OUR STORY - From the Writer & Director

I’m Julian Sibal, an independent writer-director whose award-winning short film Jake the Failure reached over 120,000 viewers online and screened at festivals across the U.S.

Floating in Riverview is a personal story about the in-between - the quiet space between who we are and who we’re trying to become, and the small moments of connection that carry us further than we ever expect.

I grew up in Chico, California, and spent years feeling like my life was on hold. Even after leaving to attend college and pursue filmmaking, that feeling stayed with me. I moved through community colleges and service jobs, watching friends move forward while I kept telling myself I’d get there “someday.” I lived in that suspended space for a long time - feeling time move forward while I stood still. That emotional reality is the heart of this film.

Ethan and Mona come from different places, but recognize in each other the same desire to become more than who they are. Their relationship is shaped by timing, uncertainty, and change - and it alters them even as they grow in different directions.

For me, this film is about the people who pass through our lives at exactly the moment we need them - not to stay forever, but to show us who we might become. Some relationships end, but their impact never does. They stay with us. And often, the people we lose become the reason we grow.

This is the most personal and ambitious project I’ve developed to date, and I’ve spent years developing the script, planning the production, and building real audience traction before inviting investors to join me in bringing this film to life.

Schedule a Conversation

Investing in an independent feature film is a significant decision. If you'd like to learn more about the project, discuss the business plan, or ask questions directly, I'd be happy to connect.

📅 Schedule a Call with Julian Sibal

I look forward to sharing more about the vision for Floating in Riverview and answering any questions you may have.

SYNOPSIS

In a fading Northern California town, a directionless community college student and a driven high-school senior are paired for an astronomy project. Over the course of a school year, their unexpected connection forces them to confront whether love can survive the futures pulling them in different directions.

A coming-of-age romantic drama about first love, ambition, and the cost of leaving home.

CHARACTERS

LOCATIONS

CINEMATOGRAPHY

FINANCIAL PLAN

FROM SHORT FILM TO FEATURE FILM

Award-Winning Short Film

Before developing Floating in Riverview, writer/director Julian Sibal created the award-winning short film Jake the Failure.

The film won multiple Audience Awards, screened at festivals across the United States, and reached over 120,000 viewers online.

The feature film Jake dreams of making in the short ultimately became Floating in Riverview.

🎬 Watch the Film

FLOATING IN RIVERVIEW - INVESTOR PERKS

Early Investor Bonus

The first $100,000 invested in Floating in Riverview will receive enhanced 130-50-50 terms. After the first $100,000 is invested, all subsequent investors will receive 125-50-50 terms. Please see offering documents for full details.

All investors receive ownership in the offering. The perks below are our way of saying thank you for helping bring Floating in Riverview to life.

Become one of the earliest supporters of Floating in Riverview.

1. "Special Thanks" credit in the film
2. Early access to trailers and production updates

Get a closer look at the filmmaking journey.

1. All previous perks
2. Private investor updates throughout production
3. Early access to watch the completed film

Join the community helping bring the film to life.

1. All previous perks
2. Highlighted "Special Thanks" credit
3. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content

See the film before the world does.

1. All previous perks
2. Access to a private rough-cut screening
3. Name listed on the official investor page
4. Exclusive virtual Q&A with writer/director Julian Sibal

Take home a piece of Floating in Riverview.

1. All previous perks
2. Limited-edition signed poster
3. Digital copy of the screenplay after release

Become part of the filmmaking team.

1. Associate Producer credit (IMDb + on-screen)
2. Invitation to private Los Angeles screening
3. Digital copy of the screenplay
4. All previous perks

Experience the film from the inside.

1. Associate Producer credit
2. One-day visit to set during production
3. Meet cast and crew
4. Professional set photo package
5. Invitation to premiere screening
6. All previous perks

Step into the world of Floating in Riverview.

(LIMITED TO 5 INVESTORS)

1. Featured on-screen appearance in a key scene
2. Full day on set with cast and crew
3. Behind-the-scenes photo and video package
4. Invitation to premiere screening
5. All previous perks

Play a significant role in bringing the film to life.

1. Co-Producer credit (IMDb + on-screen)
2. Private dinner with writer/director Julian Sibal
3. Invitation to rough-cut feedback screening
4. Set visit during production
5. Invitation to private cast & crew screening
6. Premiere invitation
7. Select festival invitation (if available)
8. All previous perks

Become one of the Executive Producers of Floating in Riverview.

1. Executive Producer credit (IMDb + on-screen)
2. VIP premiere access (2 tickets)
3. Set access during production
4. Invitation to festival screenings
5. Optional on-screen cameo appearance
6. Direct relationship with writer/director Julian Sibal throughout production
7. All previous perks

ABOUT US

JULIAN SIBAL — WRITER / DIRECTOR

Award-winning Filipino-American filmmaker and founder of Blackbot Productions.

His short film Jake the Failure won multiple Audience Awards, screened at film festivals across the U.S., and reached over 120,000 viewers online - demonstrating strong audience connection and storytelling impact.

He has collaborated with emerging and established talent, including actors featured in major productions such as Netflix’s When They See Us.

Floating in Riverview marks his debut feature film - built on years of development, real audience traction, and a deeply personal story rooted in his own experiences growing up in Northern California.

REYNOLDS BARNEY — EDITOR

Reynolds Barney is a Los Angeles-based film editor and graduate of the American Film Institute. A frequent collaborator of director Justin Chon, his credits include Gook, Ms. Purple, and Jamojaya, all Sundance Film Festival premieres, as well as Blue Bayou, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

He is a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild and is represented by Independent Artist Group. Most recently, he completed work on Better Life starring Randall Park, Ming-Na Wen, and Margaret Cho.

As editor of Floating in Riverview, Reynolds brings extensive independent film experience and festival-level storytelling expertise to the project.

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🎬 Follow the Journey

We're documenting the making of Floating in Riverview in real time—from fundraising and pre-production through filming, post-production, and release.

If you'd like to follow the journey and see how an independent feature film comes to life, join us below.

🎵 TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@blackbot.productions

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Thank you for being part of bringing Floating in Riverview to life.

Whether you're investing, sharing the campaign, or simply following the journey, your support helps make independent filmmaking possible.

We can't wait to share this story with you.