Michigan filmmaker Michael Angelo Zervos plans to bring a personal story to the big screen. A film being shot and based in Michigan, “Papou” is a story about a wildly imaginative boy and his dying grandfather’s attempts to escape the clutches of death.

“It’s a story that both children and adults alike will find entertaining for different reasons,” said Zervos. “Life and death are subjects that fascinate people of all ages.”

Zervos’ recent fundraiser, platformed on the creative financial donation site, Kickstarter, continues to raise money. He has exceeded his goal of $50,000 and said he hopes the momentum continues.

“Everything above and beyond our goal will allow us to give this film the marketing and distribution it deserves. The more capital we can raise to that end, the further we can take this movie once it’s shot. Regardless, finances have always been a downfall of independent films, but we are glad that it won’t prove to be an obstacle on this production.” Zervos said.

Currently, Zervos is casting more than 40 speaking roles in the state of Michigan, ages ranging between 8 to 80. He said he has been very pleased with the talent Michigan has provided him so far .

“We’ve spent two and a half months finding the best that this state has to offer, and I am truly surprised at the diversity of actors and actresses that I’ve met. This script isn’t an easy one to cast but somehow, Michigan is doing just fine to deliver,” said Zervos, who will be auditioning into the new year with a goal of having a final cast by the end of January.