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The Lost Souls Poster

The Lost Souls (2013) 10.0


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General Information

Completed On: 01 Aug, 2013

Director: Heather Waters

Duration: 19 min 3 sec

Genres: Short

Language: English

Country: Australia

Submitted By: Heather Waters

Festival Rating 6.3

Sarah is 16, pregnant and unwed. In an era where this is frowned upon, closed adoption seems the only answer. Sarah is forced into the system of barbaric and inhumane treatment, only to receive a formal apology nearing the end of her life.
Based on actual accounts, The Lost Souls is set in 1968 and tells the harrowing tale of what it was like to be young, pregnant and unwed. It reflects the policies, practices and treatment of the governments' of the time and the views of society.
Starring Laura Tilley as Sarah

  • Film Type
    Short
  • Genres
    Drama
  • Runtime
    19 minutes 3 seconds
  • Completion Date
    01 Aug, 2013
  • Production Budget
    25000 AUD
  • Country of Origin
    Australia
  • Country of Filming
    Australia
  • Film Language
    English
  • Shooting Format
    1080p
  • Aspect Ratio
  • Film Color
    Color
  • Student Project
    No
  • First-time Filmmaker
    Yes

Best Shorts
United States
LaJolla
12/01/2013
South Australian Premiere
Award of Merit

Director's Biography

My aim is to raise awareness, educate and advocate for adoption by giving adoptees a voice through film and by actively being involved in the community.

Ever since I can recall, I have owned a camera and always loved snapping away. I recall the excitement of taking the roll of film into the chemist, then the anticipation while waiting a week for it to be developed. I remember asking in hope which day it would be that I would finally get to see all the beautiful images that I photographed. During this decade, I developed a love for films also. I recall sneaking my grandma off, against my mother’s wishes, to see “The Shining” with Jack Nicholson, at the cinema during the school holidays. It was a real treat to see a film up on the big screen back then. That was the 70’s.

In the 80’s I was introduced to professional photography and “the darkroom”. I learned that’s not a place you make out but in fact a place where film negatives are developed and turned into prints. I loved learning about this art. My lecturer even stated that I “have the ability to “see” a picture.”

Throughout this time, I was involved in performing arts. Mostly Calisthenics however ballet, gymnastics, drama and stage performances (plays) were also part of my arts education.

The continuation of photography would eventually lead into editing then film-making. It has always been a passion of mine. Some of the business qualifications behind me are business studies, management, sales and admin.

Director's Statement

After reading the Senate Inquiry in early 2012, I decided to collaborate my strengths and experience to create the screenplay, “The Lost Souls” which is centered around past forced adoption policies and practices and based on actual accounts of women’s experiences. During this time Waters Productions came to life and so began the journey of professional film-making.

On a personal note:

I am directly affected by adoption in that I am an adoptee. My mother was one of those women who had to hand over her child for adoption back in the 60′s. That part of my life and indeed her life, was not as brutal as some however I was placed into a home where there was little physical nurturing nor support. Unfortunately, Social workers only visited a couple of times shortly thereafter, focusing only on the conditions of the house and whether I was being clothed and fed etc.

My adoptive parents officially separated when I was four and I was raised an only child by my adoptive mother. I have met my biological parents and my half siblings however I think that it is difficult for all concerned to find our comfortable place for where we all belong. My entire life has been spent searching for my own identity. Even after finding my biological mother, the hole in my life still remains and always will. I have been directly involved with support groups, seminars, supervising groups, read heaps of literature on the subject and continue to be actively involved with helping others in the adoption arena.

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