The Woman in the House by the Sea

A psychological thriller following ALICE (Sheena Irving) and her dog MOSS as they hunt a mysterious, threatening presence on the wild west coast of New Zealand. 

THE WOMAN IN THE HOUSE BY THE SEA is a visually arresting, performance-driven, indie short film exploring identity and loss from writer/director Miryam Jacobi, producer Maddy Askwith and cinematographer Jack Barry. 

Shot along the stunning Waikato coastline - this isolated area of Ruapuke has never been seen before in New Zealand cinema. 

With a huge amount of community and industry support, the filmmakers pulled together an incredible team to create a striking, high-production value project.

Featuring a gut-wrenching performance by Sheena Irving (Shortland Street, The Adventures of Suzy Boon, Dear Murderer), the film will be entered into international festivals - taking a slice of New Zealand cinema to the world. 

THE WOMAN IN THE HOUSE BY THE SEA offers a female perspective within the thriller genre, while giving audiences a time-bending, thought-provoking and terrifying journey - all produced in rural, coastal Aotearoa.

The film’s been shot and the editing is underway - but we need your help.

THE TEAM

Our team includes award-winning talent both in front of and behind the camera, including writer/director Miryam Jacobi (Disorder, Do You Like Me Like This?), producer Madeleine Askwith (Funny Face, The Mountains Are A Dream That Call To Me), executive producer and gaffer Merlin Wilford (Muru, Rain of the Children), cinematographer Jack Barry (Bottle Money, Payback), editor Sam Small (Bottle Money), editing mentor Annie Collins (Coming Home in the Dark, The World in Your Window) and composer David Long (The Luminaries, The Hobbit). Our talented cast of Sheena Irving (Shortland Street, The Adventures of Suzy Boon, Dear Murderer) and our gorgeous dog, Ice. The wider team includes a magnificent crew who came together to support their friend and colleague taking a next step in her career.

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED SO FAR

We have produced this film independently. We secured our shooting budget through self funding, private investment and a small grant from Hamilton City Council.

Our cast and crew have given in-kind sponsorship and support through their time, talent, production hard costs, technical equipment and post-production services so far. 

We’ve also had generous in-kind sponsorship from FAT Lighting, Niche Cameras, Rocket Rentals, Craft Services, The Shack, Raglan Coconut Yoghurt, Rocket Coffee and Volare. 

We wrapped filming in September 2023, and have begun the edit. 

We are beyond grateful to have a world-class team supporting the project with their craft and talent, and can’t wait to share this film with the world!

TARGET

We need $10,000 to finish the project. 

With this money we will be able to complete; 

• Editing
• Colour grade
• Sound design & mix
• Music composition 
• Visual effects

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We invite you to be a part of this special film, and help us bring it to the screen!

We are running a 30 day crowdfunding campaign to raise the final funds to complete the film.

Any donation, big or small, will be hugely appreciated. Your generous contribution will go directly towards post-production expenses.

Boosted is an all-or-nothing platform, meaning that if we don’t reach our target goal in 30 days… we won’t receive a cent.

Every person who chooses to donate will get a thank you and a special mention for their generosity in the film’s credits (think of your name up in lights!)

Especially during these challenging times we want to acknowledge that not everyone will have the ability to contribute monetarily. If you’re unable to donate - we would appreciate a share on your social media - spread the word!

P.S. A huge thank you to Sophie Miya-Smith for our stunning BTS photography and stills imagery!