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East Timor’s first feature takes the crowd-funding path

FairTrade Films and Dili Film Works are using a crowd-funding strategy to raise finance for A Guerra Da Beatriz, which they claim will be East Timor’s first feature film.

John Maynard is one of the producers, and SBS and the World Movies channel have acquired the film for broadcast in Australia; even the president of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta has already contributed to the project.

A Guerra Da Beatriz is “a powerful love story spanning the years 1975 – 2002, of one woman’s conviction to remain true to the man she loves and the country for which she fought”. It is inspired by a true 16th century French story about Bertrande de Rols and her husband Martin Guerre; in this adaptation the story has been transposed to East Timor on the eve of the Indonesian invasion of the Portuguese colony.

Australian filmmaker John Maynard will produce the film alongside Stella Zammataro and Jose Da Costa.  The script was written by Timorese author Irim Tolentino (who will also star in the title role), and Luigi Acquisto. Bety Reis will co-direct.

The project website claims that “FairTrade Films is committed, through its charter, to an equitable and ethical working relationship with its East Timorese partners. Profits from the film will go to Dili Film Works to finance training and future development and productions”.

The goal is to raise $50,000 by the start of pre-production on June 6.  The producers are offering membership of the Beatriz fan club, a copy of the film on DVD and acknowledgement on the website for $60. And for $500, sponsors will receive a credit in the film.

To contribute, visit www.indiegogo.com/A-Guerra-Da-Beatriz

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