Ex-Torquay actor tackles Roe V Wade

THE overturning of a legal right to an abortion in the United States of America has inspired a former Surf Coast resident to make a film about its impact on women’s rights.

Actor Harriette St Ledger had been in Los Angeles for less than a week when the US Supreme Court decision on Roe V Wade was handed down earlier this year, prompting her and fellow Victorian actor and friend Maryrose Johnson to make signs and join the nearest protest.

“We couldn’t stand by and do nothing, we joined the protests and let our voices be heard, and that is why we are creating this short film,” Ms St Ledger said.

The pair met at a Melbourne acting school three years ago and now based in LA pursuing their dreams in the cinema world, both in front of and behind the camera, and have just finished shooting their first professional short film, After Roe Falls.

“There are so many horrible things happening in the world… however, when you realise how many people are passionate about fighting for our rights, it’s hard not to feel inspired,” she said.

Aged 19, Ms St Ledger said her journey from the Surf Coast to the movie world mecca that’s home to Hollywood has been “expansive and inspiring.”

“I lived in Torquay for 15 years, so going from such a small coastal town to Los Angeles has been a big transition… the amount of opportunities for people in creative fields is never ending.”

The film targets the restrictive abortion laws in some states in America and follows a young girl called Margot – played by St Ledger – as she’s stuck between two very different opinions while she waits for the results of a pregnancy test.

Set in Indiana, Margot grapples with the advice from her activist and feminist friend Joe – played by actor Odalis Rojas – who suggests a back alley abortion, and her other friend Jane – played by Ms Johnson – who as a conservative Catholic urges her to keep the baby or put it up for adoption.

The film is backed by production companies Diversity Pictures and Ryde Entertainment and has experienced writers, directors, cinemaphotographers and producers like Jessica Orcsik, Kate O’Neill and Robbie Ryde on board.

The team are due to start filming within weeks and are over halfway to securing the budget through crowdfunding that is needed to see the project through to its final stages and screening in December.

To support the project, head to bitly.ws/vNCF