Murray Enders' Debut Feature Film: DIVE

Hi, I'm Murray, I'm an emerging filmmaker in Melbourne and I'm raising funds to direct my debut feature film: DIVE. The average price of an independent Australian Feature Film is $4,000,000, so getting even half of that is no small order, but I have a clear strategy to make it happen. Firstly, I am working with screenwriter Sireesha Mani-Krishna to develop scripts for both the feature film and also a short film. In 2024 I plan to shoot the short film as a proof of concept for the feature and enter it into major international film festivals (MIFF, Sundance, Cannes, Toronto, Berlinale, Raindance, Tribeca, SXSW). With an official selection into one of these festivals, and the feature film script, I want to pitch the film to independent film production companies in Australia, as well as government funding bodies such as VicScreen and Screen Aus.

This Gofundme is for 2 purposes, to fund the proof of concept short film, and fund the costs of pitching the film for full feature film financing. If through some miracle I'm able to crowdfund the budget of the entire feature film... well I'm not against miracles!

"DIVE" is a coming-of-age drama that follows the journey of Michelle, an introverted 18-year-old girl living in a small coastal town on the great ocean road. Michelle's life revolves around her mother, Anita, who has built a secure but controlling environment for them as an immigrant to Australia. Michelle's best friend, Tom, supports her through their final year of high school.

Michelle's life takes a dramatic turn when she falls from a cliff and suffers physical and emotional scars. After a lengthy recovery, she realises she wants to reclaim agency over her life. Michelle's physical therapist encourages her to face her fears and overcome the barriers that hold her back. Determined to regain control, Michelle decides to learn how to cliff dive.

Michelle faces resistance from her mother, who is afraid of losing her. Tom, meanwhile, develops romantic feelings for Michelle as he witnesses her newfound drive. Despite their concerns, Michelle secretly trains herself to dive, with Tom's assistance. She wakes up before sunrise every day to practise and keeps her activities hidden from her mother.

As Michelle progresses in her training, her mother becomes suspicious and confronts her about the cliff diving. In a moment of defiance, Michelle decides to leave home, seeking support from Tom. Left alone, Anita reflects on her own journey as an immigrant and the sacrifices she made to provide Michelle with a better life.

The climax of the story arrives when Michelle confronts the big cliff and decides to dive, symbolising her independence and reclaiming her own identity. However, her mother, fearing for her safety, opposes her decision vehemently. Michelle's resolve to pursue her own happiness leads to a dramatic confrontation, with her mother giving her an ultimatum.

Michelle spends the night contemplating her choices and the sacrifices her mother made for her. The next morning, she returns home to find her mother asleep at the kitchen table. As they share a quiet moment, Anita reveals her own struggles and the difficult decisions she made to secure a better future for Michelle. This revelation resonates with Michelle as she leaps off the cliff, symbolising her own journey towards independence.

Michelle emerges from the water, triumphant and with a renewed sense of self. She has learned that making difficult choices is necessary for personal growth and happiness. In the final scene, Michelle sits atop the cliff with Tom, contemplating the ocean. Tom, on the verge of confessing his love, realises that their journey of self-discovery is just beginning, and they both find solace in their individual growth.

"DIVE" explores themes of personal agency, cutting the umbilical cord with parents, the fallacy of romantic completion, and feminism. It emphasises the importance of making difficult decisions to pursue personal growth, even if it means hurting those we love. The film celebrates the strength and resilience of women while challenging patriarchal systems that limit their autonomy. Ultimately, "DIVE" highlights the transformative power of embracing one's own journey and finding happiness on one's own terms.