JUSTICE - A Short Film

INTRO

Hi there,

Likelihoods are if you’re seeing this then you know who I am, and you know a bit about my journey. But if not (and to save assumption) - Hi! I’m Tori and thank you for coming to my fundraiser page for my first short film, ‘Justice’.

I am an actor and writer from the Valleys. I have a first class Masters in scriptwriting and over the last few years have been moving into making my own work. I have written for BBC Wales and am currently under commission co-writing a BBC Wales comedy pilot. I have written original works for 'BBC Sesh' - a BBC comedy sketch platform, garnering over 10 millions views. Theatres such as The Other Room, The Riverfront Theatre and The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. And I am currently in the development phase of my one woman show 'My Normal F***ing Sex Life', an exploration of the female identifying sexual experience. As an actor I have worked extensively for 17 years in film, theatre, and television across the UK and Ireland, (and even a little stint in Bollywood).

I starred as 'Zee' in the BBC Comedy series 'Backwashed' and have worked with some incredible creatives including Rhys Ifans and BAFTA winning director Kieran Evans.

I am passionate about making work that has meaning and asks questions and ‘Justice’ is very close to my heart.  I wrote it early on in 2023 and it’s been a long journey to get it made. I have applied for funding and, unfortunately, have not been successful. I have the majority of the team together who are doing it for free, but there are some costs involved that can’t be avoided.

And that’s where you come in!

Your donation will go towards these unavoidable costs such as location, (including dressing the set), travel expenses and sending the film to festivals, all whilst making this film the best that it can be, on a barebones budget. 

So; what’s the film about, Tori?

STORY

‘Justice’ asks the question – ‘What happens when the very people who are supposed to protect us become the people we need protecting from?’ Two women contemplate their fate after a terrible incident that leaves them questioning justice in a society dictated by patriarchy and corruption.

Drawing on personal and collective experience, ‘Justice’ explores the difficult subject matter of domestic violence, societal violence, and the cyclical nature of violence for both perpetrator and victim. 

It looks at the relationship between two friends on a night that will change their lives forever. 

LEGACY

I have complex post-traumatic stress disorder, so my work tends to lean towards wellness and linking in with support such as charities and mental health resources. 

We hope to do the same with this film. ‘Justice’ aims to provide provocative, thought-provoking content, that links in with resources that can support those who are affected by it. 

10% of all donations will go to New Pathways who support survivors of sexual violence. I have worked with this charity several times and I am in awe of the incredible work they do throughout Wales.

https://www.newpathways.org.uk/

We also have a mental health facilitator attached to the work for the creatives involved, so that their wellness is prioritised throughout the process.

I am developing a practice that is heavily focused on creative wellness, sustainability and accessibility. My aim is to model this practice for creatives, both emerging and established, understanding from my own personal experience with complex PTSD how important it is to have wellness at the forefront for longevity within the industry, but also to get the best out of people. That’s what we want, right?

I want to make work in Wales, showcase Welsh talent, and invest and enhance Welsh creatives.

‘Justice’ will be my debut short film that encompasses all these things. I will also be taking on the role of 'Lennie' in the film.

ABOUT THE TEAM

‘Justice’ is also an opportunity for many of the creatives attached. Often, with funding, the expectation is that you have an example of your work before you’re granted funding. This can be very difficult for most people who do not have the funds to make work that is of value or of good quality. My seventeen years within the industry in various forms has meant that I have worked with some incredible people who are contributing their time for free because they believe in the project, but also, as an opportunity for them to expand their skillset.

This includes;

ELERI B JONES - Director

Eleri is a theatre and TV director, originally from North Wales. After working as an actor and 1st AD across TV, film and theatre for 8 years, Eleri transitioned into directing under the guidance of BAFTA winning director Carol Wiseman, and was selected as one of the first recipients of the Carne Traineeship for Directors in Wales, based at Theatr Clwyd and mentored by Tamara Harvey. In 2023, Eleri was selected as the successful candidate for the Directors UK, Stage Directors UK and Lime Pictures programme, ‘From Stage to Small Screen’ designed to guide theatre directors in diversifying their careers by broadening into TV Directing. Eleri directed 4 episodes of Hollyoaks, with 3 further episodes due to air in 2024.

Eleri’s previous directing credits include Resident Director on the National Theatre's UK and Ireland Tour of THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, CELEBRATED VIRGINS (Theatr Clwyd) which she also co-created, SPRINKLES (Dirty Protest), the WOMEN REDISCOVERED Film Series (Theatr Clwyd), and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Charles Dickens Museum). 

Eleri is currently the Director & CEO of Theatr Brycheiniog, Wales.

KATIE ELIN-SALT – Actor – Molly

Katie Elin-Salt is an actor/writer from Bridgend, South Wales. As an actor - Katie's screen work includes featured roles in Stella (Sky 1), Coronation Street (ITV), Flash Prank (MTV), Tissues and Issues (BBC) and Doctors (BBC). As a writer Katie has been a part of the BBC Voices and Chanel 4 screenwriting schemes, and is currently developing several screenplays for production. Katie is also a trained creative arts therapist, specialising in trauma-informed Music Therapy.  Alongside her creative pursuits, Katie is proud to be an activist and advocate for women's rights. A survivor herself, Katie is a former ambassador for Bridgend Women's Aid, and has been a part of several campaigns to raise awareness over the years. Katie has also set up several survivors choirs in women's refuges and within charities across London.

Most recently, following the murder of Aisling Murphy, Katie organised a reclaim the night run in her local community, attended by over 300 local community members, councillors and women's charities. 

Katie believes passionately in every women's right to live without fear of violence and abuse. She is proud to be a part of such an important and vital film that explores this topic, and hopes that bringing awareness and conversation to this issue will support a much-needed systemic change for survivors everywhere. 

ATLANTA SWANNACK – Producer 

Atlanta has worked as an editor for Like an Egg Productions for seven years, working on a variety of projects. These include two short films; 'The Arborist' with Ffilm Cymru and BBC Wales, and 'My Favourite Place' which won the 'British Independent Film Festival Award' for 'Rising Star' in 2022 . She has worked alongside producers a number of times over the years and is excited to be undergoing a full producing role for the first time on ‘Justice' with the support of Like an Egg Productions.

As a working class woman, Atlanta did not feel there was a place for her in the industry. But having found her feet as an editor, Atlanta is excited to move into the role of producer and take the next step in her career.

LIKE AN EGG PRODUCTIONS – Production and Production support.

Like an Egg Productions have been making films and telling stories for 14 years. We are proudly based in Pontypridd and are passionate about amplifying the voices of those around us, especially in the creative industries. As an experienced production company, we are very excited to support this talented team of filmmakers tell this powerful story. 

REBECCA NEMBHARD – Wellness Facilitator

Rebecca has a graduate certificate in ‘Advance Practice in Psychology and Wellbeing from the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) (2022). ‘I assess and treat common mental health conditions and aim to equip people with the tools and techniques to achieve their mental health goals. I am trained to assess mental health difficulties that I do not treat, such as OCD. I also manage risk, ensuring clients remain safe. I do this as part of my current role with www.wearewithout.org.uk.

In relation to this project this will mean creating a safe environment to be creative, managing risks that may occur and utilising any mental health tools.’