WHAT IS BOATYARD?
"A young man runs into a boatyard to rent a boat from an older proprietor. Things escalate as they begin to reveal their fear of each other."
At its core, Boatyard is a comment on generational differences, masculinity and the consequences of inaction.
Swimmer (Ramsay, 2012)
The film explores these themes through the two characters who are opposites in every way - both tragically unable to see the other's viewpoint to the point that confrontation is inevitable. Ultimately, it is the anxiety and fear of youth that is preyed upon by the blinkered stubbornness and an inability to listen from the past that brings about an evil attack on innocence.
We want to explore how both the acts and, moreover, the fear of violence is viewed between different generations as well as the lack of empathy and understanding between ages.
Jaws (Spielberg, 1975)
WHY NOW?
Now, more than ever, the world is viewed in a binary way - politically, culturally, socially, morally. ‘The Culture Wars’ have created echo chambers for our own viewpoints and stunted our ability to grow and learn from others, differences in opinions and made it harder to learn from the past.
Masculinity has never had so many connotations. Discussions around the complex nature of masculinity vs problematic or toxic masculinity continue to dominate cultural discourse.
Generations are often divided on the topic through a lack of conversation and understanding of new or altering perspectives.
We are keen to ensure that masculinity is not represented as a male specific behaviour trait. The film is just as much about the femininity it is vital to project in order to be a balanced and inherently good person.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR - WILL DARCH
The story delves into a time in life that many young people go through as they leave education feeling lost and without direction. This can manifest itself into a lifetime of creative insecurities and is based a lot in my own experiences. I hope the film can tackle this in two ways - by getting people talking and also providing opportunities for young people to gain experience and confidence in their aspirations. As a teacher, this is something I truly feel passionate about and wish the classroom was able to support with more.
WHERE WILL MY MONEY GO?
For the first time since FYLM ANKOTH's inception, our team is crossing the Tamar and working with talented filmmakers based at Arts University Plymouth. We are passionate about film, storytelling and teaching. We are desperate to both tell this story and share the process with students as a tool to provide them with an experience to build knowledge and develop skills.
We need extra funding to make this film to the standard it deserves to be. Filming takes place over three days in October 2024. This money will go towards cast, crew, art design, accommodation, travel, equipment hire, editing, grading, festivals and beyond.
Your help in this process is massively appreciated and it will help us make something entertaining, impactful - we’d love for you to be a part of that!
ATLANTA (HBO, 2016-2022)