I AM GONE
Domestic Violence Prevention -Shortfilm
We follow a young woman who is rushing through the dark streets of New York and learn what happened to her moments ago.
Survivors of domestic abuse talk about their journey and how they were able to escape the nightmare they were living in. Focus is on the many faces of domestic abuse. Statistics and recent events show that domestic violence happens everywhere, not only low-income families or certain areas of our society. This film is meant to empower those who are currently in need of help and hopes to make them realize that there is always a way out.
The music film "I am gone" has helped raising funds for non-profit organizationwww.safepassagelives.org and was screened at at their fundraiser at the CBS lots, as well as mentioned on CBS/ KCAL news.
Awards/Nominations:
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MANHATTAN 2015 - Best Music Video - WINNER
MOONDANCE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Best Music Video - WINNER
SUNSET FILM FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES 2015 - Best Music Video - 3rd PLACE
LONG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM EXPO 2015 - Best Music Video - FINALIST
INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARDS BERLIN 2015 - Best Short Documentary - FINALIST
MANHATTAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Official Selection
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF CINEMATIC ARTS LOS ANGELES 2015 - Official Selection
MOONFAZE FEMINIST FILM EVENT LOS ANGELES 2015 - Official Selection
GERMAN FILM- AND MEDIA EVALUATION - "Valuable" Rating
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
When I wrote the song “I am gone” in Fall 2013 there was no plan to ever record or make a movie out of it. I had moved from Europe to the East coast to the West coast by myself, and writing had always been my way to digest things. The overcast of having faced domestic abuse slowly dissolved.
A lucky string of circumstances allowed me to pick a handful of my songs and record them. While recording “I am gone” in July 2014, I felt that something magical was happening. Talking to other people made me realize that so many people of different cultures, races, gender, and status, face abuse every day. I decided to use the song to tell the story of each of them, of all of us, with a focus on the diversity of victims/survivors. I wanted to make sure that someone out there who is facing abuse might see the video and reaches out for help.
I immediately knew that the narrative part had to play in New York, in my old neighborhood in East Harlem. I wanted it to feel as real (to me) as possible while being straight to the point. The grittiness of the city added to the already dark story. I found my small NY crew (DP Pete and makeup artist Sketches) and it turned out they were perfect and understood my vision. A cold night in NYC, filled with memories.
The interview that involved real survivors of domestic abuse was filmed in Burbank (DP Pierre, behind the scenes Peter). I put an ad on craigslist to find brave ambassadors who wanted to participate. I also reached out to women shelters and organizations that help victims. This is how I found a wonderful group of people. We look so different, yet are so connected. Ady, the make up artist and a dear friend of mine, was so spot-on, it was incredible.
The interview part moved me a lot and I really wanted to underline the message that no matter how dark life might seem at that very moment, there is hope and light and help. If we made it, so can you.
This was my first production and I enjoyed every hat I wore. I loved organizing, scheduling, facing challenges like "when to be where with whom and what to do if they don't show up." My directing approach came from compassion and positive reinforcement. I wanted everyone to feel appreciated and confident. My team of crew and talent was the A-Team, everything went smooth and I felt like it could have gone on forever.
It was one of those moments when time stands still, everything goes with the flow, it doesn't feel like work but it feels like you're doing what you're meant to do. I found a new outlet for my passion for storytelling. Can't wait to see where it will lead me.
Life is a beautiful journey. And we are strong beyond measure. We can move mountains.