Family - A Feature Documentary
A$11,006
of $11,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 16th Dec 2013 at 12:00PM.
ABOUT THE FILM
FAMILY is a one-hour documentary that explores the far-reaching impact of child sexual abuse on individuals and families.
The film follows the stories of two sisters, Nina and Nikki, both the victims of child sexual abuse. Nina, sexually abused, and Nikki, married to the abuser, staying for years in a marriage where she knew that something was terribly wrong, but refusing to acknowledge it.
This deeply intimate and honest film examines the domino effect of child-sex-abuse on every aspect of a victim’s life. It explores the culture of denial and cover-ups, so common to stories of abuse encountered through years of research.
The film examines the different ways these two sisters have dealt with and continue to deal with the scars of the past – one through religion, the other through reaching out to other victims online.
This is an important film that has the potential to help other victims find their voice, and feel empowered to tell their stories.
It can be difficult to understand the complexities of these issues unless you have lived it, or lived with a survivor.
As a filmmaker, I have had insight and access into this story as it is my mother’s story, my family’s story and unequivocally my story, and I believe that this level of intimacy and sensitivity translates onto the screen.
This documentary film initially started as my mother’s story, giving her a voice, but as I delved deeper I realized it was about much more – a story of family, forgiveness and survival.
WHY THIS FILM IS BEING MADE
We have a Royal Commission into Child Sex Abuse happening in Australia at the moment. This landmark event is giving every person abused by an institution, the opportunity to have their story heard before the commission. It is the time for abused people all over the world to have their voices heard.
This is a very poignant time for this documentary to be seen.
The most recent national figures from the AIHW indicate that in Australia, during 2011-12, there were 252,962 notifications of suspected child abuse and neglect made to state and territory authorities, which is an increase of 6.6% from the 237,273 reports made in 2010-2011.
Within this current social and political context, the films relevance is very strong, and the intimacy with which it has been crafted makes it unlike other documentaries made about child-abuse in its portrayal of its characters and it visual exploration of theme.
Due to the relationship between filmmaker and subjects, reservations and formalities have been replaced by a frankness, honesty, and vulnerability that makes it a very emotional and confronting viewing experience, that we feel will connect with audiences.
Marryanne Christodoulou (Director, Producer) is a documentary director based in Sydney. Marryanne comes from a Photographic and Video Art background and has exhibited widely throughout Australia.
Pigeon Men, her first Documentary film funded through Metro Screen & Screen NSW, was broadcast by SBS and screened at many film festivals around the world including ‘St Kilda Film Festival’, ‘Stranger than Fiction’ Film Festival in Dublin Ireland and ‘Big Sky Documentary Film Festival’ in Montana USA. Marryanne is currently in production on her first feature length documentary Family.
Marryanne has also worked as a Production Designer, Art Director and Production Coordinator on many film projects. Marryanne completed a Bachelor of Arts (Media Arts) – Fine Art Imaging, at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2000, and Diploma of Illustrative Photography, Fine Art Major at the Photography Studies College in Melbourne 1997.
Melissa Anastasi (Producer, Story Editor) is a filmmaker based in Sydney. Her fiction films have screened at film festivals internationally, and received distribution in North America. Melissa recently graduated from the drama directing program at AFTRS, where she was awarded the Kenneth B Myer Award for exceptional talent, and the EU Film Award for her graduating film By this River, which is currently on the festival circuit.
Most recently, she has been working on the documentary ‘Silver Braids’ set in Cyprus, to be completed in 2014, and the short film This Feral Life, for the Australian Theatre for Young People. Currently, she is developing a slate of drama productions, and is co-producing the feature documentary Family.
John Hresc (Sound Editor) has worked for over 25 years as a Recording Engineer/Sound Designer and Sound Mixer is also a fully accredited member of the Australian Screen Sound Guild.
For John, sound in all its forms, is a lifelong passion. His passion started in 1983 as a recording engineer, recording and sound mixing all genre's of music. A decade of recording culminated to more than 100 credits as sound engineer/producer for recordings released on Vinyl alone and more than 40 credits on CD. In 1997 John transitioned into Film and TV post sound production and has since worked with a range of major TV networks including Foxtel, and Channels 7, 9 and 10, working on a variety of TV and Radio promotions, Long form TV programs, Reality TV shows and Documentaries. He has also worked on a large number of independent short films distributed worldwide.
John currently tutors Film and TV sound production at the Australian Institute of Music and the Sydney Film School. He also owns and manages the Sydney Sound Brewery a professional recording studio catering to the Film, TV and Music industry.
