Help Jack Reach Rome!

Help Jack Reach Rome!

Project 2015-03-25 14:36:57 +1300

COPPER RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS

My name is Jack O'Donnell. My short film that I directed, Copper, has recently been selected to screen at the CINEDEAF film festival in Rome in June! 

I need to travel to this festival in Rome because of the connection Italy has to Copper - It was in Italy when I was sixteen that I first encountered a living statue. I found it these street performers to be exhilarating, seductive and mysterious, and  was determined that this would make a strong subject for a film.

Years later in Wellington, I wrote a script inspired by this experience with a small writing team. The story had expanded to to capture the innocent wonder one gains when encountering a living statue through the experiences of a young boy.  

I have worked extensively with members from the Deaf community on various theatre and film projects and I was lucky enough to meet at the Wellington Deaf club nine year old Rahui Lee, who I felt would be perfect for the role. We went back to the drawing board in the writing process to create a story that reflected what it is like growing up in a hearing family when you are born Deaf, based on some actual Deaf experiences.  We incorporated the theme of communication and non-verbal communication in his relationship with the living statue.

I was extremely lucky over the next year to work with a hugely dedicated creative team to bring the film, now titled Copper, to life, and I am so proud that as director, editor, co-writer and co-producer of this film that I am able to go and represent all of our efforts as this film festival on the other side of the world. Working with both Deaf and hearing cast and crew members made for a truly unique filmmaking experience. 

Copper was selected to screen at the Maine Deaf Film Festival and the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival last year in 2014. Unfortunately due to timing, I was not able to attend those festivals, but now that it has made it into its third festival, and it is in a country significant to the film, I really need to get there!!

I need a minimum of $2,000 to travel to Italy, pay for accommodation, food and expenses. While I am there, I will promote the film heavily, represent the team, and be an advocate for Deaf and hearing co-prodction. This will also give me the opportunity to be an ambassador for New Zealand filmmaking and further my own upcoming projects.

This film has been such a huge part of my life for many years and my cast and crew have worked so hard on it, so to celebrate its success at an international level while promoting and furthering it really is a dream come true. So please, give what you can and I will make sure you won’t regret it! 

About CINEDEAF: http://www.cinedeaf.com/home-english/

Please Note: Subtitles are available for Deaf and hearing imparied in video above - press the CC options.

Comments