COMING SOON: A FEATURE-LENGTH FAMILY DRAMA
(scroll down to watch the 10-minute short film)
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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.
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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. She moves to her grandparent's acreage to pursue her riding career but life spirals out of control when her grandma, Eulene, is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As her mind fades, Eulene wrestles with confusion and heartbreak over the absence of her beloved who lives in a nursing home.
When Jessica meets 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 meets 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.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
(click each to expand)
JESSICA RAE
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Our story follows Jessica Rae, an ordinary girl who dreams of an extraordinary life as a Show Jumper! However, when she moves out to her grandma’s acreage to train with her horse in thrilling anticipation of a long awaited riding career, she is not at all prepared for the struggle that lies ahead, following her grandma's devastating diagnosis. Jessica's fragile identity - wrapped up solely in her need to succeed - is stretched to the max as her perfectly-planned life spirals out of her control.
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EULENE MOORES
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"I’m Eulene; you lean on me, I lean on you!”
With unrelenting faith and a passionate love for her Lord & Savior, Eulene strives to “be a light without blinding anybody.” Her trusting spirit and constant gratitude is both a blessing and an annoyance to those who can’t seem to find the beauty in their own situations. Though her disease throws her into a state of vulnerability and confusion, her beauty, grace and sense of humor remain vibrant. “My memory's only half bad and my forgetter’s getting better!” |
SCOTT RYDER
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Scott Ryder is a free spirit who sees life as a spontaneous adventure! Despite the attention his endearing charm and good looks attract, he is more interested in freedom and adventure than the ties of a relationship…until he meets Jessica.
Stopping at nothing to reach her heart, he becomes a charming source of inspiration to Jessica as he challenges her to venture outside her comfort zone, escape her dependency on her own plans and discover the pure adventure in everyday life. |
SUZANNE SAUNDERS
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Jessica's dream appears to be coming true when her show jumping idol, Suzanne Saunders, recognizes her potential and offers her a job at one of the most elite equestrian centers in the country - and, if she delivers, the coveted opportunity to join their team on the show circuit!
With British charm, a presence that demands respect, and a solid track record of success in the prestigious world of show jumping, she motivates Jessica to rise to her potential and pursue her dreams before it's too late...but at what cost? |
BETH RAE
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From Eulene's perspective, her daughter, Beth Rae, is the problem. The "Martha" of the story, she often trips herself up by her well-meaning attempts to save the day by DOING things to care for her mom. In the end, she discovers that the richest form of love comes from simply BEING present. |
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 appeals to teens and young adults.
- Younger girls connect with the irresistible bond between horse and rider.
- 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.
OUR CORE PURPOSE...
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Alzheimer's AWARENESS - Despite being the fastest growing disease in North America, Alzheimer’s remains a mystery. The cost of care for Alzheimer’s patients is twice as much as for Cancer patients, yet the funds raised are minimal in comparison. There are 14 Million Alzheimer’s victims at this very moment who are unable to speak up for themselves, and their caregivers are too worn out and overwhelmed to advocate for change. When was the last time you saw a run for Alzheimer’s?
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INSPIRATION for Caregivers & Family - Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s takes a tremendous toll on the physical and emotional health of the caregiver. Aside from loneliness, depression, anxiety and exhaustion, levels of cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) often skyrocket in caregivers, leading to greater risk of heart disease and cancer. In fact, 40% of Alzheimer’s caregivers die from stress-related disorders before the patient does! (according to a Stanford Medicine Study)
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EMPATHY for the Patients: Frustration and anger is a common response from family and friends who don’t understand the disease: “She knows how to take a bath, she’s just being stubborn.” Even though they won’t remember what you said, they seem to remember how you made them feel. They literally live IN the moment! Living there with them – not 2 minutes in the past or in the future – is key to learning the language of their Heart's Song so you can sing along.
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OUR KEY TEAM...
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Letters of Support
Alzheimer's experts believe in our movie! Here's why...
G. Allen Power
MD, FACP, Author of
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| support_letter_-_al_power.pdf |
Frida Hållenius
PhD, Senior Lecturer
| support_letter_-_frida_hållenius.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! :-)
