The Dining Table

STORY:

Jess becomes frustrated at the dining table when her family are not including her in family conversations. More than just a “dining table moment”, we step into the shoes of Jess as she discovers her voice. 

The Dining Table is a short film about a Deaf girl. It's an intimate piece which explores what it’s like to be isolated within your own family home, an experience many in the Deaf community can relate to. 

WHY THIS FILM?

As a production, we are passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity. The Dining Table speaks to universal truths about family, identity, and social isolation. We want to immerse viewers in a truly audio-visual experience and have them ponder the theme of social isolation - something that everyone can connect with in these COVID times. We’re excited for The Dining Table to shed light on the Deaf experience. And as hearing filmmakers we are allies with the Deaf community and hope to start important conversations about awareness and accessibility. 

Making his directorial debut, Christopher Hines hopes to compel audiences to empathise with Deaf people and communicate with the people around them better. Chris is a CODA (child of a Deaf adult) and The Dining Table is based on experiences from his mother’s life. 

A note from our director:

This film is to empower Deaf people, not to feel sorry for them. I want people to understand that Deaf people don’t feel sorry for themselves and that they do have a voice, a beautiful one.

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED: 

You can’t be what you can’t see. Inspire the next generation of Deaf actors. Films featuring Deaf actors don’t often get made. Help us make one!

The Dining Table’s principal photography is happening late August 2022.

We are looking for $10,000 to go towards:

• Talent fees
• Crew fees
• Location
• Equipment hire
• Production design

Donations made by NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit from the IRD with a receipt provided by The Arts Foundation.

MEET OUR CREW:

Christopher Hines (CODA) is a New Zealand Film Director, Cinematographer and Editor. He is the co-founder of Red Rock Films with partner and collaborator Jade Jackson (Raids). RR Films is focused on authentic storytelling and seeing Pasifika and indigenous Māori voices in front of and behind the camera. 

Jessica George is a short film producer from Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt). She is a recent graduate from Victoria University of Wellington's Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) programme. 

Shelley Waddams (CODA)  is a screen and theatre writer who graduated from Unitec in 2017 with a bachelor in Performing and Screen Arts, majoring in acting. Shelley strives to write real female characters with all the messy bits left in. 

Byron Gibbons (CODA) is our NZSL interpreter.