Cradle & Grave

They couldn’t get along in life. Now, 22-year-old Olivia must help her mum’s ghost cross over, or she’ll be stuck with her forever.

Cradle & Grave is a fantasy/comedy that delves into the complexities of mother and daughters, shifting perceptions, and death administration (aka ‘sadmin’). 

OUR BACKSTORY

After 6 years in development and disruptions due to everyone's fave pandemic, our film is finally taking flight! Cradle & Grave has received support from the NZ Film Commission as part of the Fresh Shorts cohort of 2020. Although this initial funding will go a long way towards our production costs such as equipment hire and supporting crew costs, it doesn't cover everything. 

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

We want to put our best foot forward in making this film in 2024. To help us cover other costs to support us through principal photography, post-production, and distribution through film festivals (next year), we're crowdfunding an additional $16,345. This will enable us to achieve pay parity for all of our crew who have joined us on this journey. 

Plus, all donations on Boosted qualify for a sweet 33% tax credit. 

THE TEAM

Director - Tema Pua

Tema is a New Zealand-born director of Malaysian-Chinese heritage who is especially interested in female-centric stories, invisible minorities and blending fantastic genres. She was selected for the NZ On Air Pacific and Asian Storytelling initiative in 2019 and for the PASC Short Cuts development lab in 2020. CRADLE & GRAVE will be her second film directing.

Writer - Malinna Liang

Producer - Alyssa Medel

Executive Producer - Phoebe Shum

WHY THIS FILM NEEDS TO BE MADE

Firstly, thank you for reading this far and for being here! 

I have the honour of bringing Malinna’s story—inspired by true circumstances—to the big screen. Audiences can expect a funny, moving, bittersweet movie about two messy women who will probably remind you of your mother / yourself / your aunties / all of the above. 

Cradle & Grave is both a love letter to our mothers and a love letter to any woman who has lost her mum growing up. I believe that through this little film, we can say something authentic about the complex, life-shaping bond between mothers and daughters. 

Any time a movie gets made, it’s truly a small MIRACLE. And myself and my team would be immensely grateful if you can be part of ours.

— Tema