A Newcastle short film, which showcases the area’s queer community and the beauty of gender expression, has made its mark on the world stage.
Unbroken, filmed throughout the Hunter and starring Elise Vohradsky as well as local drag queen Timberlina, recently picked up two prestigious Award of Merits from the IndieFEST Film Awards in California, USA.
The event recognises movie, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change.
The dual acknowledgement is testament to the film’s executive producer Tyler Waters.
His representation through words in his song, Unbroken, told the journey of a child into adulthood battling the adversities of their gender identity, bringing a social awareness to some issues transgender may go through.
The movie was also acclaimed in the LBGTQI+ category, honouring the quality storytelling specific to the rainbow community worldwide.
Waters now joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally-respected award, including 2021 Academy Award recipient If Anything Happens I Love You by Laura Dern, Will McCormack and Michael Govier; Oscar nominee Liam Neeson as the narrator of Love Thy Nature; A Path Appears documentary featuring George Clooney and Blake Lively; Radical Grace, executive-produced by Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon; a searing expose Davids and Goliath by Peabody winner Leon Lee; and Touched with Fire starring Katie Holmes.
“The IndieFEST is not an easy award to win,” chair Rick Prickett said.
“Entries are received from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent.
“And, the judges were pleased with the exceptional high-quality on offer.
“The goal of the IndieFEST Film Awards is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”
Unbroken was performed in collaboration with singer Caitlin O’Reilly, an artist who produced a stunning vocal performance.
Produced and directed to engage with the community around gender transition to shine a wonderful light of inclusiveness for all LGBTQI+ people, it features an exceptional story line, with heartfelt moments of pain and turmoil evolving into freedom of one’s self.
Vorodsky, a Sydney actress and family member, brings Waters’ journey to life as the tormented teenager and adult figure in a breathtaking way.
“Tyler is my cousin, and it was an honour to play his younger self in this production,” she said.
“Growing up I would always admire him for being brave and unapologetic about who he is.
“This award gives global recognition of his amazing talent.”
Beautiful cinematography grasping each moment by Aaron Haberfield from Toybox Studios helped to make each frame a masterpiece.
Directed by Kathy Moore, an award-winning filmmaker, Unbroken does what it was meant to do, bring attention to a misrepresented subject of gender identity.
“Showing my story through film and song has been an open and raw experience for me,” Waters said.
“These awards give recognition of the message we are portraying.
“That the LGBTQI+ community is brave and resilient.”
Moore was full of praise, too.
“I’m proud of the cast who had to overcome some of their own personal inner struggles to make this film a reality and to give it a strong and honest voice,” she said.
“I am both enormously excited and humble to receive this international award.”
It was a similar sentiment shared by O’Reilly.
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me,” she said.
“I’m honoured to have collaborated on such a unique and outstanding project with a powerful message.
“To have my musical contribution recognised is uplifting and encouraging… and I’m incredibly grateful.”
Timberlina was “so proud” to be a part of such a special production.
“It’s amazing that Unbroken is being recognised, there is so much heart and soul in this film,” she said.
“It is so well deserved.”
The Unbroken project continues in the future with the desire to make a documentary showing the day-to-day life of transgender people locally in Newcastle and how the community views them, with hope of shedding some light into the darkness of discrimination and ignorance.
“If people would like to know more, they can contact me,” Waters said.
“We are looking for help to secure grants and interested professionals who would like to join our crew to make this happen.”
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