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The Story
Perth, Australia, 1994. A brutal murder leaves
a popular business woman dead, and a young man accused. The evidence used in his trial was
scarce and obscure. He had no history of violence, no murder weapon was found,
and no DNA evidence produced. He was convicted on the ‘supposed’ confessions purportedly given during unrecorded
interviews and a perplexing 20 minute video-taped interview. The transcripts of
the verbal interviews (which extended over 11 hours) were accepted as evidence
by the trial judge, even though a bill was before Parliament rendering such
unrecorded evidence inadmissible.
Over
a decade later, after two unsuccessful appeals to West Australian courts, his case was
finally brought to the High Court of Australia. The
High Court
immediately overturned his conviction, after which
five police officers were stood down by the West Australian Police Commissioner
in relation to the original murder investigation.
An inquiry by the Corruption and Crime
Commission was held in order to examine the findings of the murder
investigation; specifically into the misconduct of the investigating officers. Persons subject to the
investigation included a Supreme Court Judge, a member of Parliament, a senior
public prosecutor and two Assistant police Commissioners. The
inquiry revealed that Police had altered crucial witness statements and in
coalition with the Prosecutor, withheld vital information and concealed
evidence from the defense and the jury. Today,
the case serves as a harsh warning to the West Australian justice system.
The Film
“INTERNMENT” is presented with a turbulent sense of
conjecture and skepticism. Maintaining a candid perspective, the film advocates
serious issues retaining legal and political ramifications. We expose the consequences of Andrew's case, revealing the West
Australian justice systems transformation from once corrupt and morally
questionable, to a concluding amendment of the present day’s just and vigilant
legal system.
The structural and visual
approach is not portrayed in a prejudice or manipulative manner; never circumventing
the truth. The film’s style merely allows for a much greater grasp of Andrew’s story. The productions mantra is to uphold a commitment to impartiality;
being neither subjective or objective, and simply presenting the information in a factual,
honest and unbiased manner.
Whilst Andrew acts as
the central character, the film is not presented as an illustrated field guide
through his trials and tribulations. It is an ensemble piece made up of all the
people whose lives have been touched by Andrew’s
story, both directly
and peripherally. An assembly of idiosyncratic
characters such as a politician a journalist, a priest, and a hypnotherapist
compile some of the key cast; each of whom retain their own individual opinions
and interpretations. Utilizing several different personal accounts of the same
event allows for a reasonably accurate, rounded perspective. Presenting the
interviews in this honest, unbiased manner; the audience is invited to draw
their own conclusions, without the interference of political agendas and
editing tricks.
The Documentary medium
is generally utilized as a journalistic essay; often revealing all the mystery
of the story within the first act. This straight-forward method of storytelling
can often drain the film of its suspense, causing the audience to quickly lose
interest. Consequently, “Internment’”
story structure is approached in a linear time-line; presenting the key events
as they unfolded in reality;
sustaining a sense of tension and suspense. The cinematic
structure and visual style helps
to penetrate the resistance that certain jaded audiences have developed against
the Documentary genre. “Internment’” film-like style takes its
audience on a dynamic and captivating journey; presented with a sense of
wonder, passion and excitement.
How The Funds Will Be Used
All of the money raised will go toward
what's on screen. I'm not paying myself and the major crew members are working for free or on deferments.
Much of the interviews have already been filmed, so the major production costs
will go towards the cinematic dramatization, and the rather costly news and
stock footage. Other costs are related
to post production elements, such as professional recording of the films musical
score etc… Your contribution will
also be an investment in us, as film makers. The completion of this film
will be an invaluable experience, and will help to give all those involved a
chance to break into an extremely competitive industry.
How You Can Help
The
easiest ways you can help is by spreading the word and creating a buzz around
the film. Please email this link to your friends, family, co-workers. And post
it on you Facebook page, and use social networking such as Twitter, MySpace
etc. IndieGoGo has
built-in share tools at the top of the page, which make it extremely easy
- Just Click the widgets below the trailer.
Your help in spreading the word is crucial.
Any support in any form is much appreciated!
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