COMING SOON: A FEATURE-LENGTH FAMILY DRAMA
(scroll down to watch the 10-minute short film)
|
Heartsong was written straight from the heart of a granddaughter whose life plans were 'disappointed' when she became 'reappointed' as a full-time caregiver.
WATCH THE TEASER (1-minute)(Scroll down to watch the full 10-minute Short Film)
Many movies entertain; but stories have the power to spark movements and influence change. That is our mission.
|
Inspired by one exceptional woman and the Butterfly Effect of her life on those around her...
SHORT SYNOPSIS
Jessica is an ordinary girl who dreams of an extraordinary life as a competitive equestrian. Her perfectly planned life spirals out of control, however, when her grandmother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and she falls into the role of her caregiver.
When Jessica reconnects with a childhood friend, Scott, a rustic young cowboy with a troubled past, a flame is kindled. He becomes a charming source of inspiration as the three of them navigate the daily challenges of Alzheimer's together.
When Jessica reconnects with a childhood friend, Scott, a rustic young cowboy with a troubled past, a flame is kindled. He becomes a charming source of inspiration as the three of them navigate the daily challenges of Alzheimer's together.
WHY DOES HEARTSONG MATTER?
|
About 1.25-million Young Caregivers (ages 15-24) in Canada are overlooked and underrepresented on screen. While Alzheimer's has been seen in films, it’s commonly in supporting characters, often as the comic relief. Rarely is a story told that is raw and rooted in truth, and never written from the perspective of a granddaughter.
|
There are about 750,000 Canadians living with dementia, with that number expected to increase to nearly 1,700,000 by 2050 and the unpaid caregiving impact from the afflicted’s family members equal to 690,000 full-time jobs. (Landmark Study Report published by the Alzheimer Society of Canada)
|
|
The National Institutes of Health calculates the cost of care for an Alzheimer’s patient to be double that of a cancer patient that of a cancer patient but the funds raised are minimal in comparison, as the patients are often unable to speak up for themselves and their caregivers are too worn out and overwhelmed to advocate for change.
In fact, it’s common for Alzheimer’s caregivers to die from stress-related disorders before the patient does! (Stanford Medicine Study) |
|
Heartsong is a story urgently needed to RESTORE HOPE for caregivers, STIMULATE COMPASSION in the patient’s family and friends, and RAISE AWARENESS, while demonstrating PRACTICAL TOOLS and STRATEGIES from Alzheimer’s experts.
HEARTSONG: THE SHORT FILM (10-minutes)
(Get a sneak-peak into the look and feel of the feature film!)
TARGET AUDIENCE...
Heartsong is a heartwarming story that is sure to evoke laughter, tears, and touch the hearts of FAMILIES!
- The romance element and the irresistible bond between horse and rider, appeals to teens and young adults.
- Parents are drawn to the solid core values that our characters learn about love that goes beyond romance, the fulfillment found in service over self, and the unique beauty that can only be found in the midst of struggle.
- And for the families who love someone with dementia, this movie will not only entertain, but with bits of education artfully tucked into the seams, it will leave its viewers inspired and enlightened to care for their loved ones with a greater sense of purpose and joyful intention.
OUR KEY TEAM...
|
LAURA LIEBEN
Screenwriter/Producer/Actress |
Laura Lieben's work as an actress has taken her from Alberta, to Vancouver, to the mountains of Colorado and to a palace in Croatia, Europe. She is best known for the emotional depth and endearing vulnerability she brings to her characters in dramas such as In His Steps, based on the bestselling novel by Charles Sheldon, and Stolen Path, based on a true story and screened in festivals internationally.
Most recently, she starred in Neshama Entertainment's Finding a Killer to be distributed by Marvista Entertainment, and made an appearance in Heartland, Season 16, Episode 5, aired on October 30, 2022. She received a Best Performance" nomination in AMPIA's Rosie Awards for her self-written and produced short film, Heartsong: Silver Lining. |
|
|
Justin Brunelle is an award-winning video producer known for his visually striking and emotionally resonant work in documentary, narrative filmmaking, commercial and adventure films. Over the last decade of filmmaking, Justin has immersed himself in each story he tells. This dedication to his craft has gained him recognition for his unique style and storytelling.
He has since produced many films which have received critical acclaim and awards around the world. Recent credits include Travel Alberta, Heritage Canada Foundation, United States Air Force, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, University of Alberta, TELUS, Must Do Canada, Corus Entertainment and World Triathlon Corporation. |
|
DAVID BARON
Cinematographer |
David Baron is an experienced and respected cinematographer based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. David has over 10 years of experience as a full-time freelance Director of Photography shooting both 35/16mm film and modern digital formats. He has shot projects for broadcasters including: NBC, CBC, Crave, Cottage Life, A24, APTN, CTV and Super-channel.
David's most recent DP credits include: “Wild Rose Vet” which will air early 2022 on Cottage Life and APTN; “Blind Ambition: The Wop May Story”, shot on 35mm film, which won Best Documentary Short and an audience choice award at Edmonton International Film Festival; "Queen of the Oil Patch" Season 2 which started airing in June 2020; "The Former Life of Amber Valley" which won a 2018 Canadian Screen Award. |
Our Partners
Alzheimer's experts believe in our movie! Here's why...
G. Allen Power
MD, FACP, Author of
| ||||||||
| support_letter_-_al_power.pdf |
The Young Caregivers Association
Non-Profit Organization (Canadian)
| support_letter_-_young_caregivers.pdf |
Teepa Snow
Founder & CEO of
"Positive Approach to Care"
| support_letter_-_teepa_snow.pdf |
FUNDING - Where's it coming from?
TELUS STORYHIVE awarded Heartsong with a $10,000 grant to produce the 10-minute pilot project you viewed above. Upon seeing the completed pilot, the team at TELUS connected with us to say that they "really saw the potential in Heartsong and would love to find a way to work together on seeing it grow." We were invited to apply for the "TELUS Fund."
TELUS FUND'S PURPOSE: "Fund exceptional content that promotes the health & well-being of Canadians through stories that appeal to our emotions, change our perceptions, stimulate empathy and share knowledge in an entertaining way."
*WHAT IS THE BUDGET?
"There are no per project maximums for production financing at the Fund. Applicants are encouraged to request only what they need to achieve realistic measured success objectives. Each year 15-25 projects have received on average $200,000 in production financing... a few exceptional submissions have received more than $500,000." (covering 30-50% of the budget)
TELUS FUND'S PURPOSE: "Fund exceptional content that promotes the health & well-being of Canadians through stories that appeal to our emotions, change our perceptions, stimulate empathy and share knowledge in an entertaining way."
*WHAT IS THE BUDGET?
"There are no per project maximums for production financing at the Fund. Applicants are encouraged to request only what they need to achieve realistic measured success objectives. Each year 15-25 projects have received on average $200,000 in production financing... a few exceptional submissions have received more than $500,000." (covering 30-50% of the budget)
Want to get involved? Contact Us today and let's connect! :-)