Matthew Chin (Composer) is a screen composer and sound designer who studied audio engineering and sound production at the JMC academy, during which he became interested in pursuing composition for screen media instead. He went on to study screen music at the AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School) and has done several short films and documentaries as both a composer and a sound designer.
FAMILY is a one-hour documentary that explores the far-reaching impact of child sexual abuse on individuals and families.
The film follows the stories of two sisters, Nina and Nikki, both the victims of child sexual abuse. Nina, sexually abused, and Nikki, married to the abuser, staying for years in a marriage where she knew that something was terribly wrong, but refusing to acknowledge it.
This deeply intimate and honest film examines the domino effect of child-sex-abuse on every aspect of a victim’s life. It explores the culture of denial and cover-ups, so common to stories of abuse encountered through years of research.
The film examines the different ways these two sisters have dealt with and continue to deal with the scars of the past – one through religion, the other through reaching out to other victims online.
This is an important film that has the potential to help other victims find their voice, and feel empowered to tell their stories.
It can be difficult to understand the complexities of these issues unless you have lived it, or lived with a survivor.
As a filmmaker, I have had insight and access into this story as it is my mother’s story, my family’s story and unequivocally my story, and I believe that this level of intimacy and sensitivity translates onto the screen.
This documentary film initially started as my mother’s story, giving her a voice, but as I delved deeper I realized it was about much more – a story of family, forgiveness and survival.
WHY THIS FILM IS BEING MADE
We have a Royal Commission into Child Sex Abuse happening in Australia at the moment. This landmark event is giving every person abused by an institution, the opportunity to have their story heard before the commission. It is the time for abused people all over the world to have their voices heard.
This is a very poignant time for this documentary to be seen.
The most recent national figures from the AIHW indicate that in Australia, during 2011-12, there were 252,962 notifications of suspected child abuse and neglect made to state and territory authorities, which is an increase of 6.6% from the 237,273 reports made in 2010-2011.
Within this current social and political context, the films relevance is very strong, and the intimacy with which it has been crafted makes it unlike other documentaries made about child-abuse in its portrayal of its characters and it visual exploration of theme.
Due to the relationship between filmmaker and subjects, reservations and formalities have been replaced by a frankness, honesty, and vulnerability that makes it a very emotional and confronting viewing experience, that we feel will connect with audiences.
Creative Team
Marryanne Christodoulou (Director, Producer) is a documentary director based in Sydney. Marryanne comes from a Photographic and Video Art background and has exhibited widely throughout Australia. Pigeon Men, her first Documentary film funded through Metro Screen & Screen NSW, was broadcast by SBS and screened at many film festivals around the world including ‘St Kilda Film Festival’, ‘Stranger than Fiction’ Film Festival in Dublin Ireland and ‘Big Sky Documentary Film Festival’ in Montana USA. Marryanne is currently in production on her first feature length documentary Family.
Marryanne has also worked as a Production Designer, Art Director and Production Coordinator on many film projects. Marryanne completed a Bachelor of Arts (Media Arts) – Fine Art Imaging, at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2000, and Diploma of Illustrative Photography, Fine Art Major at the Photography Studies College in Melbourne 1997.
Melissa Anastasi (Producer, Story Editor) is a filmmaker based in Sydney. Her fiction films have screened at film festivals internationally, and received distribution in North America. Melissa recently graduated from the drama directing program at AFTRS, where she was awarded the Kenneth B Myer Award for exceptional talent, and the EU Film Award for her graduating film By this River, which is currently on the festival circuit. Most recently, she has been working on the documentary ‘Silver Braids’ set in Cyprus, to be completed in 2014, and the short film This Feral Life, for the Australian Theatre for Young People. Currently, she is developing a slate of drama productions, and is co-producing the feature documentary Family.
John Hresc (Sound Editor) has worked for over 25 years as a Recording Engineer/Sound Designer and Sound Mixer is also a fully accredited member of the Australian Screen Sound Guild.For John, sound in all its forms, is a lifelong passion. His passion started in 1983 as a recording engineer, recording and sound mixing all genre's of music. A decade of recording culminated to more than 100 credits as sound engineer/producer for recordings released on Vinyl alone and more than 40 credits on CD. In 1997 John transitioned into Film and TV post sound production and has since worked with a range of major TV networks including Foxtel, and Channels 7, 9 and 10, working on a variety of TV and Radio promotions, Long form TV programs, Reality TV shows and Documentaries. He has also worked on a large number of independent short films distributed worldwide.
