Pomegranate Seeds - The Film.
'Pomegranate Seeds' is an intimate human drama both joyful and hopeless that follows the story of two best friends in their early 20s - Lola and Francis as they go on four day retreat with the hopes of making a film. As the days go by they naively tackle their fears, love, differences and dependence.
Francis is an aspiring filmmaker and Lola his willing volunteer and 'muse'. Having grown up together they know each other on a very intimate, honest and intense level and after a series of conversations this creative retreat reveals much deeper discoveries about each other and the friendship they’ve shared over the last 17 years. Truths they’ve been hiding, fears they’ve been brewing and the realisation and expression of a love that they share so deeply.
Both just as fascinated, forgiving and needing of each other as when they were children with adulthood dawning on them time feels as though it is running out. Concerned that their future paths may begin to run on different, more separate courses. They feel a desperate need to show their fears, longings, losses and dependence on each other. Confused as to where their connection goes now childhood is over. Depending on each other for the life they are familiar with and feel safe in - not allowing their friendship to grow up. Afraid of leaving the past behind and losing an element of themselves within that, who they've been and who they may become, what might change. Finding it hard to find purpose and desire within a world that overwhelms them.
Though they contradict each other and have different ways of navigating life all of their cares and concerns come from the same place, the same desire. This movie is simply about two people. Who they are, what they dream of, what they're scared of, what they know and what they don't. They are you, they are your friends, your mothers, your fathers. They are humans navigating life.
The Inspiration.
Eric Rohmer meets Woody Allen meets Old Hollywood.
This movie is inspired by Eric Rohmer’s work such as 'A Summers Tale', 'Pauline at the Beach', 'My Night at Maud's' and 'The Aviators Wife' for his stripped back and intimate imagery. The ability of capturing beauty in normality, the intense focus on and the elegant way he captures intimacy in all forms of relationships, the types of conversations being held and the focus on people - their confusions, desires and everyday complexities.
I have also been inspired by Hollywood classics from the 40s and 50s such as 'In a Lonely Place', 'Casablanca' and 'Sabrina'. These movies have inspired the piece in the sense that the atmosphere of the film is one of longing, confusion, heartache and words left unsaid. Something I think is reflected in many old Hollywood films.
Visually the piece is going to be black and white paired with a soundtrack of strings inspired by the work of Henry Mancini, Pierro Picconi and Bossa Nova.
Having decided to shoot the film in black and white, Woody Allen’s 'Manhattan' has really inspired us visually both with its beautiful cinematography and with its wit and humour that has inspired the script. More recent films that have influenced the piece include Malcom and Marie due to its simplicity of using one location, its beautiful use of black and white cinematography and the focus on the conversations between two people solely and lastly Mike Mills' CMON CMON for its transformational non romantic relationship arc, its softness and once again its beautiful black and white imagery.
The Team.
We are very lucky to have a team of people that have mostly worked alongside each other before. The dynamic is one that is very trusting and familiar which will therefore enable us to have a smooth, understanding and productive production.
Dorothea Forrester | Writer/Director/Actor. Dorothea is an independent filmmaker, writer and actor currently based in the South West. She studied Film and TV Production and won 'Best Young Filmmaker' at Cannes World Film Festival for her film 'Blue' which has also received praise from figures such as Laura Albert. She has often collaborated with band Die Twice creating a black and white music video which she produced, directed and shot in Paris. She now aims to move towards working on long form projects and ensures every project she approaches is approached from a very personal and honest space.
Elliot Millson | Cinematographer Elliot Millson is an award-winning cinematographer hailing from the depths of Dorset. He started off in the film world making Aardman-inspired stop-frame animations at the age of nine. Having made the switch to live-action, Elliot has shot a wide range of narrative shorts and mini documentaries, as well as two recent feature films, the first of which is set for theatrical release in 2025. He has received nominations for his work at festivals including the Romford Film Festival and National Youth Film Awards, and was awarded Best Cinematography at the Eastern Europe International Movie Awards and Flathead Lake International Cinemafest in 2022 & 2023 respectively. His work has also been selected for a number of BAFTA-qualifying film festivals, including Aesthetica and Carmarthen Bay.
