Homesick - Short Film

The endurance of love is tested when a couple is separated by Australia’s Immigration System.

Homesick is a short drama about Kate, a soon-to-be-mother, and her partner Charlie, an Iranian refugee, who have just started a new life together, but when Charlie’s visa is cancelled and he is locked in an Australian Detention Centre, their dream of a home is shattered. Kate and their son Henry now silently suffer as they wait indefinitely for Charlie's return. After six years of relational estrangement and emotional isolation, Kate must fight to hold onto herself and the ones she loves.  

Why is this story worth telling and unique?   

Homesick’s bases in true events have been a constant drive to make this film. The story emerged slowly and carefully from the many conversations we had with a young woman who has spent the last four years separated from her husband due to similar circumstances. To this day the couple continues their uphill battle for his freedom, but for now, their future of a home together remains an ever-flickering light at the end of an indeterminable tunnel.  

 
It is of course important to draw attention to the complex humanitarian and political issues within Australia’s Immigration System, and whilst this serves the backdrop for our story, it was the themes of love and belonging, of separation and endurance, which emerged out of our early conversations, that inspired our unique focus on this subject matter — the collateral impact indefinite detention has on families.  

MOODBOARD 

A Ghost Story (David Lowery, 2017). You Were Never Really Here (Lynne Ramsey, 2017). If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins, 2018). Wendy and Lucy (Kelly Reichardt, 2008). To The Wonder (Terrance Malick, 2013).

SOCIALS

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest news and progress through Homesick’s remaining pre-production, production, post-production and distribution!

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/HomesickShortDrama

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/homesickshortfilm

THE TEAM

Matthew Garrand — Writer & Director

Matthew is an emerging writer whose previous work, both in fiction and documentary, have focused on topics of stigma and inclusivity within the areas of mental health and disability. Through Homesick Matt hopes to explore what it means to call somewhere home and why some are unfairly left without.

Patrick Mantynen – Producer

Patrick is a Producer whose focus surrounds grounded narratives and underrepresented stories. Homesick has provided the opportunity to tell a deeply personal story and Patrick hopes to ensure that all key creatives are facilitated to produce the narrative to the best of their abilities.  

Tyler Mace – Cinematographer

Tyler is an emerging freelance Cinematographer with a passion for capturing films that tug at the audience’s heartstrings. Homesick features his most ambitious and stylistic visual approach to date. What excites him most about the project is getting the opportunity to see the reaction of the viewers after the credits roll.

Fatima El-Hassan – Production Designer 

Fatima El-Hassan is a passionate Lebanese filmmaker, who loves and enjoys telling stories about her identity. After moving to Australia, she found herself strongly needing to write more diverse stories. Through Homesick, Fatima is excited to incorporate her own lens of diversity and identity through the home and characters.

Jack Fingland – Sound Designer

Born in Staffordshire and immigrating to Australia in 2006 – Jack has always been technically-minded and practice-focused, whether it be cameras or microphones, he’s almost certainly pulled it apart to see how it worked. It’s stories like Homesick that really spark his interest, topics left seldom explored and that offer an opportunity to learn and to teach. It’s a film that requires nuance and offers technical challenges, something he’s keen to get his teeth (and ears) into.

Lily Cowan Benz - Editor 

Lily has primarily anchored her talents in production design, exploring her passion for colour, texture and detail within a scene; a skill which she also employs in her fiction realism writing. Homesick will be Lily’s first editing role for a short film, and she is excited to learn to craft a visual narrative and flex the same muscles she uses when editing writing - like making a tapestry of takes!

A large portion of the film’s budget is from our own pockets, but we need your help to get us over the line. All funds raised will go towards making sure Homesick is the best film it can possibly be.  

Here is how your money will be spent: 

Please note your money will be deducted from your account once the campaign ends.

THANK YOU!

A sincere thank you for your generosity and kindness in helping to bring this film to life.

And another warm thank you for supporting emerging Australian talent and Australian stories.

We look forward to sharing the film with you!

For any queries, you can reach us on [email protected]