Forbes residents have become accustomed to films being shot in their backyard of late with The Legend of Ben Hall, Death’s Waiting Room and the soon-to-be-filmed Are You Scared Yet?
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This summer, Stevie Skene and Dane Millerd will bring to life a disturbing urban legend called Through The Past, Darkly.
The film, which is still in its infancy, traces the life of a handful of twenty-somethings and their experiences at a fictitious music festival.
The movie is a dark exploration into themes of drug use, relationships and domestic violence set against the regional backdrop of Forbes and a who’s who of Australian music.
Through The Past, Darkly is Millerd’s third feature after There’s Something In The Pilliga/ Half-Human and Death’s Waiting Room while for Skene, it will be her feature film directorial debut.
For co-director/ producer Millerd, it is another step towards turning Forbes into a film and arts hub.
“The vision for me has always been about trying to bring projects to Forbes and create work and opportunities for Forbes people,” Millerd said.
“By the end of 2017 at least four films will have been filmed in the town within three years.
“The town is filled with talented and dedicated people and such has been the demand that I am in the process of creating the Forbes Film Society (FFS) with some other like-minded people.
“From just last week we are already up around 500 members and we plan to run castings, workshops, fundraisers and exhibitions through the FFS as a way to not just make more feature films but to open doors for everyone who is interested in film from children through to their grandparents.”
The Forbes Film Society is looking at holding a writing workshop before the end of July with details still to be confirmed.
“The expressions of interest have already been overwhelming and we plan to run other classes for special FX makeup, circus performing, theatrical armoury, acting, photography, improvisation, editing, cinematography and sound among others,” Millerd said.
“We seek sponsors and partners to make this a reality and we can be reached via our Facebook page - Forbes Film Society.
“In the interim, the focus is on the initial castings for Through The Past, Darkly in Forbes on Sunday, June 26 at the Vandenberg Hotel from 10am-5pm with an additional day at the Gearin Hotel in Katoomba on Sunday, July 10 from 10am-5pm though we ask interested parties to check the Facebook page for updates or changes of time and details or location.
“Grant and the team at the Van have been a tremendous support.
“We are casting for all roles from cast and crew and welcome any interested parties to apply,” he said.
“We want newcomers, interested parties and our frequent crew members to all apply so we can ensure we assemble the best possible group for this project.”
Skene and Millerd are also in the process of enlisting support from the White Ribbon Foundation for their new feature film as well as other local and national organisations to make this film a reality.
Through The Past, Darkly traces the story of siblings Viv and Archie who are torn apart because of an horrific incident at a music festival that has a serious impact on all their friends and shatters their single-parent father, Lloyd.
“In a world where domestic violence has been too frequent and too often pushed to the background, we believe that such a film shines a light on an important issue,” Skene said.
“With one woman dying every week at the hands of an abusive partner and male violence victims also on the rise, this film is a must see.
“If every person can examine their own attitudes towards their spouse or any woman in their life then perhaps this generation and those after it may not have to endure the horrendous implications that are tied to domestic violence.
“It’s all about education.
“If we can leave an impression on just one person and make them stop and think about how they treat their partner or how they are raising their child then that in itself will make this film a success.”
Find the Forbes Film Society page on Facebook for more information and send a message for more details.