Say My Name

Wow, this film was sublime from start to finish! And even though SAY MY NAME is Rhoyce Nova's directorial debut, it looks and feels like it was done by a veteran director with many movies already under her belt.

This was partially traumatic viewing as it's based on the true experiences of a vulnerable, young woman living on the streets...And along the way she is sexually assaulted on the streets...And even more horrifyingly, there is sexual molestation in her childhood that's subtly alluded to in her backstory.

However it is also the type of story that can expand viewers' hearts and increase empathy. And perhaps it is also about the experience or fragility of isolated females? I'm not sure, but that's certainly one thing I felt while watching it.

Nova can sure tell a story and she almost crammed in as much content as many features, or at least TV episodes, into a 13 minute short. She somehow progressed things rapidly as it seems to me what would normally need several minutes worth of screentime was covered in 20 or 30 seconds in places. And yet I never got confused and following the story was very seamless for me. Even better, I didn't have to think or get a headache to follow the story...as the film guides viewers in an extremely smooth way. It's like obvious, yet paradoxically subtle, storytelling all at once.

Extremely impressed with everything this filmmaking team did visually - the way it was graded, the way at times it had a border around the edges which made it more intense or frightening for me (like peering into a dark, hidden world!). The lighting and the sheer amount of visual creativity on display here was quite spectacular - many of these shots were like impressionist paintings.

Some of the shots that really worked for me were the childhood flashback scenes with the creepy men drinking -- and the spinning of the mini roulette casino-style wheel. The lighting in that scene and the way the director, cinematographer and editor visually showed it was the past was super immersive.

Also the POV shot when the lead character is about to pass out in the street was very atmospheric - looking up at lanterns or some things hanging in the sky before it slowly fades to black as she loses consciousness.

Highly recommended viewing!

It is not often that I would be embarrassed by telling of a film that I absolutely love.

My embarrassment comes from the juxtaposition of my fortunate life against two powerful themes in this masterful short film, based on the true story found in the book, "Sleeping Under The Bridge" by Rev Dr Mel Baker.

She tells a brave story of overcoming an abusive childhood where accepting homelessness allows recovery and ultimately a hopeful life. The film version relies heavily on visual impact to compact what often takes an hour or two to relate into minutes of compelling drama. The evocative sound track is both haunting and beautiful, allowing the film to go largely wordless apart from the song lyrics.

I knew of lead actor Quinn as a musician and was quite startled by her debut performance as Mel. Clearly, she is someone to watch in further roles.

Director Rhoyce Nova runs a tight ship to extract such a powerful artwork in 11 minutes of painful pleasure. The author, Mel Baker, is on hand producing the film and also sings with Quinn.

The pain of forced homelessness is why I am embarrassed. I lent my house for the opening scenes. The impact of homelessness makes me guilty that many of my fellow citizens are without even a primitive home while I have the privilege of living in a very pleasant one.

Moreover the abusive father, compellingly played by James Ryan, expelling from this house his daughter to life or death on the streets represents the sort of Australian male I am deeply ashamed of.

Despite my embarrassment at my house setting off those personal reactions, I am pleased I allowed the scenes to be made as this little movie is a gem for the ages - tough viewing that will stimulate your thinking into your own future responses to homeless people and protection of abused women.

The contributions of the young Quinn, who persuaded us to lend the house is outstanding. Her musical score takes you into the world where pain passes by. Her lyrics and singing, together with the real Mel, you don't notice at first because the visual drama has such impact. And as the principal actor Quinn was unrecognisable once she first climbed the steps in the opening scene. That initial cheerful girl was the Quinn I knew. Entering the house she became the protagonist, Mel. Totally. That gift of disappearing into the person you play is why I am looking forward to her acting in other films - and why I regard my embarrassment a very small penalty indeed. Other viewers can simply appreciate the superb work of the whole team.

Powerful because you feel it not exactly as inspired adaptation of a book , but one of cases, from near reality, so easy ignored. And not exactly pity is the emotion animating you, but the guilt feeling about silence covering this kind of dramatic cases.

A young woman was used by her father as an object from the childhood. Dinks with friends, a roulette and presumed sexual abuse initiated by father.

At a moment, she is brutally rejected from her home. Living on streets, looking for food in garbage, hied and violated, living where she can , frighted by policemen, only a picture with her friend becomes a sort of consolation. But far to be real enough for feel her life acceptable.

Beautiful performance, admirable story.