Short Fiction Film (±13 min) Social Drama / Coming of Age / Family & Resilience

The sensitive young OLIVER (10) grows up in a primitive household with his father, BRIAN, a neglected soccer fanatic. Forced to care for himself, an entirely unexpected encounter between OLIVER and BELLA brings the sense of connection he had been seeking from his father.

A neglected ten-year-old boy tries to survive in a chaotic, cold household, until an entirely unexpected visit reminds him of what love and connection truly are.

Directors: ZONA WORLDWIDE (Finn Schouten & Kay Dekkers)

Producers:
April Hossain
Nicole Frankel

Cinematography:
Gabriel Shubat

Associate producer & Social impact advisor: Debra J. Pepler, O.C.,Ph.D., C.Psych, FRSC (Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology)

ABOUT
THE TEAM

Today, mental health and the impact of intergenerational trauma are being discussed more openly than ever. But emotional neglect is still something that often goes unseen. With THE ONES WE CALL FAMILY, we want to give space to that silence and show what it feels like through the eyes of a child.

We are very proud that Dr. Debra J. Pepler, one of Canada’s leading child psychologists and long-time advisor to UNICEF and the WHO, has joined us as an associate producer and advisor. She believes in the value of a film like this, and her involvement helps us make sure the story is told with care and psychological truth.

“In my experience sharing knowledge about bullying, I have learned that the most effective means to raise awareness is by touching the hearts of those involved with children and youth. I believe that this proposed film, The Ones We Call Family, will do just that and I am enthusiastically serving as an advisor and associate producer for the film.” — Dr. Debra J. Pepler

WHY NOW?

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

IN PRODUCTION.

THE ONES
WE CALL FAMILY

REQUESTS
TOWCF@ZONAWORLDWIDE.COM

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@TOWCFMOVIE

CASTING FORMS