For eight long years, a rare condition called selective mutism has had thirteen year old Eslem living her life in silence. The only people to ever hear her speak are her parents, her best friend and her brother who just so happens to be a filmmaker.

He and his trusted crew band together to give a voice to someone who doesn’t have one. This film will give her the chance to be heard. It will not only inform the audience of her desperate situation as outsiders but allow them to have an extremely personal look inside the innocent and fragile world she lives in.

It will follow Eslem’s first year of high school where things are as hard as ever. Years of medical treatment have been used to no avail. She remains isolated, lonely and scared. The biggest social challenge of all is school and Eslem is not coping like the other kids.

The ultimate goal is to raise awareness of her condition and encourage proactivity in using and improving mental health care services.

Below is a brief introductory video to help you gauge the style or the film, and become more familiar with Eslem. 

For our vision for 'Little Sister' to become a reality we are going to need your support!

A breakdown of how the $2000 will find 'Little Sister':

$400 - Transport & Fuel
$500 - Music licensing
$200 - Food
$400 - Equipment
$400 - Festival entry  
$20 - Pozible fee          

Our biggest challenge throughout the project will be capturing the crucial moments that will make the film personal and engaging. While the subject matter grants that there will be many of them, it will be hard for Eslem when there is a camera keeping a close watch. It will not only will be difficult for her. The crew's personal connection with Eslem will make it tough to detach from the emotional situations that arise. Nonetheless, our focus will always be to attain the best possible footage.