Short Film: The Road Home By Brindi

About Short Film: The Road Home

Project 2015-11-07 15:26:16 +1300

THE ROAD HOME

We want to tell a story about Christchurch that isn't about the earthquakes. As important as those stories are, there is more to Christchurch than the earthquakes and more to Canterbury than Christchurch. We want to tell this story that highlights the personal connection to this place with Christchurch and Canterbury landscapes at its heart. 

WHAT IS IT?

A story about Jonathan, an eighteen-year-old American who travels to Christchurch to reconnect with his kiwi roots and find the father he never knew — a well-regarded Canterbury photographer.

Travelling to Arthur's Pass — the scene of one of his father's iconic photographs — Jonathan discovers the man he never knew and landscapes he does not remember.

IT'S FOR CHRISTCHURCH

Once the film is done and dusted we'll hold two Christchurch-focused short film festivals — a curated collection of short films by Cantabrians, about Canterbury that are spirited, uplifting, unexpected and engaging. The festivals will be held at The Commons with support from Gap Filler. They'll be free to the community with complementary hot drinks and popcorn. Koha donations will be paid forward to local community groups.

WE'VE COME SO FAR

• We won seed funding at CHCH Soup — Gap Filler and Ministry of Awesome's, "friendly dragon's den."
• Phantom Billstickers will print and distribute posters ahead of our two outdoor public screenings.
• PG Gallery192 has offered gallery space for filming.
• YHA Arthur's Pass will provide a free night of accommodation to support our shoot in the stunning Arthur's Pass.
• Ken's Camera will print large Canterbury landscape photographs that will be at the heart of the film.
• TimeZoneOne have signed on as our design partners.
• New World Ilam and New World South City have offered vouchers to help feed the cast and crew.
• And a talented and tremendous team of collaboraters including Highlux Photo and Daniel Murray Photography!
• The Road Home is on Facebook with pre-prodcution and behind-the-scenes tidbits.

WHAT DO WE STILL NEED?

Before we can say, "Lights, camera, action!" we need:

• $800 toward high quality camera hire
• $600 for lights hire
• $500 for petrol money to get us from Point A to Point B and beyond!
• $500 contingency fund  

A LITTLE ABOUT US...

Mikaela Rüegg (Director): has a name that smiles back at you. She has years experience in the performing arts and production, most notably in musical theatre and filmmaking. She has five years' experience with the 48 Hours Film Festival. 

Brindi Joy (Producer, Writer): has lived in Seattle, Denver, New Orleans and now lives in Christchurch where she makes the most of the mountains and the sea. Brindi adapted The Road Home for screen from her short story that appeared in the 2014 collection: Sweet As: Contemporary Short Stories by New Zealanders.

David Jensen (Cinematographer): is an eighteen year TV camerman and veteran, dabbling in feature film including the recent, Netherwood shot in Waipara. He is also a film instructor at St Andrews College in Christchurch. David looks forward to capturing Canterbury's stunning, sweeping landscapes for The Road Home.  

Angus Simmons (lead actor): is a baritone from Christchurch who is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Music at the University of Canterbury. The Road Home is Angus' first major work in film, having spent most of his acting experience onstage.

Tessa Livingston (lead actress): is passionate about performing arts. The Road Home is the first of many steps toward turning her passion into profession. She is currently in her fourth year at the University of Canterbury, studying for a BSc Honours of Speech and Language pathology.

Brett McPhail (actor): is a recent graduate of the University of Canterbury. Acting is his passion and he has been active in musical theatre with both the University of Canterbury Musical Theatre Society and Showbiz Christchurch. The Road Home is Brett's first foray into film.

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