FREQUENTLY ASKED

Forbidden Prayers is a documentary based on Book of the Silenced, the award-winning memoir by Gordana Smith. It tells the true story of a mother who survived the war in Bosnia and then fought two more wars for her son, in the American healthcare system and in the spirit, carried through by prayer.

The film is produced by Forbidden Prayers LLC, founded by Gordana Smith, who owns the film and its story.

Individuals give through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor, so their gifts are tax-deductible.

Yes. Every gift for Forbidden Prayers is designated for the film: production, music, post-production, festivals and the premiere.

Each partner level comes with its own credit, from a top partner credit listed first among all partners to the “Made possible by” credits. Recognition grows with the level of the gift. Producer credits are confirmed in a short written sponsor agreement, and the film’s producers determine the wording, size and placement of every credit.

Yes. Businesses can partner at any level and are recognized by company name, with the credit and recognition that come with that level. A business can sponsor the film directly through Forbidden Prayers LLC or give through our nonprofit fiscal sponsor, and its recognition is the same either way. Services and in-kind support are also welcome and credited in the film. The next question explains the two ways to give.

It depends on whether you are giving as an individual or as a business. Your recognition in the film is the same either way.

Individuals give through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor. This is the only way a personal gift can be tax-deductible, because only gifts to a charity can be deducted and Forbidden Prayers LLC is a film company. You receive a tax receipt from the fiscal sponsor. If you itemize, you deduct your gift under the IRS rules for charitable contributions. If you take the standard deduction, you can still deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Premiere seats, the signed book and other partner benefits have a value, so your receipt lists it, and your deductible amount is your gift minus those benefits. Gifts made by December 31 count toward that year’s taxes.

Businesses can sponsor the film directly through Forbidden Prayers LLC. Your business pays by check or bank transfer, and we send you a receipt. If your business needs an invoice first, we will send one. Most businesses record a sponsorship like this as an advertising expense. A business can also give through our fiscal sponsor, and then it is a charitable contribution, which comes with stricter IRS rules for businesses.

Your accountant can tell you which works best for you.

Zeffy, the giving platform we use, keeps nothing from your gift; its only income is an optional tip at checkout, which you are welcome to lower or set to $0. You can pay by card or directly from your U.S. bank account, and if you would rather give by check or wire transfer, write to us at films@forbiddenprayers.com and we will gladly pick up your check or send you the wire details.

The film is being made for a festival premiere and for major streaming platforms. Partners will be the first to know the premiere date.

Partners who join before December 31, 2026 are honored as Founding Partners, with a special place on our website and a dedicated Founding Partners thank-you in the film’s credits.

Yes. Every partner level includes premiere seats, and Miracle and Faith Partners are also invited to the private reception with the family and filmmakers.

Send us a message through the contact page and we will send you the Partner Package with everything you need.