Black Horned Night Heron
A International Dog Production
In Association with
For those of you who don’t know me – I’m Mara Ditchfield Greene, I set out two years ago to become a film maker; not just any old Hollywood type, but rather a a global one. That brought me to New York University’s Tisch Asia in Singapore. Next year I will graduate with an MFA in film direction. Since arriving at Tisch Asia I have successfully shot two narrative short films and one documentary. All can be seen here on my blog. My first film, Closure, was selected to premier at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival in the United States last March.
During a family trip to Cambodia last April I was inspired to write my next film, Black Horned Night Heron. My time in and around Siem Reap and Angkor Wat proved that the spirit of Cambodia does not live in its past but rather resided in it’s future and it’s children’s future. The film (which I’ve written and will direct) follows two young boys as they navigate their world taking on the challenge of survival, the hope for a better future and the boundless dreams that ring true across all cultures.
We are currently seeking your support! Currently we are already US$3225 closer to our ultimate goal of US$10,500. We go into production on November 28, 2011, but it is never too late to donate. All supporting individuals or companies will be represented on my blog (if they so choose) and credited in the final film, which will be entered into film festivals world-wide and presented in both Singapore and in the United States. Funding details can found at the foot of this blog post. I appreciate your time in watching and thank you in advance for your support.
Black Horned Night Heron is the tale of Heng, 10-years-old, a tender young boy living in a small Cambodian village near Beng Mealea temple. After seeing his the depiction of his mother’s death on the news and desperate to revive her memory Heng decides he must buy the old television for sale in the village general store. He is convinced that this old TV is the conduit, which will upon purchase bring her back to life. He has enlisted the help of his cocksure, proud entrepreneur best friend Mao, who is also 10-years-old, and the brains behind their scheming to help him. Mao, however, sees a grand business opportunity. They secretly give tours and sell sodas at Beng Mealea temple to raise the money to purchase the television. Black Horned Night Heron takes place on the day that their scheming pays off and their haggling comes to an end but not because of their wits but because of Heng’s desperation. But once the TV is theirs everything changes.
What starts as a childish dream between two friends turns into much more; the new TV puts their friendship in the balance. Heng must destroy it to free his mother’s soul, whereas Mao sees it as a business opportunity like no other. Their friendship frays – like a rope twisted too tight – as they must come to terms with who they are individually and to each other. Equal footing must be found, but at what cost?
Black Horned Night Heron is a story of humanity. What those boys decide to do, where the adventure leads, and the lasting effect it has on their friendship will shape their lives forever. A film with the heart of Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me and the energy of Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire; Black Horned Night Heronis a coming of age story that captures the struggle, excitement, and determination of the first generation to come of age in post Khmer Rough Cambodia.
Crew for Black Horned Night Heron
So help us make this dream a reality! Click on the ‘Donate’ Button below to be a part of something special. All donations will receive a special thanks in the credits.
$2,500 and up: Executive Producer or sponsorship billing (which ever is preferred), Cambodian Photo of choice (framed or printed on canvas), Khmer Jazz Fusion CD, and signed DVD.
$1000 – $2500: Producer billing, Cambodian Photo (printed), signed DVD
$500 – $1000: Associate Producer Credit, signed DVD
$100 – $500: Special Thanks and signed DVD
$1 – $100: special Thanks
Please feel free to contact Jonathan Greene, International Dog Productions producer at jonagreene@gmail.com or Me, Mara Ditchfield, at maraditch@gmail.com, if you would like to arrange something different or have any questions.
