Senf

Senf is a short film that follows a Croatian/Dalmatian family in New Zealand, as they decide how to get their fathers ashes back home. It deals with diaspora, grief and family through a light hearted telling.

Though Senf deals with themes that can often be heavy in nature, we want to take a lighter, more comedic approach to the story. We hope the film to be more of a celebration of culture and a reflection on how families can come together under circumstance. Written and directed by Lara Yelavich Coddington it draws on her experience growing up with this community and she hopes it sings her love for it. 

Seperation from ones homeland is something that has become all too familiar to a lot of us. We want this film, in part, to share the joy that is the efforts families make to keep “home” alive in themselves and others. Those before us created ties that can’t be cut.

Why do we need crowdfunding?

It’s no secret that films aren’t cheap to make - big or small.

We need funding for big things like covering equipment hire, dressing/costume cost etc. As well as funding important things like looking after our cast and crew (kai, koha etc.).

Please give what you can. If you are not in a position to support but would like to please share this page with your friends and family. 

(some of) The Team

Writer/Director - Lara Yelavich-Coddington

Producer - Betty Scott Molloy

Cinematographer - Warren Rodricks

Directors Statement

This is my first short film and no, it is not about my family! I grew up with this community, due to where my mums side is from. The story tries to bring to light the aspects of ourselves we love to laugh about (or at least, my cousins and I like to laugh about). I always felt lucky to have ties to a culture that congregates in masses and is community based- always loud and rarely lonely. I also want to pay tribute to the strong ties the early immigrants to NZ made to back home. Many of them never made it back, but created ties to Dalmatia so strong, that years on they are still being felt by people like me today.

Thank you so much for contributing to this project / labour of love it means the world.