Aftershock - a short film

Aftershock - A Short Film

Project 2016-06-26 13:34:00 +1200

Aftershock is a short film. It's a relationship drama, taking us into the lives of two characters in New Zealand whose lives are changed forever by an earthquake in Nepal, 12000 KMs away. I am making this film for my Masters. It is based on a story I originally wrote and later turned into a novel. The story is based in both Nepal and New Zealand, but I can only shoot the part in New Zealand. 

Plot

Paras lives in New Zealand with his partner of two years, Natalie. He runs a restaurant and is on the verge of becoming a permanent resident in the country.

Everything changes when an earthquake strikes his village back in Nepal.  He tries to get in touch with his family but to no avail. The TV brings in images of horror every day, and papers report entire villages being wiped out. Unable to bear the uncertainty, Paras leaves to find out what happened to his family.

He goes off the radar a day after reaching home. Two weeks later, a powerful aftershock is reported to have hit his district. Natalie frantically tries to get in touch with him but cannot. However, in the process, she uncovers a secret- a deep, dark secret that makes her revaluate her entire relationship. her partner has suffered a tragedy, but he has also wronged her in ways she didn't know.

Halfway across the world, Paras lands in a country in the middle of chaos. He travels to his village to confront the life and family he had left four years ago. Unfortunately, I cannot follow his story in the film. But I hope to make a feature someday that can do justice to both the protagonists. 

Other events follow that entertwine their lives once again and Natalie get trapped between sympathy for a man and her hatred for him. The story ends rather open-endedly, leaving the viewer to examine the characters and put themselves in their shoes. 

Production

One of the major hurdles I have faced is with finding actors to play the Nepali characters. I have had to look all around the country, and people I have found live in different cities. 

The film is 20- minutes long and has multiple settings. Some of these are in restaurants, cafes, an event hall and even an airport (actually just the parking lot). Hiring these places require money (which is fair enough, given the amount of electricity I will be using up, and the fact that we might actualy be holding up business). 

I also would like to mix actual footage of the earthquake in a few scenes. This also includes news footage from TV. Procuring this footage from news channels also requires money. Though they have asked for reasonable sums given the fact that I am a student, it still amounts to a significant amount. 

Another thing that will stretch my resources is transport. With actors in different cities, and with varied locations, I will have to transport the cast and crew to these places. A few of these shoots may well run into late night, and that means I have to arrange accomodation. 

Finally, I want to give my actors something.  It's a relationship drama and relies heavily on performances. I know it is going to be a lot of hard work for the actors. While they may work with me, for the passion they have for the craft- nobody likes to work for free and as someone in the creative industry, I know how easily we are expected to put in our efforts for no rewards. Being able to provide small stipends will go a long way in getting my actors more involved and as the filmmaker, I will know I have done the right thing.

Crowdfunding

Hence, the crowdfunding. When many of you contribute small amounts, I will be able to raise the required funds. At the same time, I also do not have a producer or sponsor whose vision may clash with the director's. I am counting on your generosity to rasie this amount. I know there are many pressing matters in this world that require our attention and assistance, but I am hoping you will put aside a little sum for the purpose of art and culture.

Personal note

I believe films, like other works of art, are meant to reflect our society, our times and our people. I like telling stories of everyday people, with everyday events, based on real lives, taht we can all identify with. My film won't have gunfights, alien invasions and choreographed dance or fight sequences- because that is not how i think our lives go.  I want this film to be a story of a couple that you can identify with and feel for.

I look forward to your donations. If you do not have a credit card and live in another country, I still appreciate your words of encouragement. Perhaps, at another time, we can work toegther on something. 

Thank you

Rituraj

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