Fraternus Short Film Funding

Dementia-stricken octogenarian, Reverend Joseph Foley, finds his long lost memories, and his love of cupcakes reignited after a chance encounter with a mysterious boy who takes him on a journey back to his childhood.

FILM TITLE: FRĀTERNUS

SCREENPLAY WRITER: Simon Woods

GENRE: Personal Journey, Thriller, Fantasy.

DURATION: 10 minutes

FILMING LOCATION: Mid-West Ireland,

Tipperary, Clare, Limerick

A message from Director Ciara Kelleher & Scriptwriter Simon Woods.

ABOUT THE FILM

Frāternus is a heartfelt, moving story inspired by a true event. Our main character is Reverend Joe, who alone must confront the battleground of his mind, where the echoes of his past clash with his faith.

This poignant film weaves a tapestry of happiness, loss and the delicate threads of recollection. As time takes its toll, Frāternus asks us to examine our own minds' beliefs and recall our own memories. It reminds us that the human spirit endures, even when memories flicker.

Characters & Locations - Pitch Deck Image for Frāternus.

A poignant exploration of memory.

The film delves into the beauty of nostalgia, the complexities of grief, and the enduring power of human bonds. Prepare to step into Joe's shoes, experiencing his life's memories, his joys and his sorrow firsthand, and his love of cupcakes.

Frāternus is a testament to the profound impact we have on each other, reminding us that even as we age, love and connection remain our greatest strength.

LIMITED - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDITS

Ever wanted an Executive Producer credit in a film?

Here's your opportunity to obtain an Executive Producer credit. You can get one by donating €250 or more to our film production budget.

By doing so you will not only help to get a great film made, support local film jobs, you'll get yourself an Executive Producer credit in our film Fraternus.

Executive Producer places are limited!

See Terms & Conditions below.

LOCATIONS

Filming will take place in two locations, a Church of Ireland, church and a country house and gardens. The house which resembles 1930-1940's era decor and furnishings.

The Church.

Saint John's, Abington Church, Murroe, Co. Limerick

The House and Garden.

Clonshavoy, Murroe, Co. Limerick

ABOUT THE TEAM

DIRECTOR

Ciara Kelleher

Ciara has made three short films to date, a live action horror film Family Man, Movers and Shapers and What Makes Great Sex?

Her work has been selected for festivals such as newport Beach Film Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, Portuguese Surf Film Festival, Docs Ireland, Kerry International Film Festival, Richard Harris International Film Festival, The Other Venice Film Festival, Inheritance Film Festival, the British and Irish Film Festival of Luxembourg, Achill Island Film Festival, San Diego Surf Film Festival, Irish Film Festival Los Angeles, Bilboa Surf Film Festival.

She won best Director at the Vesuvius International Film Festival. And received a Judges Special Mention at the Richard Harris International Film Festival.

Ciara's passion for telling community-led and thought-evoking films is strong, which is why Frāternus appeals to her.

PRODUCER

Wolodymyr 'Vlad' Smishkewych

Every so often, a producer gets a chance to help bring a story to life that uniquely blends a heartfelt narrative with a timely social-awareness element, and which is raised to a new level by a subtle touch of the slightly paranormal.

Frāternus is a film which brings together this trifecta of storytelling dimensions through its recall of nostalgic childhood memories, its sensitive—yet frank—treatment of dementia, and the presence of otherworldly mystery in its depiction of an end-of-life passage.

As producer of Frāternus, I will ensure the streamlined execution of the film, delivered on budget and on time.

The quietly dramatic and highly effective script by Simon Woods helps us aim for an efficient production: the action is limited to two principal interior locations and two exterior locations, posing few complications given that the creative team are extremely familiar with rural locations in the West and Midwest of Ireland. Collaborating production companies Now and Then Media and Stimuli Entertainment also have a strong contact book of film personnel and other resources close to hand in the Limerick/Clare/Tipperary and Shannon River areas.

As producer with a specialism in historical accuracy and performance, I have access to period locations and sets/properties which will facilitate those scenes which take place in the protagonist’s childhood in the 1940s.

Abington church, Murroe, Co. Limerick is our desired location, and we have now secured a location in Birdhill, Co. Tipperary which has green, summer-like foliage year-round for the exterior scenes.

Our Crew List is sourced from some of the best talent in the Limerick and Midwest areas. Our above- and below-the-line team includes a well-balanced representation of folk from across the spectra of LGBTQ, disability, and ethnic communities, both visible and invisible. The biggest strength of this diverse pool of individuals is that they are doing the finest work in the industry, and we know that this shared bond of purpose elevates us all in our work on this project.

We will begin filming at end-October into early November 2024, and move into post production in December for a new year 2025 delivery.

My production company Now and Then Media has primarily worked on music video, educational, and live concert film and audio projects since 2020, most recently adding two dance for film productions to its portfolio in 2022 and 2023 with Rocking and Triple Spiral. 2024 sees Now and Then Media entering narrative drama production with the upcoming short Picture Girl (now in postproduction), plus LGBTQIA+ romcom short Tea & Crumpet and Fraternus on our 2024 slate. With Now and Then Media, I look forward to producing our first feature length documentary and drama work in 2025.

SCREENPLAY WRITER

Simon Woods

Simon has been writing since he was a teenager. He has trained in screenwriting under Philip Parker, taken training in further creative writing and writing for Journalism. He has written and produced many short stories, screenplays, documentaries, factual entertainment and vox pop vlogs.

His passion is not just in writing, Simon owns and runs Stimuli Entertainment, he is hands on in all aspects of productions and is working towards producing both TV and film works. He is co producer on this film production.

