New film about serious subject

A BALLARAT-based filmmaker is focusing his lens on a movie aimed at raising awareness on youth suicide and bullying in the region.

Called Piggy, the film takes its name from the 1954 book Lord of the Flies’ eponymous character and will be a modern-day retelling about a girl who receives the character’s role in a school production.

Director, writer and producer Matt Norman said he was driven to make the film after two young people took their lives late last year.

“That stunned me, that this pair would take their lives so young,” he said. “It hit me in the face a little bit.

“My last film Salute I did about 10 years ago about my uncle Peter Norman who was part of the Black Power protest at Mexico City Olympics and dealt with racism.

“Since then, I’ve been speaking to kids in schools around the world about racism. It made me realise film is a really powerful medium to bring awareness to a subject matter.

“If my last film taught kids the dos and don’ts of racism, why not do this about youth suicide awareness?”

In researching for the film, Norman has spent the past two months interviewed the immediate family and friends of Ballarat-based young people who took their own lives.

He said there have been at least six suicides in Ballarat since August last year.

With actor Steve Bastoni attached, Norton said the majority of the cast and crew will be local year 11 and 12 students, with acting auditions able to be applied for via the Piggy website.

He said using talent relevant to the subject matter of the film brings it a new dimension.

“Having young kids do roles like this is a great opportunity for them to be involved in a professional feature while still in school,” he said.

“We’re opening up the idea of leaving some of the script untouched so the kids can have the option of helping write the final stages of the film.”

Norman said he aims to begin production late this year or next year during the school holiday period to allow the younger cast and crewmembers to take part.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.