NEW AUSTRALIAN FEATURE FILM "THE FORT" TO SCREEN IN CINEMAS FROM 18 MAY

THE FORT IS EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY SHAYNNA BLAZE AND DIRECTED BY CARLY ANNE KENNEALLY AND JESS KENNEALLY

The Fort, an important and timely new feature film exploring the cycle of family violence through generations will screen in cinemas from 18 May, with special screenings across the country.

Executive produced by Shaynna Blaze and directed by her children Carly Anne Kenneally and Jess Kenneally, the powerful and hopeful film was the catalyst to found the charity Voice of Change, a primary prevention organisation that aims to change the attitudes and behaviours that underpin family violence.

Set in 1990s regional Victoria, The Fort tells the story of one woman’s battle to escape her abusive marriage while attempting to shelter her son from the grim realities of family violence. Kitty (Eliza Charley) is a stay-at-home mum married to Graham (Jess Kenneally) whose suppression of a traumatic childhood sees him choosing to repeat abusive patterns of behaviour he and his mother experienced from his own father. Kitty begins to fear the impact the long-term effects her turbulent home life might have on her son, Tom (Dean Bills). Kitty builds Tom a fort in his bedroom; it transports Tom and Kitty to a series of fantasy worlds, that give Kitty a taste of freedom from the fear and control that dominates her home life, fortifying her to plan their escape.

The Fort addresses themes including physical, emotional and financial abuse, coercive control, patriarchal masculinity, survival tactics and the cycle of shame and abuse that carries through generations, and highlights the communication challenges experienced by victim-survivors and the people around them who want to support them.

To encourage audiences to engage with the subject matter and continue discussions, The Fort includes a pre-filmed post-screening discussion presented by Voice of Change with Ryder Jack (Facilitator, Tomorrowman), Georgina Williams (Chair, UN Women Australia) and Adrian Asdagi (Carlton Football Club’s Carlton Respects). In the discussion the panellists discuss the important themes explored in The Fort, suggest ways we can all bring about change by calling out disrespect when we see it and how the small actions of many can lead to meaningful large scale change.

The special screenings for the The Fort will begin in Melbourne on 18 May and coincide with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. The film is also available for screenings via Fan-Force.

For more information please contact:
NIXCO | E: info@nixco.com.au | T: +61 2 8399 0626

Notes to Editors:

VOICE OF CHANGE
Voice of Change is a not for profit charity using the arts to amplify the voices of victim- survivors of abuse, and to change the cultural attitudes and beliefs that underpin family violence. We believe everyone has a role to play in preventing Domestic Family Violence, with equality and respect at the core of this movement of change. Click here to learn more and support Voice of Change.

TESTIMONIALS FOR THE FORT

Ros Spence, Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Community Sport & Suburban Development: “A moving experience and important discussion about the next chapter in our response to the prevention of family violence”.

Kate Fitz-Gibbon Director, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, and Professor of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University: “The Fort should be seen by as broad an audience as possible. Time to up the stakes in our combined efforts to prevent family violence”.

Sally Nicholes. Managing Partner; Nicholes Family Lawyers: “The Fort is an incredibly powerful and important contribution to the conversation around family violence. Congratulations to Voice of Change Australia for creating and distributing this work. There is never an excuse for family violence.

Lauren Calloway, Assistant Commissioner at Victoria Police: “ Voice of Change’s movie The Fort is an excellent portrayal of the impact of intergenerational family violence. I recommend hosting a screening (to community groups, corporate businesses and organisations). It will inspire a very important conversation and assist everyone to see what they can do to be a Voice of Change.”

Dr Phil Lambert, Deputy Chair for Our Watch, Regional Director & General Manager of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority & led the development of Australia’s first national curriculum: “Confronting yes but that has to be the case to reveal the reality of the situation too many women and their children encounter limiting them as individuals and their potential”