His first short live action screenplay he wrote, directed and produced was Outta Depth, a crime drama about a man, down on his luck, chewed up and spat out. He is naive and clueless as to dangers of the world he is working in.

Simon's next short film was Consciousness of Time, shortlisted by Engine Shorts. A story about a couple who are living in a futuristic world where everyone and everything is watched and controlled. Escaping is merely a thought, thoughts are the only things that can't be controlled, yet.

Simon's next screenplay is Tea & Crumpet which is currently in film pre-production. A story about a married gay couple, infidelity, sex, trust, cheating, polyamory, dancing and tea, a modern way of life in Ireland, what's not to love!?

On Frāternus "I wanted to write a short story about my father and his brother, my uncle, of when they were young. Frāternus, the Latin for Fraternal, Brotherly is set in modern day and mid 1940's Ireland. The story is about the bond between the brothers, one of which, in modern day, Reverend Joe is suffering with dementia.

Dementia is a terrible disease which I watched my Mother suffer from(Vascular Dementia), and it took her life at only 63.

It is pervasive force, this illness leaves its mark on many. It's a shared experience, a journey witnessed by countless individuals who've supported loved ones through the shock of diagnosis, the fight for health, and the heartbreaking farewell.

Joe can't remember events early in his day or the names of people he knows in his community. Delving into his memories as a child, Joe can remember his family, Mum, Dad and his older brother as if he was reliving every moment in reality, while his mind is slipping away".

ACTORS AND PRODUCTION CREW

We're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive production, offering opportunities to underrepresented talent in the Midwest. To achieve this, we prioritize sourcing actors and crew locally whenever possible.

We hold open auditions for all roles, actors and crew alike. While experience is a plus, we value talent and potential over extensive portfolios. This ensures everyone has a fair shot at joining our team.

SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact in the production of our film. We prioritize the "Three R's" of sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This plan outlines our strategies for minimizing waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging carpooling and sustainable transportation options.

Every effort is made, small changes make a big difference!

By implementing these practices, we aim to create a sustainable film production that minimizes its environmental impact. We believe that film making can be a force for good, and we are committed to doing our part for the planet.

FUNDING RAISED

All funds raised through this Gofundme fundraising campaign will solely be used in the production and post production of the live action short film titled: Frāternus. This will assist in the related production costs for things like but not limited to: public liability film insurance, location hire, transportation, crew hire, catering, music composer/copyright purchase, festival entry fees/marketing(Distribution), miscellaneous pre/post production related costs and third party related film service provider fees.

DISTRIBUTION

Frāternus will be submitted to recognized Irish and International Film Festivals with the intention to be viewed by wide audiences as well as film distributors and the film industry as a whole.

When the film festival circuit has been completed it is intended to release the film either through streaming sites in their short films category or publicly via its own YouTube channel and with paid promotion through its own Social Media Spaces.

PRIVATE SCREENING

A private screening with Director, Producer and Writer Q&A will be arranged and held upon completion for post production. Everyone who donates to this Gofundme film production(fundraiser) will be invited to attend.

Date and location will be sent in advance of this event.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Ciara, Vlad, and Simon. Your support is invaluable as we embark on this journey. Not only will your donation help us bring a captivating Irish story to life as a high-quality film, but it will also empower everyone involved, directly or indirectly, to learn, grow, and gain invaluable experience. Every contribution makes a difference!

PRODUCTION & POST PRODUCTION

This film is a co-production between

Stimuli Entertainment and Now and Then Media Ltd.

CONTACT

For inquiries contact Simon Woods through this Gofundme account.

LinkedIn:

Ciara Kelleher

Wolodymyr Vlad Smishkewych - Now and Then Media Ltd.

Simon Woods - Stimuli Entertainment

Terms and Conditions

General donations:

For donations from €5 and up to and under €99 you will receive an invite to our private film screening in Limerick.

No listing in the film credits is offered. Your name will not be publicized anywhere outside of the Go Fund Me donators list, unless you selected the option to donate anonymously. This is a Go Fund Me website feature and beyond our control.

For donations from €100 up to and under €249 your name will be included on a list in the film credits under the heading 'Thanks to' plus you will receive an invite to our private film screening in Limerick.

Executive Producer donations:

In return for your donation of €250 or amounts exceeding, offers a one time, credit in the film credits as Executive Producer credit / title only. Plus you will receive an invite to our private film screening in Limerick.

NOTE: By donating to our Fraternus Go Fund Me fundraiser, this does not form a contract with you and us, of any sort. No creative or editorial input to any aspect, pre / post or stage of production is offered or expected. It does not offer or give in anyway, any legal entitlement, copyright / copyleft rights or control of this film, or its content. By donating €100 or over, when applicable, you are agreeing to having your name listed in the film's credits under the appropriate credit and or heading. Your name will not be publicized elsewhere.

The private film screening date and location will be confirmed in early 2025. Invites will be sent to the email address you provided when donating to this Go Fund Me account. By attending the Private film screening you are agreeing to being included in any publicity we may use from the event, in the form of still photography, video and audio recordings. Still images, video and audio recordings will be digitally edited and used for promotion and marketing purposes only.

2024©SimonWoods Stimuli Entertainment

Images & Graphics:

The images used on this Gofundme fundraiser are for illustrative purposes only. We strive to use own, freely available and royalty/copyright free images and properly attribute them whenever possible. However, we do not claim ownership of all images used, and the intellectual property rights for each image belong to its respective owner(s).

If you are the copyright owner of any image(s) used on this Gofundme fundraiser and do not wish for it to appear here, please contact Simon Woods using the contact form within this Gofundme account and we will be happy to remove it promptly.