The Hero In Us (2024) - The Friends of Jack Foundation

Problem

The Friends of Jack Foundation needed a new way to:

• Introduce their story to prospective donors in a meaningful and memorable way

• Break through the noise of nonprofit fundraising campaigns

• Inspire emotional connection while highlighting the hope and strength behind their mission

• Maintain positivity 

• Expand their reach beyond their immediate community

  
  

Solution

We developed a bold, original concept: The Hero In Us (2024), a live-action/animated superhero short film that reimagines the founding story of the organization as a superhero epic. Our approach combined:

• Narrative Film Production: An adventurous live-action/animated superhero short that reimagines the real-life medical journey of Jack and his mother Jill, following them as they each discover their inner strength.

• Marketing Strategy: Built a multi-stage campaign that included press outreach, festival submissions, speaking engagements, and sponsored-screenings.

• Event Integration: Positioned the film as both a story and a platform, resulting in an hour-long featured panel at Comic-Con International 2025, uniting filmmakers and nonprofits, encouraging them to collaborate on future narrative film projects.

  
  

Outcome

The impact exceeded expectations:

• 2.3M+ Net Reach across platforms (and counting)

• Selected to screen at Comic-Con International 2025 — a global stage for superhero stories that move culture

• Featured panel at Comic-Con International 2025 with Stulac Marketing, Friends of Jack, and the production team

• 6 press features including interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage

• Second highest-performing instagram post in Friends of Jack’s history (at the time of posting)

• All below the line costs of the film were covered by donors

• Increased demand for school speaking engagements across the South Coast region.

"I think it's extremely important that kids have an opportunity to start volunteering at a young age and being part of something. So, taking kids in as volunteers, for [The Friends of Jack Foundation] is really important. Well, I am speaking at a lot of different schools in the fall because [The Hero In Us] made it to Comic-Con and everyone just thinks that's super cool. ...We are able to take this opportunity, get some new donors and introduce kids on how to give back in the community."

Jill Fearons, Founder, The Friends of Jack Foundation

Filmmakers and Nonprofits: A Powerful Partnership, Comic-Con International 2025

How to Watch The Film

The Hero In Us will be available to stream on February 28, 2026 for $9.99 on Kinema. Every viewing supports the Friends of Jack Foundation, the Child Life programs it serves, and the filmmakers, turning this film's story into real-world impact for all involved.

Why Kinema

Kinema is a new kind of film distribution platform — one that empowers filmmakers to share their stories with the world and gives audiences everywhere the chance to watch and connect. Kinema ensures that independent stories thrive. We help filmmakers to control their release and get paid for it. Unlike traditional streaming platforms, Kinema empowers filmmakers and nonprofits to host curated screenings, engage communities, and directly support causes that matter. By choosing Kinema, viewers help fund vital programs, spark meaningful conversations, propel filmmaking careers, and ensure stories like The Hero In Us reach the audiences who need them most.

Can I Host My Own Screening or Watch Party?

Yes. If you’re interested in hosting a community, educational, nonprofit, or theatrical screening, we’d love to hear from you. Visit Kinema’s hosting guide to learn more, or reach out directly at info@stulacmarketing.com for next steps.