'Rez Comedy' documentary to take part in Project Greenlight competition

RED LAKE - Two area American Indian comedians, Jon Roberts, along with fellow Ojibwe comedian, Rob Fairbanks, the Rez Reporter, are competing in Project Greenlight with a documentary that works to break the cycle of adversity and shatter stereotypes, according to a release.

"'Rez Comedy'" is a ground-breaking documentary about taking that one last chance to change the course of a life riddled with struggle and follow a dream, one that just could take them to the top and help raise up an entire people in the process," the release said.

Roberts and Fairbanks filmed their 2015 road trip across the country to Hollywood where they hope to make it big. On the trip, they performed and collaborated with other Native American comedians, working to lend support. The documentary producers will also be collaborating with Charlie Parr, who has agreed to sign on to compose the film score and create original music to help communicate the story, the release said.

Project Greenlight, a film group who mentors new filmmakers, is sponsoring the competition, which is called "The Untold Story." The competition gives first-time filmmakers a chance to win $20,000 toward the completion of their film as well as receive a home distribution deal. The competition runs for 30 days, ending June 30, and uses the crowdfunding site, Seed & Spark to gather contributions, support and awareness. The top 10 campaigns that receive the most support will move onto the finals.

For more information or to contribute, visit http://www.seedandspark.com/studio/rez-comedy#wishlist.