Local film on Endometriosis
Glenorchy-based filmmaker Sarah D’Almeida was fourteen when she first experienced stabbing pain that took her breath away – 27 years later she was diagnosed with endometriosis. Now, she’s written and directed a film, ONE in Ten, based on her experience and the experience of many other women.
Originally from New Caledonia, it took D’Almeida eight years to write and produce the film. It was shot over five days in March.
“I draw my inspiration from my own personal life or the life of people who are very close to me,” D’Almeida says. “As a filmmaker, I have a habit of treating subjects about women who go through a really deep emotional turmoil before reclaiming control over their own life and ONE in Ten is actually a very personal story.”
D’Almeida created a production company in Glenorchy and has found a lot of support from the community since then. She says that many of the people here are very creative and artistic, which helped to make the project a little easier.
“I’m not going to say it’s easy, but it’s not too complicated to find people, musicians or artists in general, or photographers – people who are keen on experimenting with filmmaking, so I’m slowly constituting my own little crew.”
The film follows a 40-year-old woman, struggling with undiagnosed endometriosis as she questions everything and everyone in her life. She manages excruciating pain while showing up at work and social events, and deals with infertility and low sex-drive. She faces feelings of helplessness, guilt and longing for family life. D’Almeida says she didn’t shy away from showing the reality of the disease.
“There is blood in the film. We see the blood, we see the shower, we see the vomiting, we see the pain.”
The feedback has been super positive so far, with people either having shared experiences, or learning the realities of endometriosis.
Victoria is the subject of the film and is played by Kate Wilkins, her partner, Matty, is played by Jase Holden, while the crew is made up of costume designer Maxence Benoist, Composer Clive Smith, producer, DOP and editor Pete Vendt, and gaffer Ella Dickson. It premiered at The Headwaters Eco-Lodge in Glenorchy in October.
The film has been entered in some festivals over the next few months, after which time it will be released online to the public. D’Almeida says if people want to see the film in the meantime, they’re able to get in touch and she can share it privately. You can find more information at her production company’s Instagram @redshedproductions
