Why ''The Stamp''?
New immigration waves are approaching. No one is hearing silent voices that are being lost in the translation. This is where we are stepping in by giving the voice to the people that have lost their homes, families, their fundamental dignity and the respect as a human being. „The Stamp“ is more than just a short narrative film done by film students, young film professionals and immigrants that are currently seeking asylum in Croatia. It carries a vision to unite young European and Eastern filmmakers together in one project to create a touching story that follows hope, dreams and separation of one immigrant family caused by the cold bureaucracy. Together, we are proving that young filmmakers from different countries can collaborate together and create a high-quality, ambitious and socially engaged film.
What exactly are we doing?
The story takes place in the present time at the refugee shelter close to the Balkan migrant route which we are going to shot in a old Austro-Hungarian military building that needs a bit of the scenography adaption, but is mostly perfect for our needs. The clock is ticking for a stranger, an immigrant, an older brother unable to prove family relations, who has to face the cold and unbearable bureaucracy of a unknown country in order to prevent the deportation and separation from his younger sister who is still a child. The plot is highlighting the universal context of the current worldwide situation directly touched by the migrant crisis that also impacted Croatia, the country where the idea was born in the first place. The older brother without the residence permit has to abandon the land by force of law, while fighting to prove family connections with his vulnerable younger sister.
It is important to emphasize the presence of a three different languages: Croatian, English and Arabic, each one is being used with a deeper symbolic meaning of 'getting lost in the translation'. The film ultimately tells the universal story shown through the eyes of one family which is being devastated by the cold bureaucratic system. It is the topic which is at some point - familiar to everyone.
Why do we need the money?
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Our hopes are up to receive $1.500 from the crowdfunding iniciative since we raised almost all our production standards to a whole new level – from a student film we grow into a potential international festival winner. Meanwhile, we tried our best to cut the budget cost by using private and Academy's equipment, but the fact remains that there are still expenses that we can't avoid and that have to be purchased, acquared and/or rented. Yes, our amazing cast and most of the crew work for free and we are extremely proud on it, but this is not where the story ends.
Our main cast is represented by Elie Njeim, an awarded, young and appreciated actor from Lebanon. Our hopes are up to raise $1.500 in order to cover his travel, accommodation, catering and visa expenses, along with a pricy post-production process since we are using a top quality camera in 8K format.
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Who already helped and left a stamp?
- $2.357 from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (Academy of Dramatic Art, University of Zagreb)
- €1.500 from the co-production support from the Campus Narafi, LUCA School of Arts in Brussels.
- some private student savings
SUPPORT FROM:
- JRS - Jesuit Refugee Service
- Croatian Red Cross
- Are You Syrious
- HEP
- Inki Dinki
- Ministry of the Interior
- TOI TOI
- Pan Pek bakery
- Arabian language center
- City of Zagreb
- Novalis film rental
- Police academy
- Blue Way tourist agency Lebanon
- Zagreb Tourist Board
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't donate, we would appreciate sharing our campaign on social media and among your friends :)
