Thank you for taking the time to look at this GoFundMe campaign for our short film MACHA. Your donations will go towards paying everyone who is involved in the project fairly, as well as covering costs for equipment rental, set design, location, catering, post production and other expenses associated with film production. Your generosity will aid us in producing a high-quality film that aims to reach a wide audience and authentically represent the struggles faced by the endometriosis community.

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory condition where tissue, similar to but not the same as the endometrium grows elsewhere in the body. Often thought as only impacting reproductive organs, endometriosis is a whole body disease that has been found in every organ in the body. It can occur without a uterus present and despite misinformation currently has no cure. Research shows about 200 million

people worldwide are affected, with an average diagnosis time of 8-10 years.

Any donation that you can contribute helps! If you are unable to donate, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share our campaign.

The Film

MACHA is an Irish drama that follows the journey of Ana, a young woman who’s in pursuit of answers for her chronic pain due to endometriosis. Her father’s inability to understand her condition creates tension between them. Ana, empowers herself through the tale of the Irish Goddess of War and Fertility, Macha. Drawing parallels to her own battle, Ana, as a warrior, finds solace and resilience to overcome her journey through the Irish medical system.

Drawing inspiration from writers personal journey, MACHA highlights the impact that the symptoms and seeking a diagnosis for endometriosis can have on individuals and their loved ones.

The story centers around the relationship between Ana and her father, Fionn. Despite his relentless efforts, the harsh reality of a broken medical system leaves Fionn feeling lost in how to best support his daughter through her debilitating symptoms.

The title MACHA is inspired by the Irish myth of the Goddess of War and Fertility, whose tragic story symbolises sacrifice and strength. In the film, the worlds of Macha and Ana converge, blending Irish mythology and elements of horror into a modern story. MACHA is a story of perseverance, the strength of family, and unwavering determination.

Why This, Why Now?

My ongoing struggle has spanned over 12 years, enduring multiple surgeries before finally being diagnosed in November 2023. Despite this, I continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms that have greatly impacted my career, relationships, and mental health, leaving me bedridden for weeks at a time.

Advocates call us chronic illness warriors, inspiring me to draw parallels between Ana's and Macha's warrior tales. In Ireland, endometriosis is poorly understood, leading to late diagnosis and limited specialist care. The Irish mythological elements

provide an interesting representation of barriers still within the Irish Medical system.

With MACHA’s narrative-driven approach we hope to shed light on the effects endometriosis has on our relationships with our loved ones which is often overlooked. People will experience the profound impact that debilitating symptoms of endometriosis have on our day- to-day lives, showing their true and grim reality. Many face medical gaslighting, leading to isolation and distress. Macha reveals how an unsupportive medical system can leave our loved ones feeling helpless in supporting us, causing strain on their own lives.

Visual References from our treatment designed by

Instagram : @nicoleoconor   

Website: nicoleoconnordesign.com

Who are we ?

NIAMH MAHONY is an actor and graduate of Bow Street Academy’s Full Time Programme.Over the past three years she has documented her journey to get a diagnosis for endometriosis. Niamh is diving into screenwriting and preparing to make her debut with a fictional short film inspired by her experiences.

SHANE ROBINSON is an acting graduate from the full time screen acting programme at Bow St Academy. He has a BA (Hons) degree in Film and Television Production from University of Wolverhampton. He moved into directing in 2018 with his first short GO HOME written by Síofra O Meara and produced by Pale Rebel Productions. His second film LICENCE FOR NIL written by Shannon Welby, funded by Donegal County Council just recently finished up its festival run after premiering at the 35th Galway Film Fleadh.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our film please send us a message on Instagram @macha_short_film

For additional information on endometriosis, please refer to the dedicated advocates listed below who have been valuable sources of support and guidance throughout my personal experience with endometriosis:

Sarah Rose

Instagram : @mypelvicpain

Sarah Rose is a journalist from Belfast. In 2019 she set up her Instagram account after dealing with undiagnosed pelvic pain since the age of 8. She first heard about endometriosis in the online space and four months later after travelling to England she finally had her diagnosis. In the last five years she started working as a journalist and tried to raise awareness about endometriosis and the lack of care and support in Northern Ireland. Along the way she has also been diagnosed with Adenomyosis and Crohn's disease and April 2023 she travelled to Bucharest for her latest surgery.

"The last five years have been incredibly tough if it wasn't for this online community or space I would never have gotten my answers this is why I share my story." - Sarah Rose

Kathleen King

Instagram: @kathleen_m_king

Kathleen is a Medical Scientist and an influential advocate for endometriosis in Ireland, and has dedicated over 25 years to raising awareness and support for those affected by this debilitating condition. Kathleen actively collaborates with healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and policymakers to improve diagnosis, treatment options, and support services. She organises educational seminars, awareness campaigns, and fundraising events both locally and internationally. Through her online platforms, she provides a supportive community for individuals living with endometriosis.

The DEARG Podcast (Delivering Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Resources and Guidance) gives an Irish voice within the endometriosis and adenomyosis community. It aims to raise awareness of both conditions and deliver accurate and relevant information in a free and accessible format.

You can listen to DEARG on Spotify HERE . Also available on Youtube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon music.

Kathleen is also the Team Lead for the Irish Endometriosis March (24th March 2024) which is part of a worldwide movement to to raise the profile of endometriosis. You can get your free tickets to the march HERE .

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.