THE FILM
Help us in the post-production phase of this true story short film! Here is our incredible trailer!
Reared by an abusive, pill-popping mother (played by Heartland’s Michelle Morgan) and an absentee playboy father (played by Arrow’s Stephen Amell), six-year-old Valentina must fend for herself. She does what she can to craft the illusion of normalcy: makes herself lunches that look just like the ones her classmates tote, dresses and grooms herself expertly, and lies to cover up for her mother Anita’s erratic behavior.
This film is about the strength and incredible resourcefulness of a young girl who is neglected by her parents- and the glimmer of hope that she finds in the most surprising of all places.
Behind the Scenes with Stephen Amell!
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My name is Michelle Morgan and I am an actress, writer and a Mom. Many people know me as Lou Flemming form the hit series Heartland. After 15 years in the industry I am getting ready to venture into the world of directing. I am so passionate about the idea behind this film and can't wait to share it with all of our backers through campaign updates, and of course with the completed film! When I am not working on film and television sets I volunteer as the Campaign Ambassador for organizations that aid victims of domestic violence, like Homefront Calgary and the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Shelter.
WHY MAKE THIS MOVIE?
When I heard the true story of a young girl being abused and neglected at home, while also being protected by a gay couple across the hall, I knew I had found inspiration for my first film. I FELT THIS STORY HAD TO BE TOLD. Mi Madre, My Father will serve as a proof of concept, to help this story become so much more.
THE IMPACT
This film has the potential to change people perspectives on domestic violence. By doing our campaign you will help shine a light on the 5 million children across North America who experience domestic violence every day, and to start a dialogue about what people can do to help those in their own community.
THE CAST
I am so excited about the cast of Mi Madre, My Father. Each of them is so talented, and passionate about making this movie.
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We are thrilled to have Stephen Amell, star of the hit series based on DC comic’s Arrow, playing the role of Hal. As a father himself, Stephen was touched by the subject matter in Mi Madre, My Father, and knew right away he wanted to take part.
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I will be playing Anita, the prescription pill addicted Mother who speaks to her daughter in span-glish. The idea is that Hal is Canadian and Anita is from Chile (my own heritage). I am looking forward to the challenge of directing and acting at the same time.
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We welcome rising star Lina Renna who will be playing the lead role of Valentina. Only 7 years old with 2 leading film roles in under her belt, Lina is a rare talent. Recent credits include Edge of Seventeen, Little Nadine, The Winter Song and Somewhere Between.
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Fiona was one of the first people to get involved with the film, she has been crucial in helping Michelle find the right cast and crew. Fiona is an actress writer and producer. Her recent credits include Dirk Gently, Power Rangers and Big Eyes.
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When writing the part of the compassionate neighbour across the hall, Michelle immediately thought of Robert. Robert Moloney is an award winning film, television and theatre actor who’s career has taken him across Canada, as far away as Australia and to London’s West End. He is currently staring in the HBO series You, Me, Her.
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Michelle searched far and wide to cast the character Freddie, Valentina’s best friend. Bryan won everyone’s heart with his audition tape. Bryan is from the Hobbema reserve near Edmonton, Alberta.
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Shayn has been carving a name for himself in the last year. His relentless work ethic and unique look has gotten him roles on many of Vancouver's top shows such as Altered Carbon, Izombie and The 100
THE CREW
Lindsay George. Cinematographer
Lindsay has worked in the film and television industry for over 12 years, starting out as a dance choreographer and slowly gravitating towards the camera. Recent credits include Cinematography on the webs series True Heroines and the short film Beauty Mark as well as camera operator on Zoo and Colony. We can’t wait to see what Lindsay brings to Mi Madre, My Father.
Madeleine Davis. Producer
Madeleine is an up and coming young producer in Vancouver. She has recently co-produced the feature film Freaks directed by Zack Lepovski and Adam Stein, starring Bruce Dern.
Daniel J. Patinkin. Co-Writer
Daniel and I have been dreaming up film collaborations for years and are so excited to see one of our scripts brought to life. Daniel has authored two nonfiction books: The Crippler published in 2016, and The Trigger, scheduled for release in 2018. He has also written, directed, and/or produced three short-films, a major-label CD release, three feature film scripts, and a music documentary.
Geoff Webb. Associate Producer, First Assistant Director
Geoff is a multifaceted filmmaker and photographer, based in Vancouver. He is a contributing editorial photographer for VICE and documentary director specializing in humanitarian issues. Geoff lends the skills developed through years of work on commercials and independent film to Mi Madre My Father as the First Assistant Director.
Davin Lengyel. Crowdfunding Cosultant
Toronto based Davin Lengyel is a Canadian Screen Award winning digital producer and director. He co-produced the Showcase series Pure Pwnage, and was co-creator of the hit sci-fi comedy Space Janitors. Davin managed the largest film and TV crowdfunding campaign in history for the movie Code 8.
THE BUDGET
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
It’s easy to share the campaign using IndieGoGo Sharing tools at the top of this page! Not only will this draw attention to our campaign but it just might get us featured on the IndieGoGo homepage :)
Check for updates on my Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/michellemorgan_/?hl=en
The Official Mi Madre My Father Vimeo page
https://vimeo.com/mimadremyfather
Thank you so much for taking part in our campaign! We can’t wait to stay in touch and keep you updated as we go to camera on September 22!
FAQ's
If you have any questions or concerns email us at mimadremyfather@gmail.com
-We plan to start filming the short on September 22, and we will be sharing backer updates from behind the scenes on our set.
-The Private Screening for Mi Madre, My Father with Cast and Crew Q&A is projected to take place May 2019 (subject to change)
-If you notice a link isn't working or something is misspelled, let me know! mimadremyfather@gmail.com
