by Sofia Paul
Heretics unfolds in the 10th century Europe, following a family who must flee their home after an invasion.
The idea blossomed from a trip to an art gallery in Melbourne.
“I saw a painting of a hill (‘After the Massacre of Glencoe 1889’), that’s all it was. For whatever reason, my first thought: I imagined a family running up that hill away from something,” Blake said to us.
At the time, the director did not know exactly what that was. He wrote the first version of the script, still unsure what they were running from.
“It was very difficult. I did a few different versions, I thought… is it going to be a monster? In the end, I realised that the most frightening thing is people.”
After doing research on massacres throughout history, he found one that suited the world of Heretics.
“Around 900AD, this group of crusaders went through the European countryside wiping out everybody in their way, anyone who was different.”
Adon Blake acknowledges the many people who helped bring the film into existence.
The cast and crew of 55 volunteers gave generously over the last 2-3 years.
His family contributed a lot, with his wife Janine working as the Production Manager, her mother Cheryl Kannemeyer taking the role of Unit Manager and the director’s own mother even making the costumes. Blake also wanted to make special mention of his best friend and 1st AD Greg Pereira.
The creative husband and wife duo own three different businesses: Always Weddings, Panta Creative and Full Heart Films (which previously all fell under ICIRIS Video Production), allowing them to undertake a range of productions.
“I think trudging through that sort of work has helped me learn a few more things about the filmmaking process.”
Heretics initially filmed in regional WA in 2019, wrapping in August this year. Although the pandemic pressed pause on the production, the filmmaker is excited to have his creation complete.
So far, Heretics has been entered into Sundance and Tribeca, and is in the process of setting up local screenings.
Looking back on the early stages, Blake’s work hit home.
“When I was first writing the story to find out what it was really about, I brought it to a few people and a number of them said they pretty much went through the same situation as the main characters.
“They were forced out of their hometown when they were young. The story is also about religious bias; when people have a belief and think it’s absolutely true and everything else is wrong.”
Fifteen-year-old Alka (played by Chloe Jean Vincent) is who we will see as the film’s protagonist, however this was not always the plan. Originally, the father seemed to be the most appropriate lead.
“Then I realised the character that had the most to learn from the story was the young girl, so the focus shifted onto her instead.”
Blake said it was crucial for the audience to see Alka take this position because she starts out quite innocent and oblivious.
“A lot of people would love to be oblivious, but I think it’s important for people to know what’s really out there and how to deal with it.
“Also, from the female perspective, facing up against these brutal male characters.”
So, what does he hope for the viewers?
“Well firstly I’m hoping that they believe it was filmed in Europe. We’ve had a few Polish people watch it and they seem pretty interested so far.
“I think it was a huge learning experience, even if nothing else happens from now.
“I didn’t realise at first, but someone came and told me that all of my stories seem to be about someone small facing something big.”
Whatever comes next for Blake, it’s bound to be something big.
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