SCREEN
It’s Crooked Wood That Shows The Best Sculptor
Short Film (2023)
-
"It's Crooked Wood That Shows The Best Sculptor," is a captivating short film that speaks directly to the South Sudanese community's unique journey, tackling the importance of culturally specific mental health literacy and the transformative power of communication.
The title itself draws upon the universal wisdom found within the African proverb of the same name. This powerful proverb speaks to the nature of our struggles as human beings and how they shape us into something beautiful.
Within the African community, the struggle to translate the concept of mental health and to access vital information as well as treatment can be particularly daunting. For the South Sudanese Community particularly, this struggle is layered with, but not limited to, the impacts of intergenerational trauma, displacement, and discrimination. But we believe that together, we can overcome these challenges and build a courageous community that values mental wellbeing.
We follow the story of Akol, a young student who yearns for understanding and connection. Through his heartfelt plea, we witness the significance of having open conversations about our feelings and the strength it takes to speak up.
The South Sudanese community has a rich tradition of supporting one another, and "It's Crooked Wood That Shows The Best Sculptor" honours this heritage. We explore the importance of reconnecting with our loved ones, breaking down barriers, and fostering an environment where discussing emotions is seen as a sign of courage.
Through the film, we see Akol's longing for his mother's understanding. In a moving scene, she reaches to touch his shoulder, and he bravely says, "Mum, I miss the older days where you use to sit with me and you would listen to what I had to say…" Paired with beautiful poetry written by Achut Thuc, the film displays shared vulnerability, highlighting the power of listening and empathy in building stronger relationships within our community and our own families.
This project was supported by:
BLVCK GOLD
Short Film (2021)
Image ‘Tino’ BLVCK GOLD Short Film, 2021 Victor Ng.
LOGLINE
Tormented about his past by ongoing nightmares, amateur athlete Tino uses running as a way to escape old wounds. His attempts are foiled when a childhood friend – Frederick, who is fresh out of prison – reconnects with him and, seeking to redeem himself, presents Tino with a plan and a mysterious object wrapped in a paper bag.
BLVCK GOLD SHORT FILM - OFFICIAL TRAILER
-
Tino, an amateur athlete, is the promise of his community and the kind of child every mother wants. Not wanting to let his community down he tries very hard to live up to their expectations and the responsibility that comes with it. His long time friend Frederick is ethereal in nature, a force to be reckoned with and fresh out of prison. He is a changed man but is haunted by the violence and deaths of his black community, and is trying to redeem himself by being a positive influence.
Both are seeking to find a way to liberate and unite their community through education and self-determination. However, they have grown apart over the years and have very different ways of going about it.
As Frederick seeks to reconnect with his childhood friend, their views on unity begin to clash when he tries to give Tino a mystery object. Intended as a gift from Tino's father, Frederick explains his plans regarding the mystery object. Tino refuses the proposition as he has worked too hard to rebuild himself and to be the opposite of his father.
One early morning, while out training, Tino gets stopped by police. All alone with no witnesses around he is brutally bashed and left for dead. The only sound he hears is the voice of his father, which guides him to realise that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and no matter how much of an angel he tries to be, in the eyes of the law he is always seen as a threat and never an asset.
Out of anger and desperation, Tino reaches out to Frederick to put to action the plan he once refused. Finally, the mystery object is revealed to us. Tino and Frederick both know that in order to succeed in their mission they have to learn that their own liberation is tied together and they cannot get it without each other.
-
Best Actor (Ras-Samuel Welda’abzgi) at the St Kilda Film Festival 2022
Best Student Film at the Bronzelens Film Festival 2022
Best Actor (Ras-Samuel Welda’abzgi) at the Bronzelens Film Festival 2022
-
John Barry Australia Award for Best Cinematography in an Australian Short Film presented to Victor Ng at the 32nd Flickerfest International Short Film Festival 2023
-
Tino Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi
Frederick Rashidi Edward
Rahwa Danayt Berhe
Dice Alexander Lloyd
Freya Tariro Mavondo
Yoni Zackaria Deng
Father Haleqa-Dagnaew Gebre'wahid
Police Officer 1 Andy Johnston
Police Officer 2 Alessandra Merlo
Track Umpire Galaa Geleta
-
Director Ez Eldin Deng
Writer Ras-Samuel Welda’abzgi
Producer Geskeva Komba
Cinematographer Victor Ng
Production Designer Monica Kabissios
Editor Sean Lewis
Composer Alex Olijnyk
Sound Design Hamish Keen