John currently tutors Film and TV sound production at the Australian Institute of Music and the Sydney Film School. He also owns and manages the Sydney Sound Brewery a professional recording studio catering to the Film, TV and Music industry.
Matthew Chin (Composer) is a screen composer and sound designer who studied audio engineering and sound production at the JMC academy, during which he became interested in pursuing composition for screen media instead. He went on to study screen music at the AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School) and has done several short films and documentaries as both a composer and a sound designer.How The Funds Will Be Used
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Filmmaking is an expensive process and finding the money to make films is extremely challenging. The filmmakers behind FAMILY believe this story must be told and we have already invested a large sum of our own money into the film.
We are very close to finishing the film, but are facing a critical shortfall of $11,000 to cover the post production costs of the film. This includes the music composition, dialogue editing, colour grading, sound mixing, and mastering.
We have worked very hard to get the project to this stage. This is the final hurdle to getting this on the screen. With your help, we can make this happen!
Filmmaking is an expensive process and finding the money to make films is extremely challenging. The filmmakers behind FAMILY believe this story must be told and we have already invested a large sum of our own money into the film.
We are very close to finishing the film, but are facing a critical shortfall of $11,000 to cover the post production costs of the film. This includes the music composition, dialogue editing, colour grading, sound mixing, and mastering.
We have worked very hard to get the project to this stage. This is the final hurdle to getting this on the screen. With your help, we can make this happen!
The Challenges
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
We believe the most important reward for our supporters is the fact that the film will make meaningful contributions towards an open discussion about one of the great public welfare concerns facing society today.
We also want to share the film with our supporters so every donation of $50 or more will get unlimited viewing access to the finished film. Furthermore, the higher donations will get you a range of rewards, including official acknowledgement in the end credits, invitations to screenings, DVDs, photographs, and updates about the films progress and screenings.
We believe the most important reward for our supporters is the fact that the film will make meaningful contributions towards an open discussion about one of the great public welfare concerns facing society today.
We also want to share the film with our supporters so every donation of $50 or more will get unlimited viewing access to the finished film. Furthermore, the higher donations will get you a range of rewards, including official acknowledgement in the end credits, invitations to screenings, DVDs, photographs, and updates about the films progress and screenings.
- A thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
2 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 13
THE FAMILY DIGITAL PACKAGE - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY, as an official supporter. - A thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
20 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
THE COMPLETE DIGITAL PACKAGE 1 x digital access to the completed film, via password secured link 1 x high res photographic still download - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY, as an official supporter. - A thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
19 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
THE COMPLETE DIGITAL PACKAGE + PIGEON MEN PACK 1 x digital download of the short film PIGEON MEN 1 x high res photographic still download 1 x digital access to the completed film, via password secured link - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY. - Thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
4 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
PREMIERE SCREENING INVITE 1 x invitation to the premiere screening in Sydney – mingle with the crew after the screening over drinks 1 x digital access to the completed film, via password secured link 1 x high res photographic still download - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY. - Thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
5 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
DVD PACKAGE 1 x DVD of the completed film 1 x DVD of the short film Pigeon Men 2 x invitation to the premiere screening - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY. - A thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
3 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
SIGNATURE PACKAGE 1 x Limited Edition high quality Print by Marryanne Christodoulou, signed by the artist 1 x signed DVD of the completed film 2 x invitation to the premiere screening - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY. - A thank you on our Facebook Page ... with appreciation and gratitude from us
2 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
SPECIAL FRIENDS PACKAGE 1 x limited edition high quality photographic print of an original photographic artwork by Marryanne Christodoulou 2 x invitation to the premiere screening 1 x signed DVD of the completed film Special thanks in end credits of film - Your NAME inscribed in the end credits of FAMILY
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER PACKAGE Credit as an Associate Producer of the film, to appear in the end credits of FAMILY. 5 x invitation to the premiere screening 1 x signed DVD copy of the completed film 1 x DVD copy of the film Pigeon Men 1 x limited edition high quality photographic print artwork by Marryanne Christodoulou Special private preview screening of the film for you and up to 5 people, with a question and answer session about the film with those who know it best.
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
ORGANISATION PACKAGE Credit as an Associate Producer of the film, to appear in the end credits of FAMILY. Your organisation's logo in the closing credits of the film plus a screening and special presentation and Q&A with the filmmakers at your organisation. 10 x invitation to the premiere screening 2 x DVD copy of the completed film 1 x limited edition high quality photographic print of an original photographic artwork by Marryanne Christodoulou
0 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14