Welcome to our crowdfunding page for Folie à Deux. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our project. 

SYNOPSIS: 

In this powerful short film, an overworked chef named Oliver battles with the relentless demands of his job and financial strain. Trapped in a cycle of exhaustion, he turns to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape, unwittingly dragging his girlfriend Isabel into his destructive habits. As Oliver's mental state deteriorates, reality and delusion become indistinguishable, leading him to confront the consequences of his actions and the harm inflicted on his partner. Oliver faces the challenge of rebuilding his life and repairing the shattered trust in their relationship. This film sheds light on the impact of mental health struggles, addiction, control, and abuse, urging us to recognize the importance of seeking help and healing.

WHY NOW?

The film explores men's mental health and how society perceives it. We follow the protagonist's journey as he navigates his psychosis and seeks acceptance and validation from his surroundings. The film intricately explores the elusive boundaries between morality and ambiguity, casting a critical eye on the institutions we often unquestioningly rely upon. Its dialogue resonates with a profound and poetic intensity, fearlessly confronting the existential turmoil that engulfs our protagonist.

As the story progresses, we discover darker forces at work and the need for acceptance in the protagonist's life. The film aims to remove the stigma surrounding men's mental health and encourage open dialogue. 

PHOTOS FROM OUR TEASER VIDEO

CAST AND CREW:

DIRECTOR & WRITER - Naveed Mir is an up-and-coming director and writer from London experienced in directing, screenwriting, casting, editing, and producing short films and video content. He has been a freelance actor with production companies such BBC Studios and Olympia Production. He has also worked as a SA for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and Apple TV. 

He has written and directed three short films including APPETENCE, which was selected by London Lift-Off's First Time Filmmaker Sessions, and won Best Short at Lulea International Film Festival and Best Fantasy Short at the Genesis International Film Festival. APPETENCE won Best First Time Director at the Rome International Movie Awards and the Movie Play International Film Festival.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13272263/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_3_nm_5_q_nav…

PRODUCER - Lauren Pizzicaroli is a writer, producer, and script consultant. She is a Project Manager for The Film Festival Doctor, the award winning film festival consultancy and management service. She has been a jury member for film festivals including Beeston Film Festival, London Lift-Off Film Festival, and Oak Cliff Film Festival. As writer and producer, Lauren’s first film called SOJOURN, which she crowdfunded on Greenlit earlier this year, is now in post production. Her first poetry pamphlet called DILUTING THE ELDER will be published this year and her NFT collectable story called THE CANOPY’S SHADOW will be launched on Storyverse shortly.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14397744/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_q_lau…

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT: 

As a filmmaker, I am passionate about exploring the human condition and shedding light on issues that are often ignored or stigmatized by society. With this film, I aim to challenge the audience's perceptions of mental illness, particularly in men, and spark a dialogue about the importance of seeking help and creating a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues.

The visual style of the film will be carefully crafted to immerse the audience in the protagonist's subjective experience, reflecting his fractured mind and fluctuating reality. Through the use of lighting, camera movement, framing, and voiceover, we will create a hyper-realistic style that conveys the protagonist's inner turmoil, his descent into madness, and his struggle for redemption. The film's production design and use of symbolisms will connect the protagonist's reality with his psychotic episodes, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of his psyche.

This film has the potential to make a significant impact on the audience. It aims to raise awareness of men's mental health, encourage men to speak up about their emotions, and combat societal norms that devalue emotional expression and vulnerability. We hope that the film will inspire progress towards a more compassionate and inclusive society that values mental health and well-being.

This film is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, reflecting the complexities of mental illness and the need for greater understanding and support. We are committed to creating a cinematic experience that is emotionally impactful, visually stunning, and socially relevant.

Cinematic Inspiration for Folie à Deux was taken from films such as 'Shutter Island' and 'Euphoria'

What are we using the crowdfunding for? 

We believe in paying our cast and crew fairly. So, we will be using most of the funds secured through this campaign to pay them the London Living Wage. We will also be paying travel and food expenses. 

In addition to cast and crew wages, we will be using campaign funds to pay for equipment, hair/makeup, costumes, production design, and post production. When the film is completed, we will identify our film's place in the festival circuit and submit to appropriate festivals within the UK and abroad. 

This short film will serve as a proof of concept for a feature film. 

Please follow our journey on Instagram by clicking the Instagram icon below. 

Thank you for your support!