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.
