THE SHORT FILM
HAMLET is one of Shakespeare's most recognizable works. What if Hamlet's classic lines about self destruction and self slaughter were the beginning of a conversation about mental health?
Meet Thelma.
Thelma's father has recently died, her mother has just married her uncle and her world is spinning out of control.
The film uses the original Shakespearean text and the magic of dance to tell the story of a young girl who seems to be losing a battle with depression.
THE TEAM
Writer/Director Bethany Kaster
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Shakespeare has always been a passion for Writer/Director Bethany Kaster. She has often marvelled at how apt and telling lines from Hamlet are about grief and self harm. Bethany is looking forward to bringing those lines into a modern context. She is no stranger to the lifelong struggles of anxiety and depression, and is looking to start an ongoing conversation about mental health.
Starring Rebecca Ostroff as 'Thelma'
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Both an exquisite dancer and captivating performer, Rebecca is excited to bring her energy and talent to the role of Thelma. She is very passionate about mental health awareness and is currently studying Drama & Psychology at the University of Toronto.
Starring Paul Nicholas Mason as 'Claudius'
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Paul was a teacher for over 30 years and is a lover of Shakespeare. He brings a grace to the role of Claudius that only few can. Paul is very passionate about spreading mental health awareness and is excited to be a part of the Thelma team.
Kathryn Malek as 'Gertrude'
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Kathryn is an incredibly talented and versatile performer. She brings a poise and control to the role of Gertrude that is remarkable. Kathryn is fierce and very passionate and will help to engage people world-wide in the discussion about mental health.
Scott Edward Morris as 'Horatio'
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Scott is an incredible talent who brings a very relatable and warm quality to the role of Horatio. He is passionate and innovative and hopes to help shape the world in a positive way. Scott is very proud to be a part of the team and is very excited about spreading awareness about mental illness.
Executive Producer Frances Castelton
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A passionate advocate for social awareness and positive change, Frances is proud to be a part of Thelma. Having lost many loved ones to depression and having struggled with it herself, this project is very close to her heart. She hopes to help the Thelma team spark a positive conversation about mental illness, depression and grief and end the stigma still associated with these struggles.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Filmmaking is a group effort. It takes many people bringing their talent and passion to make a film. It also takes money. Cameras, lights, trucks, talent and crew all cost money.
That's where YOU come in! We want you to be part of our filmmaking process and we've have arranged various giving levels that will allow you to participate. Each level comes with its own PERK. Though we are partially privately funded, we need your help to reach the pinnacle of our financial goals.
These are items like T- Shirts, credits and additional swag that will help you to feel part of our filmmaking journey. We'll also keep you in the loop with updates and set pictures along with screening and film festival information. Once our journey has concluded we'll ensure you get a copy of the film. Please take a look at the cool items we'll provide and we hope to include you in this amazing journey.
Spreading the message is just as important, so if you are unable to donate please support us by sharing our campaign on your social media sites!
THE PRACTICAL
How Indie Go Go Works:
You decide how much you want to pledge, and choose an associated perk if you like. When our campaign ends, IndieGoGo takes a 4% fee off the money we’ve raised. If we don't reach our goal, the fee is 9% (which is pretty high, and also why it's important we reach our goal). Another 3% or so also goes to IndieGoGo for credit card processing fees. But everything else will go straight into making this movie (and making sure everyone gets their perks).
About the Perks:
We'll cover shipping costs worldwide on things that need to be shipped. All claimed perks are estimated to be delivered around September, 2016, but this is a film, so expect some flexibility!
