen.
Comparable Films & Audience
Stories about family, community, and finding your place — with a proven, built-in audience.
How the Film Generates Revenue
Diverse distribution channels create long-term value — a film can generate revenue long after production is complete.
The Team · Experience. Passion. Commitment.
From Script to Screen
A disciplined route from development through release — the plan is ready, the team is ready.
Production Budget & Use of Proceeds
A SAG-AFTRA Moderate Low Budget feature — a responsible budget with a value-driven structure.
Partnership & Sponsorship Levels
Beyond equity investment, local businesses can sponsor the film through product placement and partnership packages. Be seen on screen. Be recognized in our community.
Custom packages available — we're happy to create partnerships that align with your goals and your brand.
Momentum · Why Now
This isn't an idea on a napkin — it's a developed project with the screenplay written, the budget locked, and the team attached.
Partner logos are added here as community businesses and supporters come on board.
How It Works
Equity crowdfunding opens the film to everyone — accredited and non-accredited investors alike — once our regulated campaign goes live.
Add your name today to reserve your spot. It's free and there's no commitment of any kind.
We'll email you the moment the official, SEC-compliant campaign opens for investment.
Review the terms, choose your amount, and become part of the story — securely through WeFunder.
Investor Perks
On top of your investment, every backer gets a little something for being part of the journey. (Separate from the business sponsorship packages above.)
Exclusive investor updates & your name on the digital Founders Wall.
Everything above, plus a signed digital poster & a social-media shout-out.
Everything above, plus a "Special Thanks" credit in the film & an exclusive cast & crew T-shirt.
Everything above, plus a Blu-ray Collector's Edition & behind-the-scenes production updates.
Everything above, plus two tickets to the cast & crew premiere & a private set-visit invitation.
Everything above, plus an official "Executive Producer" credit in the finished film & VIP premiere access.
Perks are appreciation bonuses offered to investors and are separate from any equity, securities, or financial return. Perks layer as you invest more — each level includes everything below it. Final perk levels and screen credits are confirmed when the campaign launches and may be adjusted to comply with the offering terms.
Become Part of the Story
Our equity crowdfunding campaign is launching soon. Join the investor interest list to be first to know when you can invest in Zulema, Stay Here.
Invest in the film through BernieZule Films LLC — open to accredited and non-accredited investors once the campaign goes live.
Put your business in front of audiences through authentic, story-driven integration.
Hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local businesses can extend on-screen value.
Be part of a film that celebrates our people, our culture, and our region.
No commitment — we'll notify you when the campaign opens and share investor materials.
Honesty First
We believe great partnerships start with straight talk. Here's the honest picture before you ever consider investing.
This website is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offering will be made only through official materials filed with the SEC and conducted through a registered funding portal. Please review all offering materials and consult your own financial, legal, and tax advisors before investing.
Questions & Answers
The honest answers to what investors ask most. Don't see yours? Reach out anytime.
The Full Investor Deck
Browse the complete investor presentation. Click any slide to view it full-screen.
The Story Is Ready. Now We're Looking for Partners.