The Willowman: Short Film

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

 

I delved into researching dementia as a topic to explore within this film. I find having an antagonist was vital to this particular story, but a hidden one. As described by patients, it is an unwanted invader, a spy attempting to take away your identity. The story came to be from the image of an elderly man, kindly and hardworking. Unbeknownst to his neighbours of his invisible tormentor.

 

I took inspiration from works such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Wiene, 1920). The Father (Zeller, 2020). The 36 Hour day (1981, Rabins, Mace) held remarkable insights into the lives of those living with Alzhiemers and the repercussions on their families. The concept of a person too stubborn to reveal their feelings is a thoroughly explored area of mental health. The take on an individual who is self aware and self hating has to be managed in a way which fits the short film format. Every facet of visual and audio storytelling must be explored to propel the thematic. The set design, the sound, the cinematography and lighting. I want this film to be a piece that can be examined many times over from all different angles. Though a relatively small scale project, it is full of visual language that I want to immerse the audience within.

 

This is a film which will bring light to many people. Some may take it as an educated take on dementia, others may see it as an introspective piece, leaning towards visual poetry. You may relate to the film, or know someone who can. This is for me and this is for you. With your help we can make this a reality.

 

- Jake Hickman

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION

 

The Willowman is a melancholic journey. It’s a short film about escapism and the inevitability of loss. Robert, a lonely farmer possessing signs of moderate dementia. He is visited by his curious granddaughter who makes him feel young again.

 

This story is a passion project, taking elements from the director's life and compiling them into a world of melancholy, light humour and confusion. Each set, each action and each piece of dialogue will be a clue for us and Robert’s granddaughter, Daisy, to unravel. The dynamic between these two characters within the story is to cherish and we intend on finding our actors through a vigorous casting process in order to provide the best film we can provide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHO IS THIS FOR?

 

With The Willowman, we are attempting to tackle the concept of escapism in a unique, introspective way that also brings light to dementia and alzheimers awareness. We hope to collaborate with such communities in order to provide a beautiful film for the families and those affected.

 

The principle of mental illness is a sheltered topic, especially in regards to the elderly who may not wish to live anymore with themselves. The loss of memory is frightening to many and raising awareness for such people who should be cared for is very important to us.

 

INTENDED SHOOT TIME

 

We are aiming to shoot The Willowman over the Easter holidays. As spring arrives, so does our story. This will be a Hampshire based production.

 

WHY IS THIS FILM IMPORTANT?

 

Aside from raising awareness and achieving festival traction. Our team are passionate story tellers who wish to strive far in their filmmaking careers. The majority of the crew are MA students, currently studying at UCA Farnham. We intend for this film to be our submission for our second semester unit, meaning all hands are on deck for this project and must be completed for both our sakes and the audiences.

 

On board our crew are many talented individuals who seek to capture as many stories as possible, simply because it is our passion to do so.

 

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED

 

70% of funds made will be invested straight into the production. Being location rent, actor pay, travel and food costs, equipment transport and insurance. The rest of the funding will be aimed directly at festival submissions to cover the entry fees. Festival submissions are integral to our intentions with the film, to give a voice to many who are unheard.

 

THE TEAM