Award-winning film headed for Geelong debut

A multi-award-winning short film written by local actor Cassidy Krygger is set to make its highly anticipated Geelong debut next month.

Set in the 1930s, Daisy is based on the true story of Krygger’s great-grandparents who fell pregnant out of wedlock and details the dramatic moment when Krygger’s great-grandmother Daisy tells her strict Catholic parents about the pregnancy and the fallout that follows.

“We’ve all fallen in love. We’ve all done things our parents don’t agree with,” Krygger said.

“It’s such a relatable story still. Even though it’s nearly 100 years old, it’s still a human story.”

Daisy was filmed last year at Barwon Park Mansion and stars Krygger in the titular role of Daisy and Torquay local Lachlan McKillop as Krygger’s great-grandfather, a Protestant farmer by the name of Charlie.

The film has already earned several national and international accolades, including Best International Short Film at the Golden Lion International Film Festival, Best Biographical Short Film at the Cannes World Film Festival and Best Australian Short Film at the Melbourne International Cineverse Film Festival.

Krygger, who made her professional television debut on Neighbours at the age of 15 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 at the age of 22, has also been praised for her performance in the film, winning five best actor awards.

“When I was diagnosed, it was the most traumatic, frightening time of my life,” she said.

“I didn’t know what my future held, so to have this success that’s truly come from my family story, and I’ve written this, it’s incredible.”

Krygger said she had always felt a connection to Daisy, who died from pneumonia at the age of 23, six months after giving birth.

“It didn’t sit right with me that she was just buried up in Bendigo and fading away to history and so I just wanted to bring her back to life for a moment.

“To die at 23 is to die at no age at all. I mean, you haven’t even begun to live. I wanted her to just to live for a little bit longer and for her to not just disappear.”

She hopes viewers are inspired by Daisy’s strength, just as she has been.

“Be brave, stand up for what you believe in and follow your heart because I’ve done that in my own life and… it has led me to amazing things.

“Even though Daisy didn’t live for long, she lived a happy life with Charlie and her baby for as long as she lived, so… live your truth and be brave.”

While the two scheduled screenings of the film at the Pivotonian Cinema have already sold out – the first in just 30 minutes – Krygger is hoping to organise a third screening.

Keep an eye on Daisy Productions on Facebook or Instagram for updates.