An elder Victorian wardress tries to discourage a young and naive prisoner from her fight for women's suffrage, but her callous ways only fuels her fight.
What’s the Story?
No Surrender is an upcoming prison drama set in London 1913.
The film tells the story of an elder and lonely Victorian working class
wardress, Maggie. Growing up in the laborious world of the second industrial
revolution Maggie has only even known the world of struggle, work and routine.
Now working for the notorious Holloway prison she encounters the liberal lives of
the suffragettes on a daily basis. Although they are fighting for a great cause
Maggie struggles to understand why women, who have lived in middle-class
luxury, would leave the comfort and security of their home to be locked in the
confined cells. Her bitterness and jealousy consumes her and she does
everything within her power to discourage these fervent women. Until Jennifer, a
young and naive suffragette in need of guidance challenges Maggie's cold and
callous ways.
What are the
Suffragettes?
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The Suffragettes movement was a group of women in the early
20th century that fought for the women’s right to vote. Unlike similar groups,
the Suffragettes were not opposed to using violence in order to challenge the
patriarchal society and their fear of imprisonment did not stand in their way. Even
if they were imprisoned their fight would not stop, as they would continue
protesting through their hunger strikes.
However, the government were concerned that they would lose
authority, should any fatalities occur and thus giving the movement a martyr, which would lead to the Suffragettes being force-fed. This caused public outcry as
force-feeding was traditionally used to feed lunatics, as opposed to what were
mostly well-educated women.
When Britain was plunged into World War I in 1914 the
Suffragettes decided to end their campaign of violence and instead support the
country in its war effort. Famously, the work done by women during the war
turned out to be very important, and in 1918, just as the war was ending, the Representation
of the People Act was passed in government, becoming the first step for equal
rights for men and women.
Who are We?
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We are very enthusiastic Film and Television production
students at the University of York and we are making this film as part of our graduating
year. Over the course of our degree, we have had a very hands-on experience
with the industry standard equipment our department posses at Heslington Studios.
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Why Is Still Relevant Today?
The film touches upon key themes which are still very much relevant today. It explores generation gaps, social class divides and more importantly equality. All these themes are addressed within the backdrop of a key part of our history, that has rarely been explored within films.
This story has to be told, in respect of the women who fought so hard against an oppressive society and in promotion of a liberated future were discrimination is less prominent.
Why Do We Need Your
Help and How Will Your Money Be Used?
The filming for 'No Surrender' is scheduled for ten days in
February 2014 and, in having planned for months the production week for the
project, we've realised we've only raised by ourselves enough money to cover
our own personal transport, accommodation and food.
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1) Crew and Cast Accommodation
Our film is an emotionally-heavy drama that requires superb
performances; we want to make sure our actors are comfortable and well looked
after throughout the shoot, and let's not forget about our crew.
2) The Scarborough - Old Dean Road Victorian Prison
Primarily, your money is going to help us rent the location
for the Victorian prison. Despite the
student discount we have been granted, the more days we can get money for, the
more days we can book the prison for and therefore the more time we can devote
on set, in perfecting the aesthetic value and the performance quality of our
cast.
3) Period-Specific Costumes and Props
Let's not forget we're making a period drama, the location
is crucial, but mise-en-scene is 'everything' in this project! The more you support
us, will allow us to make the film will look and feel more authentic; we
require costumes and props of the era to really enrich the scenes and add great
production value to the overall product.
Your help will determine how many days we can secure the
Victorian prison location we wish to hire, plus the costumes, the props and the
level of accommodation and hospitality for our cast, who are the most important
guests, we have to keep happy throughout our shoot.
We really want to make this film special, as we know it has
a beautiful and resonant message of equality behind it that is what makes it
relevant in today’s society. With your
help, you can help us make our mark as students and resonate the deeper
messages that 'No Surrender' provides.
Your contribution, however generous can make a huge
difference. Every little helps!
Thank you very much for your support and join us in the fight for equality!
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Contact Us
Keep up-to-date with the latest production updates through following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions or enquiries.
Email: nosurrenderfilm@gmail.com
Website: http://www.nosurrenderfilm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nosurrenderfilm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nosurrenderfilm
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nosurrenderfilm
