We are audiovisual professionals and we want to create a short film about silent trauma. We need financial support to cover essential expenses such as food, transportation and equipment. Help us bring this story to life.
This short fiction film tells the story of Leandro, a young professional swimmer who was sexually abused by his aunt and who, throughout his life, never spoke about what happened. As a child, Leandro did not understand the gravity of the abuse and, over time, he kept silent, a silence that has eaten away at him and influenced his life in ways that he himself barely understands. This film explores how trauma can be buried but never forgotten, silently affecting a person's behavior, relationships and well-being.
The central theme is the impact of sexual abuse and the burden of silence, especially when the abuser is someone you trust, such as a family member. This prolonged silence, common among many victims of abuse, can be devastating.
We want this film to be a way to give voice to these experiences that are so often hidden. To do this, we need your support. The funding will be used to cover the costs of transportation, rental of spaces and equipment, as well as to ensure the basic well-being of the team involved. Despite being an independent project, we want to ensure that all technical and human aspects are respected.
This is a project that was born from a great desire to address real and sensitive issues, and we are committed to doing so in the most authentic and careful way possible. However, we know that only with your help will we be able to bring this film to fruition. Together, we can give voice to stories that are often left silent.
We need your help to make this film a reality. Any contribution, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. Let's give voice to these stories, let's fight the silence together.
About the author
My name is Francisco Sousa, I have a degree in Cinema and I have been passionate about the art of storytelling since I was very young. I deeply believe in the power of cinema to give relevance to difficult and often silenced topics, such as trauma and the emotional impact it can have on people. It was this passion that led me to create this short film, a project that sheds light on those who hide in the shadows of others.
I am the Director and Screenwriter, together with Carlos Alberto Dias, of this project.
Throughout my career, I have always sought to give voice to narratives that make a difference. My first short film, "Flashback", was nominated for three international festivals, which showed me the power of intimate stories that address such real and sensitive issues, and how they can resonate with audiences around the world. I have also directed two music videos, both of which have received over 100,000 views on YouTube.
Writing is another essential part of my journey. Over the past six years, I have published two literary works, which have sold more than 400 copies in Portugal, and I have received several national literary awards, including the award for Best Poem in the National Poetry Competition by Elefante Editores and Jornal Bom Dia. These experiences have taught me the importance of each word and how a good narrative can deeply touch those who read or view it.
In my work as a videographer and photographer for events such as weddings, baptisms and communions, I have learned to value the importance of recording unique moments and capturing real emotions, which has helped me shape my sensitivity as a filmmaker. In addition, I have worked as a camera operator and editor on television reports, where the pressure to capture the truth of events has trained me to be a focused and dedicated professional.
This campaign is an important step for me, because I believe that the film I am creating has the potential to touch many people, to create dialogue and to give voice to experiences that are so often silenced. With your support, I hope to be able to realize this project, which for me is more than a work of fiction – it is a way to give visibility to a topic that is rarely discussed openly. I count on you to help me bring this story to the big screen.
Budget and due dates
1. Casting:
The budget for hiring the main cast is estimated at between 250 and 300 euros , with a special focus on the character of Leandro, who is central to the narrative of the short film. The casting will take place in October 2024 .
2. Makeup Services:
We intend to hire two makeup artists to ensure that the actors are properly presented. The budget for this area is estimated at between 200 and 300 euros.
3. Technical Team:
Production team salaries are a crucial part of the budget. We plan to hire additional staff if necessary or for specific services. This amount is yet to be defined, but will be adjusted according to availability and production needs.
4. Transport:
We expect a cost of between 250 and 300 euros to cover transport for the team and equipment to the different filming locations.
5. Food:
The expenses related to the team's food during the shooting days are estimated to be between 100 and 200 euros .
6. Locations:
The costs associated with renting additional spaces required for filming are yet to be defined, but will be carefully assessed to ensure the best use of resources.
7. Sound Editing:
Costs for sound editing, including mixing, mastering and adding sound effects, are estimated at between 500 and 600 euros .
8. Festival Applications:
Expenses related to registration for film festivals are estimated at between 200 and 300 euros .
Schedule:
- Casting: October 2024
- Rehearsals: January to March 2025
- Filming: April 2025 (specific dates to be defined, depending on location availability).
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