Milk of Dreams

“Milk of Dreams” is a highly cinematic short film about the timeless bond between a mother and daughter. Set in and around the wildly beautiful landscape of an old New Zealand farm cottage, the story unfolds in dreamlike sequences that are set to a haunting vocal score. As mother and daughter move through the changing seasons of their intimate relationship, the film engages the viewer’s subconscious to experience and interpret the daughter’s journey towards her new sense of self.

With pitch perfect performances and introducing a unique filmmaker’s vision to the world of cinema, “Milk of Dreams” is an outstanding project and has its eyes set on competing at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I absolutely love cinema. The experience of looking up at a big screen, in a dark room full of people equally captivated by what's unfolding in front of our eyes, is a new thrill every time.

My own cinema debut as a filmmaker was Ever the Land, an award-winning documentary that premiered to sold-out audiences at NZIFF 2015 and went on to screen at major international festivals across the world. I also edited Falling Up, Chelsie Preston-Crayford's short film that won Best Short at NZIFF 2018.

Milk of Dreams is my opportunity to demonstrate my ability to write and direct drama.  

I made this film following my artistic instincts, resisting trends and commercial pressure in order to make something unique and original. My hopes for the film are to bring this cinematic experience to audiences across New Zealand and internationally, so that all the talent involved in the making of this film can be proud of what we made together and continue making films.

PROJECT HISTORY

The film is part of the New Zealand Film Commission “Fresh Shorts” funding programme which paid for production of the film. Production funding also came from the late Adrian Burr (Prospect/Group Films), an incredible supporter of the arts who fully believed in this film and its makers.

Film production took place in December 2022 and we have just finished editing the film.

Now we are now looking to add the all important finishing touches such as sound design, colour grading, music composition and sound mix.

WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR

A successful crowdfunding campaign will help us pay for world-class New Zealand post-production services. We have some of the country's best postproduction talent lined up to complete Milk of Dreams with us. It really speaks to the quality of the film to have been able to secure their artistic commitment to this project.

It is vital that we can complete Milk of Dreams to the highest industry standards in order to compete in the world’s international A-List festivals. We are highly motivated and confident that this short film can pull some punches to represent New Zealand talent on big screens around the world and make a positive contribution to the future of cinema as a highly unique art form.

We hope you’ll join this already stellar line-up of supporters and help us finish Milk of Dreams by supporting this campaign. No amount is too small – or too large!

Thank you for your support.

TAX CREDIT

Remember donations qualify for a tax credit: NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit on their donations from the IRD with a receipt automatically provided by The Arts Foundation (as The Arts Foundation is a registered charity) for any donation made.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Writer/Director/ Editor SARAH GROHNERT
Producer ESTELLE CLARK
Cinematographer SEBASTIAN CORT

CAST

COMFREY SANDERS
DONOGH REES
ANDREW ALCORN

Costume KIRI DONALDSON
Art Director DONNA HANSON
Music TUI MAMAKI
Colourist ALANA COTTON
Sound SOFIANE TIBS

These and other people are contributing their time and skills to achieve a shared vision.

You can be part of the team too!