WIFT REEL WOMEN MAKE FILMS - We're Here Now
Logline: Two sisters find themselves hiding out in a public toilet cubicle when the youngest has to take a pregnancy test.
Length: 06:42
Director: Nikki Richardson
Producer: Nikki Richardson
About the director and producer: Nikki hails from country Victoria, Australia. She has a background in film theory and fine art and is interested in stories that follow complex female characters and present an honest reflection of female perspective and experience. WE'RE HERE NOW is her first film.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Festivals and future collaborators.
Funders or production company: Victorian College of the Arts (foundations course)
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Congratulations! Why did you make this film?
Because I wanted to make a film that I would want to watch, something with characters that are real and relaetable. I think that in collaborating closely with my actors, we have achieved that.
Why is it called WE'RE HERE NOW?
Because I think it sums up the notion that the film is a small 'moment' in a sister relationship.
What led you to this story?
Originally I wanted to write something about shame surrounding sex during adolescence, but the film became less about that and more about the changing dynamics in a sister relationship. I like the idea of exploring non romantic relationships, particularly between women.
I chatted with my sister and we agreed that sister relationships are not something often explored in film so I wrote a script with her in mind and we went from there.
Is this a personal or universal story for you?
I think that the shame associated with sex during adolescence and the honesty of the sibling bond make this story universal.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It has all been very positive actually. I have particularly loved the fact that male audience members have praised it as, originally, I perhaps unfairly thought they wouldn't get it or wouldn't like it at all or be put off by the pregnancy test.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback from male viewers has pleasantly surprised me - it proves that men want to watch stories about complex female characters too so we should keep making them!
What are you looking to achieve by having this film more visible on this platform?
To acknowledge the efforts of the hardworking cast and crew who made the film, and to broaden our audience and perhaps find future collaborators who are interested in making similar stories.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify the film’s message?
Festivals - the film has just begun its festival circuit and we would love to keep going!
What type of impact would you like this film to have?
I would love to make as many people laugh and think as possible.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why is there such a great deal of shame surrounding sex for young people?
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to look at this write up, and here's my website if you'd like to know more: nikkimakesthings.net
What next for you?
I am currently developing some short film and web series ideas with my sister Julia, with a similar tone to this film, focusing on young girls' experience of life, relationships and sex. We are heading to Scotland soon where WE'RE HERE NOW will screen at XPONorth in Inverness which should be fun.