Howie Blow | Actor. Howie is an actor based in London and Dorset. Local youth theatre is where he began performing, before moving to London in 2022 to join the National Youth Theatre and start the BA Professional Acting course at Drama Studio London. Whilst training he has played a range of characters in theatre, from Tom Wingfield in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ to Orsino in ‘Twelfth Night’. Having a particular passion for independent drama for film, Howie has acted in two short films, one of which is set to be released in 2025. ‘Pomegranate Seeds’ is an opportunity for him to gain more experience in front of the camera and to work alongside a hugely talented and focused crew; he’s extremely grateful to have landed such an authentic, intimate script that excites and challenges him as an actor, whilst supporting a new local voice emerge.
Gerardo Pastor - Ruiz | Sound recordist. Gerardo has worked in sound for film since 2013 across a wide range of formats, including feature films, short films, corporate videos, documentaries, commercials and radio podcasts. Throughout his career he has had a bespoke approach to every production, ensuring he understands the needs of the project and that the performance is captured the best possible way from the get go.
Lewis Lenk | Sound designer/Composer. Lewis Lenk is a Sound Designer/ Composer based in Berlin. His experience working both on set and in post-production has opened his eyes to the many facets of sound in film, from capturing raw elements to shaping the final mix. Passionate about Storytelling through sound, he brings a hands-on, innovative approach to creating immersive audio experiences. Drawing on a blend of analog techniques and modern tools, he creates soundscapes that enhance the viewing experience. He’s very excited to collaborate on this project and bring its beautiful vision to life.
What We Need & What You Get
We are looking to raise £4500.
This will help us cover the costs for:
- The location and accommodation.
- Paying our crew fairly for their time and talent.
- Production design/props.
- Travel expenses.
- Food for the crew.
- Post production i.e Editing, Sound design, Score.
- The Indie Go Go percentage.
Some of our unique perks include access to the playlist that inspired the film - curated by our writer/director, a signed page of the script, a limited access video of the writer/director breaking down the themes of the movie, a print of the poster, a limited access video of our two actors talking about the characters they play and the process behind developing them, An executive producer credit as well as a personalised thank you letter from the team.
If we do not reach our goal the funds already donated will still go towards paying the team for their hard work and talent. The missing funds will be worked for and topped up from savings by our director. We will also try to approach individual investors.
The Impact
Pomegranate Seeds is a project that means huge amounts to our director/writer. It is the next step in her career, taking a leap from projects that are 10 minute or shorter and generally made on her own to a project that is 40 minutes and with a team of people that have such incredible talent and drive. Your support and trust in the team means the world to us and because of you we will be able to make art happen, art that we hope will leave an impact on you.
A message from the director/writer...
When making a film my priority as a writer and director is to create something of honesty and beauty that people will hold onto and want to come back to. Something that makes them feel seen, feel understood, feels relatable and/or just fun. I first started working on the script in Spring 2023 reflecting on relationships of the past, present and where they may be headed. Thinking about how much opposition I was feeling, how divided I could be when it came to my desires, hopes and dreams. To me Francis and Lola are born of the same brain, two sides that need each other to function properly. I was pondering where adulthood would take me. My fears, my friends fears, the dependency I felt on youth, the fear that nothing would change as well as the fear that everything would change. How the feeling of losing and drifting from someone from your youth can make you feel like you're losing parts of yourself that were so essential to you at one point. How uncomfortable that change can be. I hope that the themes of this film will speak to you through bringing you joy, love and at times uncomfortable truths.
Making movies is important to me because of how it can move people and make people feel in ways that they haven't felt in a while or have maybe never felt before. It is the sharing of stories and emotions that makes it all so worthwhile. When I made my short film 'Blue' I was extremely happy to hear how people had responded.
Some quotes from the audience include:
'A window into your life with such relatability. Me and my partner watched this piece this morning, we were both incredibly touched. the film's conclusion of togetherness and love is one that we share, we stand for love too and for that we say thank you! '
'Kept me interested to the end. Cinematography is vibrant, capturing and so colourful. The dialouge and plot are moving and insightful. Really love it. '
'What an utterly engrossing and insightful ten minutes I have just spent.'
'Absolutely stunning piece of work, I don't know why i'm crying, beautifully filmed and narrated.'
'Your method of conveying what may appear as abstract transforms your narrative into a 'thats how I've always felt' kind of emotion. An excellent piece of work which made me want to see more.'
'Refreshing openness and honesty.'
'Quirky, brave and very original voice.'
Other Ways You Can Help...
We completely understand if you are unable to make a contribution.
To help us out in other ways we'd love it if you could share this page with people you know and to your social media! Thank you so much for your time. Your attention and interest is what allows us to bring our passions to life and for that we are grateful.
Thank you.