FARM - A Short Film

While being relocated from her family home to a retirement village, Jeanie begins to believe a cow on her farm is the reincarnation of her dead husband.

Slow, cheeky, dark, and hopefully funny in moments; FARM is a short film based on our attachments to a place, a loved one, our home, and all the things we do to try to stay connected when we are being left behind. Following the death of her husband, Jeanie’s naughtiness and spark is dulled. Her health is deteriorating and her loving family think it’s best she move into an aged care facility. Jeanie has known this place most of her adult life, her soul is etched into the walls, and while her mind drifts, the farm keeps bringing her back to her late Gary - her soulmate. She’s not ready to leave. She will probably never be ready. We aim to make a textural, breathable cinematic slice that takes tonal inspiration from NOMADLAND, IN MY FATHERS DEN = LADYBIRD, but is its own unique and colourful story with gentle, specific humour.

We have privately raised half the budget, and need some help from you fine folks to get this film made. While we have borrowed and been donated some incredible gear, time, and muscle grease, we need some dollars to cover insurance, onset catering, paying cast / crew, locations, and post production. We can’t do this without your help. Every booster will get a thank you for their generosity in the credits, but we also hope you will want to support an important story being told by a team of enthused spirited filmmakers. Here's a little more about our team...

Writer / Director

This is Kate McGill's first short film, after directing episodes for seasons 1 and 2 of award winning RAISED BY REFUGEES. The first version of this short film FARM was written over 8 years ago in response to a dream she had. The film has become tied into experience with loved ones coming and going, and a deep love of family. Kate spends most of her time looking after her cool, naughty, funny 3 year old - Hinemāia, while juggling casting, acting and directing projects. Kate McGill studied acting at Toi Whakaari in Wellington and has worked consistently in the film industry ever since. Kate is a professional actor and casting director, having cast some of Aotearoa’s most renowned television series and feature films including, ‘Rurangi,’ ‘Kid Sister,’ ‘Raised by Refugees’ ‘Te Motu’ and ‘Uproar’. Kate had her tv directing debut in season 1 & 2 of the award winning television series ‘Raised by Refugees,’ which won Best Comedy Series at the NZ TV Awards in 2022. FARM is Kate’s first short film, which she started writing over eight years ago in response to a dream she had. The film has become tied into experience with loved ones coming and going, and a deep love of family. When Kate is not filming or casting, she loves to spend as much time as possible with her cool, naughty, funny 3 year old - Hinemāia.

Producer

Gretchen Hatton, a second-generation Filipino emerging Producer, is known for her passion for hard-hitting, high-quality content. Graduating with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Film & Television from AUT, Gretchen’s career began in London, working on factual content for Discovery and Sky. Since returning to Aotearoa in 2020, Gretchen turned her focus to narrative content, contributing to notable NZ feature films like 'Muru,' and 'We Are Still Here,' as well as television series including ‘One Of Us Is Lying S1’, and ‘Good Grief S2’. Most recently, Gretchen had her producing debut on ‘The World Around Me,’ one of six short films in the Someday Stories Series 7 initiative. Gretchen thrives on connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing stories that challenge perspectives, and creating compelling and impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Cinematographer - Lance Wordsworth
Lighting - Karl Saunders
Costume - Sacha Teuila Young
Production Designer - Damien Leith

The cast includes industry veteran Ginette McDonald as Jeanie, as well as a couple cool cats to be named in updates for Gary and Liz....

Every donation helps, regardless of the amount it will be appreciated, especially during these challenging times! If you’re unable to donate we would appreciate a share on your socials so the word about FARM can spread! We're excited to share this journey with you all so don't be shy, you can reach us via our socials and please do, we'd love to hear from and thank you!