How things are born
A young woman approaching motherhood must decide when to give and when to take a life.
-
David WillisDirector
-
David WillisWriter
-
David WillisProducer
-
Maree LowesKey Cast"Cass"
-
Nick WrightKey Cast"Dan"
-
Project Type:Short
-
Runtime:14 minutes 25 seconds
-
Completion Date:November 15, 2019
-
Production Budget:10,000 USD
-
Country of Origin:Australia
-
Country of Filming:Australia
-
Language:English
-
Shooting Format:Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:2.39:1
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:Yes
-
Student Project:No
-
Flickerfest International Short Film Festival (Academy Accredited & BAFTA Recognised)Bondi, Sydney
Australia
January 11, 2020
World Premiere
Official Selection -
Museum of Applied Arts & SciencesSydney
Australia
March 24, 2022
Curated -
Flickers Rhode Island Film FestivalRhode Island
United States
Semi-finalist -
Australian Independent Film Festival2022
Australia
Semi-Finalist
David Willis is a narrative filmmaker with a unique background in criminal investigations, which has greatly influenced his artistic vision. After discovering his passion for storytelling, he embarked on a creative journey that led him to become a highly skilled Writer and Director.
Having recognized the power of visual storytelling, David pursued a formal education in screenwriting at Australia's premiere film school, the Australian Film Radio and Television School (AFTRS). It was during his time at AFTRS that he honed his craft, developing a deep understanding of narrative structure, character development, and visual storytelling techniques.
Determined to bring his creative vision to life, David took matters into his own hands and wrote, produced, directed, and shot his first film titled "ME, I am." using a DSLR camera. This ambitious project allowed him to showcase his versatility as a filmmaker and explore his distinctive style, characterized by measured tension, captivating build-ups, and cathartic releases.
Recognizing his talent and passion for storytelling, David spent time in London-based production company, Pundersons Gardens, to collaborate on feature film scripts. His involvement with Pundersons Gardens allowed him to delve deeper into the intricacies of screenwriting, crafting narratives that challenge conventional storytelling norms and provoke thought-provoking questions.
David's dedication to his craft led him to become an artist in residence at the filmmaking collective of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) in Sydney, Australia. This experience provided him with a unique platform to explore the intersection of art and technology, further enhancing his visual storytelling abilities.
In 2020, David wrote, produced, and directed his award-winning short film titled "How things are born," which premiered at the prestigious Flickerfest International Film Festival. This film captivated audiences and critics alike with its ability to ask profound questions through a carefully crafted narrative. Additionally, it was recognized as a semi-finalist at Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Australian International Film Festival. Furthermore, the film was screened at the renowned Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, solidifying David's reputation as a thought-provoking filmmaker.
David Willis' films transcend traditional storytelling boundaries. Each project he undertakes is an exploration of the human experience, prompting viewers to question the world around them. With an unwavering commitment to his vision and a deep understanding of storytelling techniques, David continues to create captivating and thought-provoking films that challenge and inspire audiences worldwide.
I'm fascinated by the relationship between man and the natural world. Over time, people have chosen what animals to eat, what animal behaviours are acceptable and what animal behaviours are not acceptable. Often, animals are viewed as lesser, instinct driven creatures, subordinate and non self-aware.
“Who cares? We’ve evolved, top of the food chain, that’s the way it’s always been.”
There seems to be a concerted effort to distinguish ‘man’ from ‘the natural world’. It's as though we’re trying to separate ourselves from something. Like an A.I robot bashing in a blender to differentiate itself, they’re still unequivocally made of the same stuff, one is just capable of crunching data.
With this in mind, 'How things are born' is a film that seeks to ask the question... "how different are we, really?"
- Director, David Willis