**What is shown in the rough trailer is only a tiny bit, a taste of just a few of the big moments - representing that initial journey back to NZ to confront the past - so basically just the start of the film. I am now working on the other three years since. I am now happy to say that I am no longer that broken woman. **

OVERVIEW

Part of a Doctorate, via Griffith University and Griffith Film School:  http://www.griffith.edu.au/visual-creative-arts/q...

‘Dandelions’ is an autobiographical documentary feature filmthat aims to make an impact into the globally rife issue of child abuse. Ithopes to also open up discussion into the realities faced by (often silenced)survivors of multiple forms of child abuse, neglect and abandonment [Fosterhomes]. All expressed from the heart with her own artwork/graphics/semi-animation weaved throughout, and balanced with a dollop of dark humour.

https://www.documentaryaustralia.com.au/films/190/dandelions

'This film is for my sister Sharee who cannot tell her own story, like so many others.'

'I will never allow myself to have children, although I love them. But it is like someone has stolen the batteries out of my biological clock. And yes, I know... I am missing out on something rich.' - Dandelions Transcript 2011

'Dandelions' on Facebook

HOW IT BEGAN

The journey began when I found my older brother Kevin on Facebook (in 2010) after 24 years of separation and no contact. Our reunion triggered all these repressed memories and lead to the start of a very cathartic chapter of my life - which I was encouraged to document. Armed with only a camera, I returned to my home country New Zealand to do what I had been putting off for far too long: to talk to and question my estranged parents [and close family] about what really happened when I was a kid. The decision, opened a pandora's box!

USE OF THE FILM LEADERS AND STATIC THROUGHOUT. [Credit to ACMI]

'My childhood memories ran like one of those old black & white movies in the back of mind, except the movie kept skipping. It was as if my mind had deleted scenes... but kept the music... so I couldn't see the missing scenes, or they were blurry, but I could still feel the awful emotions behind them.'- Dandelions Transcript 2012

Not able established in the rough trailer: The effects of the film leaders and static in the film create a filmic language, acting as 'signals' throughout the film. Because I am behind the camera for most of it, when they appear, it represents me being triggered or a memory returning. The premise of 'filmmaking' has other multiple layers throughout, such as the fact that I am a filmmaker, and (as the quote above implies) this was how I saw my fractured childhood playing out in my mind.

The 'EXTENDED TRAILER' is just a rough-cut of the first half of a four year (so far) cathartic journey. There is still so much you have not seen. The second part covers myself doing what ever I can to try to cope and heal, through both traditional and provocative methods. Future editing (and some filming) brings in metalking with other survivors, art as therapy, a stay at a Trauma Retreat,learning how my brain works (Complex Trauma) thanks to  www.knightlamp.com and much more. By showing my journey to cope, I hope that it will help and encourage others (and those around them to understand them better) to 'un-silence' and share their stories in a safe and healthy way. For my belief is, as Healer Debbra Schembri states:

'While we don't tell our stories, while remain ashamed and disgusted with it, THAT serves the abusers, because THAT protects them!' - Dandelion Transcript 2011

In 2011 the first rough cut was sentto the Australian Documentary Foundation.‘Dandelions’ was one amongst a very limited group to be selected for theircoveted philanthropic endorsement. The write up will give you a quick overviewof what the film is all about. https://www.documentaryaustralia.com.au/films/190/dandelions

'To go back there, to face it, to try and remember it, is like fumbling for a light switch in a dark room, that you know… is only full of horrors.' – Dandelions Transcript

Dandelionsmay be a personal journey, however I have never lost sight of the biggerpicture. There is much reflection on how abuse continues to take its toll onchildren and families today. Inshort: It is not really about me. It is however, about forgiveness. Facingit, processing it, expressing it wisely in whatever healthy form you can find -and then forgiving - especially myself. Ihave to do this RIGHT or not at all, for my story represents so many who do nothave a voice. There are so many survivors out there, still wandering aroundsilent and in pain as I had been. Mygoal, my craft, my job, has been to attempt to honestly represent my experiencethrough creative storytelling, heart and a measure of dark humour forbalance.

DANDELIONS - THE BOOK

I am also writing an autobiographical/self-help book with a view to seeking a publisher after the films release.

The book is about my childhood, and the journey back home to face it years later now that most of my memories have restored. It will also share how myself (and other survivors) have coped and healed area's through holistic, traditional and creative methods. It also shares the process of making a personal documentary such as Dandelions.

DANDELIONS - THE SONG

I am also hoping to sing again. I used to sing professionally but stopped in 2000 because of, well... see the trailer. I am working on lyrics and recording it.

The significance of the title 'Dandelions'

Supporters of 'Dandelions'.

Many thanks to the following:

I am indebted to Griffith University and The Griffith Film School



https://www.facebook.com/debbra.schembri

Knightlamp on the Web
https://www.facebook.com/Knightlamp
http://knightlamp.com/books

Thank you to all who contribute

With all my heart, I thank each and everyone of you who contribute. It means the world to me..

Ginene (Nene)
 

FEATURED MUSIC BY MOBY