The Film
For Dorian is an exciting and innovative proposed short film
production to be released in mid-2012. The film aims to deal with a
sensitive and under-represented issue: the sexual awakening of teenagers with
visible disabilities. For Dorian tells the story of a father who
fears the sexual awakening of his disabled son and struggles with the notion of
letting him go. It is, above all, a love story - a story of the love a father
holds for his son, and the story of an adolescent starting to become aware of
the phenomenon of love.
Despite the
progress that contemporary society has made in regards to the way we treat
those less able, there is still a tendency to asexualise people with visible disabilities. However, human relationships escape the limits of our physical and
mental capacities: the need for interaction is inextricably linked to our need
for self-expression. For Dorian will attempt to expose the
misconceptions that exist around the sexual and romantic life of people with
visible disabilities. Although the focus of For Dorian is
particular and specific, the themes speak to universal experiences: the
need to let go even when our instinct tells us otherwise; the experience of
adolescence; the intuitive need for independence; and the dynamics of family
relationships.
The Creative Team
Rodrigo Barriuso - Director/Co-Producer
Rodrigo is a
Havana-born filmmaker who moved to Toronto in 2006 in order to pursue higher
education in film at Ryerson University’s School of Image Arts. As part of his
degree, Rodrigo was selected for an exchange to the School of Media, Art and
Design at the University of Westminster in London, UK where he worked as a
producer and art director during 2011. As a senior film production student
Rodrigo has shown a special interest in the areas of screenwriting, directing
and producing. His first collaboration as Co-Producer, The Hall, was the
winner of the 48 Hour Film Contest in 2008. In addition, the film was selected
for the Short Film Corner – Cannes International Film Festival and the Miami
International Film Festival. Rodrigo’s films have also screened at Scotiabank’s
Nuit Blanche, the IMA Gallery, Maximum Exposure Festival and the Annual
Showcase at the University of Westminster in London, UK.
In addition
to his work as a filmmaker, Rodrigo is highly interested in the art world.
Raised by an influential Cuban curator and art critic, Rodrigo spent long hours
in museums and art galleries as a child. This education has provided him with a
solid understanding of the processes that inform creative and artistic
dialogue, and has served to inspire and shape Rodrigo’s cinematic approach. In
an attempt to bridge the art and film world, Rodrigo has directed two short
documentaries on influential individuals and events that have been key in the
development of Toronto’s artistic scene.
Davina Rimmer - Co-Producer
An
Australian-born filmmaker, Davina studied history at the University of
Melbourne before moving to Canada to pursue her love of filmmaking full-time.
In her native country, her short psychological drama, In Perspective,
was the recipient of the Queensland New Filmmakers Award. Her award-winning
documentary project, Resistance, was purchased by Cinemedia in order to
become part of their permanent national collection. Currently a senior film
production student in the Image Arts program at Ryerson University, Davina has
been recognized with both the HSBC Filmmakers award and the Universal Studios
Scholarship.Davina’s greatest joy in film comes from the creative alchemy of
producing. Her most recent work as a producer, Lie Down and Die, was
part of the official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival
(2011) and was shortlisted in the Enroute Film Festival. In addition,
she was the production manager for Blink - the winner of the TIFF
Student Showcase (2011). Other projects that she has produced have been
exhibited at Nuit Blanche, the IMA Gallery, and the Maximum Exposure Festival.
Most recently, Davina has worked professionally as first assistant director on
two feature films due to be released in late 2011.
Kelly Jeffrey - Director of Photography
As the son
of a cinematographer, Kelly was raised on film sets throughout Canada. He
consequently learned the language of image-making and story-telling at a
grass-roots level. At a young age, he became fascinated with still photography.
These early experiments in photography informed his understanding of lighting
and framing as he moved into the world of the moving image. Currently
entering his fourth year of the Ryerson Image Arts program, Kelly has already
been commissioned as director of photography on three thesis projects. These
roles will build on his extensive experience as a cinematographer. In the past
year alone, Kelly has shot several narrative films, documentary shorts and
music videos. This summer he has signed to shoot two music videos and act as
camera operator on a feature film. Kelly also continues to work in stills
photography: he is the tour photographer for several Canadian bands and was
recently commissioned as a photographer for Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth. Kelly
was the recipient of the 2009 Maximum Exposure award for Best Cinematography.
Zazu Myers - Production Designer
Zazu Myers' childhood was divided between Bali, where she gained
an appreciation for form, colour, and craftsmanship and Muskoka, where she
developed her love of film by watching Hollywood classics with her mom. She
studied Art History at the University of Toronto before applying it to film at
Ryerson as a production designer for the past four years. Last year, she
interned in New York in set design for photography. Recently, she art directed
her first feature and she looks forward to the next one.
Michelle Szemberg - Editor
Michelle Szemberg was born in Toronto and graduated with a
bachelor of fine arts degree from the film and video program at York
University, where she focused on Editing. After graduating, she began working
as an assistant editor. She has worked with some of the most recognized
Canadian filmmakers and editors, such as: Peter Lynch, Helen du Toit, Caroline
Christie, Wiebke von Carolsfeld, Susan Maggi, Jeff Warren, Sudz
Sutherland, Sturla Gunnarsson, Chris Donaldson, Avi Federgreen, Rod Deogrades
and Michael McGowan. She is currently editing various projects with a number of
young, talented filmmakers. Her latest project is editing the independent
Feature Film, Moon Point.
How to Support Our Film
Like all creative endeavours in film production, many resources
are involved. The only aspect holding the production team back from realizing
their vision is funding. As this film nears production, we are looking to
passionate advocates of the arts who would like to become involved in this
project. As young and emerging filmmakers, the support of generous investors is
required to attain the resources necessary to get For Dorian the attention that
it deserves. All forms of support, be they financial or in-kind donations, are
welcome and appreciated.
Here is a sample of some of the greatest costs on our film:
Equipment Rentals – This film will be shot on the latest
generation RED MX camera, the technology favoured by many contemporary feature
films. Camera rental averages $2000 for one week. Professional lighting and
grip equipment is also a major expense, averaging around $2000 for a basic
package.
The Art Department – This department is in charge of
creating the beautiful sets, costumes and props that define the visual style of
the film. For Dorian is utilising a highly stylised, contemporary aesthetic
that requires significant attention to design and set decoration. Realising
this design requires significant investment in prop rentals and set dressing.
Food/Travel/Location Rental – We will be renting a unique,
contemporary house for this film, which will require a significant location
fee. In addition, providing transportation and food to a crew of fifteen people
for a week of shooting will be a large part of our expenses.
Even when you try to keep costs as low as possible, all these
expenses add up. However, so do the donations. Every contribution, large or
small, helps! Young filmmakers look to the support of their community to
practice their craft and realise their dreams.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please help us spread the word about the film! Like our page on
Facebook, show this site to a family friend or neighbour, and follow us on
Twitter. In-kind donations are also always welcome - water bottles, food, or
transportation are just some of the ways that you can provide an in-kind
service.
Thank you for reading and supporting this exciting film project.
We hope to count on your continued commitment throughout the production
process.
