“The difference between a normal person and a film-maker is that a film-maker can see things a normal person cannot see.” - Victor Kossakovsky
I’ve always loved this quote, which summarises a lot of my thoughts and feelings about my profession, and about the film industry at large. Looking at things from a different perspective is also the reason I loved shooting these scenes from The Winchester Geese.
When professional shoots (like life itself) came to a halt at the start of the pandemic, I took advantage of the time to flex my creative muscles, and pursue my passion projects.
The script for The Winchester Geese was born from the desire of writers Sarah Olley and Cassiah Joski-Jethi (Bend it Like Beckham) to explore the effects of past trauma in – and on – relationships. Aimed at raising the capital for a full-length feature, this short is me flexing my creative muscles, and pursuing a passion project many years in the making – directing a feature film.
Based on an original screenplay by Pete Valente and Sabrina Barlow and shot over two days in a London-based studio location, The Winchester Geese must be one of the only extracts of its ilk to have its entire pre-production, casting and rehearsals conducted entirely over Zoom. Keep an eye out for this one!
TAGLINE
Can we transcend trauma, or does it forever define us?
LOGLINE
A young woman attempts to escape her abused childhood and history of self-harm in an exciting new relationship with a dominating, older woman. However, the past won’t yet rest, as she’s pursued to London by the younger sister she’s always struggled to protect.
OVERVIEW,
Blending Em and Amy are two sisters that share a chequered past – and a dark secret.
Tensions rise when Amy – fleeing an oppressive home environment to link up with her estranged sister Em in London – begins to stir things up with Ang, Em’s domineering, powerful older lover. As events begin to spiral out of control, tempers and passions flare, and the three women’s interwoven fates plunge towards a thrilling, cathartic resolution.
Exploring the themes of trauma, abuse, relationships, and how all three intersect, The Winchester Geese is a powerful drama that resonates long after the final reel.
Cheers and speak soon!
Em and Amy are two sisters that share a chequered past...and a dark secret.
Tensions rise when Amy – fleeing an oppressive home environment to link up with her estranged sister Em in London – begins to stir things up with Ang, Em’s domineering, powerful older lover.
As events begin to spiral out of control, tempers and passions flare, and the three women’s interwoven fates plunge towards a thrilling, cathartic resolution.
Care to join them?