FOR film-maker Sarah Dinsey, her next project – five-part mini-series Falling In Slow Motion – is the most important project of her career.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 30, Sarah told Local Ipswich News the production was a window into some of the most challenging and heartbreaking times of her life.
“I wanted to make a love story for people that are sick like me and show them anything is possible, and you are worthy and valuable no matter what your body or brain tell you,” she said.
Falling In Slow Motion centres around Nate, a smooth-talking womaniser who changes his ways after falling in love with the chronically ill Joni.
“The main character is named and based after my first love and dear friend. I wanted to capture that feeling of first love in the story and I told him about it, and he was stoked,” Sarah said.
“While we were filming the proof of concept, he unexpectedly died, and it was the worst heartache I have ever known.
“I couldn’t work on it anymore, but after a while my friends and members of the cast and crew encouraged me to find a way to look at the story again.
“It’s a heart-warming story about acceptance, second chances, and the power of human connection.”
As a long-time resident of Ipswich, Sarah is excited about the opportunity to base the project here, with the pilot episode set to showcase several of Ipswich’s iconic landmarks and local businesses such as Rafter & Rose, Banshees Bar & Artspace, Stony Creek Brewing and Ungermann Brothers.
“I have a deep appreciation for the creative community we’ve built over the years,” she said.
“Over the years, I have been fortunate to forge valuable connections with local business owners and artists, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them again – alongside local cast, crew and artists.
“I truly believe that filming here will create numerous opportunities for artists and businesses to connect and collaborate, helping our creative scene thrive even more.”
Sarah said she was excited about the cast, which features experienced actors from both stage and screen, including James Mason who is best known as playing Chris Pappas on Neighbours, Lawrence Ola who has become a household face appearing in ads for STEP ONE and Sleeping Duck, and the uber-talented local product Kristen Barros.
The pilot episode of the mini-series is supported through The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF), a fundraising platform dedicated to Australian artists, with a crowdfunding campaign to ensure that funds raised will directly benefit the community and local arts scene.
