Short Film Shines Light on Domestic Violence

Wellington, NZ - 3 October, 2011 - A UN Women report published in July 2011 stated that a third of New Zealand women have experienced physical violence from a partner within the last ten years. A new short film from award-winning filmmaker Chaz Harris hopes to highlight this issue within the context of a modern day fairy tale.

“Broken Glass” is a fantasy/drama about a young boy called Max Petersen who is being bullied at school and has an abusive father at home. One day, when playing alone in the woods, he discovers a mysterious creature that will change his life forever.

The project has attracted the support of Shine; New Zealand?s largest single domestic abuse organisation registered as a charity. Executive Director Jane Drumm says, “these are tough times and family violence is a grim issue - on both counts, this country needs to feel that a light is shining on a terrible problem and that some brightness is coming”.

The aim of the filmmakers is to create a story of fantasy realism that revisits a time in filmmaking when audiences were asked to use their imagination over being shown with visual effects. Once made, the film will be entered into leading international film festivals.

In addition to seeking private investors, producers of the film are also using innovative global funding platform RocketHub to source funds from anyone interested in contributing. Although a financial return on investment with short films is rare, it is important for all New Zealanders to see this often overlooked subject matter portrayed on the big screen.

People interested in contributing to the film can visit the funding page on RocketHub for more information: http://rockethub.com/projects/3247-broken-glass#

About Shine: In 2011, Shine is celebrating 20 years of doing what works to stop domestic abuse. As New Zealand’s largest single domestic abuse organisation registered as a charity, Shine provides support services for women and children in situations of domestic abuse. For more information about Shine visit www.2shine.org.nz.

About RocketHub: RocketHub.com provides the opportunity for all Creatives to harness the power of the crowd and provides Fuelers with a safe, credible environment in which you can comfortably support Creatives and creative projects. www.rockethub.com.

About Chaz Harris: Originally from the UK, Chaz has worked in a variety of film industry roles on several features, under Oscar-nominated producer Alison Owen and within the development team at Miramax Films in London. Moving to New Zealand in 2006, his acclaimed short film The Shoe Box launched online and went on to screen on film channel Rialto throughout 2009. Earlier this year, his web series 101 Dates won 7 awards at the 2011 Los Angeles Web Series Festival including Outstanding Comedy Series along with awards for writing, directing, cinematography, editing and acting.

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