Why ReFraction? 

A significant body of research had been conducted suggesting that certain Aboriginal groups had ancestral links to the Indian Subcontinent. Their ancestors had journeyed enormous distances to finally settle on the beautiful shores of Australia. It occurred to us that people from that Indian Subcontinent were still making this journey. Sadly, for many it was to avoid persecution. 

It was as if the paths of two different peoples had mirrored each other but over time the mirror’s reflection had been distorted through varying historical circumstances. Refraction.  In this film, we endeavour to illuminate the commonality of all human experience even though the light may shine upon us all differently.

Synopsis

Jay Cooper, is a successful Brisbane lawyer, raised by foster parents from the young age of eleven. As a child, the authorities separated him from his abusive Indigenous mother, after she almost killed him while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  Jay returns to his native homeland to bury his estranged mother whom he had not seen for the last thirty years, when an unexpected turn of events finds him hostage to a mad knife wielding stranger. The unlikely pair embark on a dangerous journey of redemption that could lead them both to their eventual demise. 

Supporters 

Since its inception, from the sprouting of an initial idea through to these important stages of pre-production, we continue to be humbled by the good will and associations that evolve around the life of this project. 

The Redland City Council are proud supporters of Screen Queensland’s film-friendly pathways program and have been exceptionally supportive in allowing us to film in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.

We are also absolutely honoured to be welcomed into Quandamooka country to film part of this magnificent story. We are actively working with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) to ensure all protocols and country are respected and are very much looking forward to showcasing aspects of Quandamooka tradition. We are blessed with the rare opportunity of being able to bring to life one of the most beloved and ancient stories of the region.

We have self funded the production with about a third of what's needed to complete the project. We are aiming to secure another third with this campaign. Money will be invested in personnel, equipment, wages, postproduction, marketing and fees related to international and domestic submissions to festivals. Overall, the extra money will allow us to lift the production value of the project and create something poignant and deeply moving.

Apart from budgetary constraints, weather represents the most likely challenge as 50% of the film will be shot outdoors.  In order to tackle this potential unpredictability, we are breaking down the filming days strategically, so that our schedules can be flexible if required.

Ultimately, we are a finely tuned production machine that can work with what we have, however a lack of funding could restrict the productions ability to shoot in the desired locations with desired crew and equipment. We are also fortunate to have connections to industry professionals and with over two decades of experience we wil be able to broker special deals. This combined with contributions from crowdfunding, will ensure we will overcome any barriers in our way. 

The ReFraction Team 

Kaushik Das - Executive Producer, Producer, Story - Co-Lead Actor

Kaushik is an Australian of Indian origin with over a decade’s worth of experience as a creative in the film industry. His film work has seen him active in both the Australian and Indian (Bollywood) film industries. Kaushik developed the concept behind Refraction over the past 2 years and given the current political climate, saw it crucial to produce a film that brings to light that which unites us over that which tears us apart. Refraction represents his first step into the exciting field of film production.

Mirko Grillini - Producer, Screenplay, Director 

Mirko is an Italian Australian with 15 years experience in the film industry. Mirko began producing back in 2008 as an extension to his initial career as actor. Refraction represents his fifth directorial role.  After Refraction, he will be working on an upcoming Feature Film that is currently in development. As an immigrant himself, Mirko understands fully the struggle of having to start life all over again in a new country and has grown a strong connection to this incredibly heart-warming story. 

Heath Bergersen - Lead actor 

Heath has been an actor and a musician in the Entertainment Industry for over three decades. He has worked extensively in a wide variety of roles in film, television and theatre.  Featured amongst his list of many notable credits are "Rabbit Proof Fence", "Secret River" and "Black Comedy". Outside of his busy professional acting career, Heath performs and conducts cultural workshops in schools and for other community organisations.  He is an excellent didgeridoo player and regularly tours both nationally and internationally. Heath has a very special connection to his people and the land.

Paul Seipel - Cinematographer

Paul is a cinematographer based in Melbourne, Australia. With over 15 years of experience as a camera assistant, Paul studied under some of the country’s most esteemed DOPs. Over his long and prolific career, Paul has refined his technical expertise and visual acumen such that he is ready to take on greater artistic challenges.  While working professionally as a camera assistant, Paul built his own showreel by shooting countless TVCs, corporates, pilots; as well as the short films: Black Betty (2012), Happy Birthday (2012), The Plan (2012), Affair (2008), and The Pain of the Macho (2007). He has won two Gold awards from the Australian Cinematographer’s Society and the QNFA Kodak Award for Best Cinematography.

Amanda Grillini - Production Designer, Costume Designer

From an early age, Amanda practiced her passion and gift in art, constantly painting and creating, she decided to take her creative flare and commit to achieving a diploma of interior design, which lead her to a career of interior designing and styling projects internationally and writing her own column of design and decorating ideas in a local Gold Coast newspaper, in 2005. The next step into Amanda’s path was an obvious choice, when she was asked to decorate a set for a short film, this opened up a whole new world to her creative abilities. It was the essential step forward as she found her passion and began experiencing sets from independent shorts to large international productions, as an art director and production designer along with various roles within the art department. To date, Amanda has been involved in creating sets in over 30 productions from feature films, documentaries, music clips and main stream tv. Also experiencing the other side of the lens, acting in a further 22 productions and is producing her own projects, highlighting true events and telling stories that touch the audience.