What Is Left Unsaid

The Film:

When Carrie and Ava meet, they fall hard and fast. It’s honeymoon phase bliss until their world shatters. Carrie is assaulted, and the mere thought of touch sends her body into a panic. Can their love overcome the weight Carrie now holds in her bones? Can she overcome the aftershocks of trauma and be intimate again? "What Is Left Unsaid" is a short film that delves into the ripple effects of sexual assault, exploring just how far the pain travels - from victims to lovers and families.

Why we are making this film:

Sexual assault is sadly far too prevalent in Aotearoa, with one in four people experiencing it according to the Ministry of Justice. Yet it is a topic dictated by shame that we still shove under the rug.

Our sincere hope is that What Is Left Unsaid (WILU) will educate our audience, showing them just how far the ripple effects of SA and rape culture travel, whilst also painting a message of hope.

Themes:

WILU explores the key themes of trauma, love and hope.

Our story demonstrates just how far the ripple effects of SA travel - when one cruel and random act of assault causes the foundations of an entire relationship to crumble. Trauma is stored in our body, and Carrie's struggle to accept the loving touch of her partner shows the physical manifestation of this.

Yet WILU also celebrates the strength and enduring power of love, as we see Ava chooses to stay by Carrie's side, despite an easy way out enticing her. Whilst Ava's physical and emotional needs aren't met in the wake of Carrie's assault, her faith in their bond and her love for Carrie triumphs.

Which leads us to hope. Ultimately the trauma Carrie experiences will shape her forever, but it doesn't define her. We see that she can overcome what was done to her and that healing is possible - especially with the support of those you love by your side.

Lastly, this film focuses on a queer relationship at the centre. It normalises them. That's just life. [Come at us].

The team:

Writer and Creative Producer - Connor Amor-Bendall

Director - Shay McKendrick

Producer - Danika Ciullo

Director of Photography - Caleb Corlett

Intimacy Coordinator - Ashleigh Waters

1st AD - Alex Walker

Sound Mixer and Recordist - David Peterson

Editor - Guillaume Arnoulet

Art Supervisor/Continuity - Milly Bossley Hoyte

Marketing - Junghwi Jo

Poster and Media - Ari Hughes

Sound Design - Jess Penson

Production Coordinator - Imogen Amor-Bendall

Script Supervisor - Meg Robinson

Production Assistants - Molly Curnow / Ray Miller / Sophie Richards / Tai Mouri

Your donation to our project helps to cover:

Every dollar goes directly to funding the production of this film

-         Cast and crew payments

-         Gear rentals and tech

-         Catering

-         Marketing

-         Post-production

-         Festivals

We can’t do this without you!

All or nothing!

Boosted is an all-or-nothing fundraising platform - if we don’t reach our target we don’t get a cent. We invite you to be a part of this meaningful project. Anything you can give is so deeply appreciated (and remember, all donations are eligible for a 33% tax credit).