Hey you, I assume if you're here reading this it's because you're either considering donating or we've shoved this link in your face too many times and you obviously wanna see what all the fuss is about.

 

My name is Alba Fernandez and I've written a film called Oisín. I'm also directing it. And shooting it. And grading it. Lots of hats innit? You see, I'm a cinematographer, and last year the Kildare County Council kindly awarded us a bursary to go make this film . Unfortunately, COVID got in the way and now we need your help.

 

So who is "us"?

 

As I mentioned, my name is Alba and I'm usually a cinematographer. This time I'm in the director's seat after working on Oisín for over 3 years.

 

 

Here's my website: https://www.albafernandezdop.com/

 

And this is my best friend Danilo Zambrano. He's the producer brain behind this whole operation. We both met in college and have been pretty much attached to the hip for the past 8 years.

 

 

 

What's this short y'all keep talking about?

 

Well, Oisín is a very personal story I have been developing over the last few years. It goes a little like this:

"Single mother Clara, lives with her nonverbal 11 year old son Oisín. Deep into a routine full of meltdowns and sensory discoveries, as well as prepping for Oisín's 12th birthday, Clara's only break is her nightly appointment with the washing machines at her local petrol station.

One night, she bumps into Olivia, her younger and more charismatic neighbour and immediately a connection develops between them. At first unassuming, the two women become closer as they receive glimpses into each other's lives and realise they are both looking for what the other currently has. As this is the first time in 12 years that Clara experiences a more engaging relationship with someone else, she is forced to make a choice between herself and her son."

You still here? Okay, class. You see this story is about 3 people showcasing their own challenges with communication and highlighting their need for some basic human connection. With Oisín I wanted to write a film with characters you have met and set it in Ireland as I feel there's currently a gap when it comes to these types of queer, female led stories - especially those by actual queer women.

 

(Yes I'm gay! Did the cap give it away? The bleach blonde hair? Or the Harrington jacket?)

 

Get to the cash bit Alba

 

Yes sorry... As I mentioned above, we were awarded the Kildare Co. Council bursary last year and with Ireland going into various lockdowns and a very real threat of a killer virus out there we've postponed this film 3 times. We are now at a point where we feel we can go ahead with the shoot, however we now face some funding challenges - and this is where I need your help.

 

We are asking for €3000.

 

• Around €1300 (~43%) is going to COVID testing the cast and crew prior to the shoot and acquiring the necessary PPE to carry out this shoot over 4 days.

 

• The rest of the funds are going towards creating a COVID safe bubble by providing accommodation for all cast and crew. This way we feel people don't have to go back home and back into set and risk exposing any potential COVID positive case to any family, friends, housemates and/or members of the film itself.

 

What do I get out of this?

 

My entire soul and a Special Thanks credit in the film. All donations will also receive a private link upon completion and the opportunity to say that you were instrumental in my first funded film as director.

 

If you're not in a comfortable financial position just a share will do, I'd appreciate any and all support.

 

From the bottom of my heart, I hope this is a project you'd like to be part of one way or another and if we have met in person just know I will buy you a pint the next time I see you.