Wed 28 Jul 2010 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Andy Jalfon and Christopher Banks The filmmakers behind award-winning gay shorts Teddy and Communication have extended their number eight wire ethic to their search for funding. Andy Jalfon and Christopher Banks from Number 8 Films havelaunched a donation appeal to help pay for their new film, The Colonel's Outing. The film tells the story of two 80-year-old male war veterans whose romantic relationship blossoms when they meet in a rest home, despite interference from a disapproving matron. Jalfon, the film's producer, says the "poignant and uplifting" story celebrates the independence of older people, connecting with others and the importance of family ties. "It portrays a relationship between two men in the twilight of their lives in a way which few have cared to acknowledge or celebrate," he says. Jalfon has already attracted the support of the Mental Health Foundation's Out Of The Blue programme, which aims to combat and raise awareness of men's depression. The donation appeal has been launched online with a tongue-in-cheek YouTube clip featuring the film's mascot, "Grumpy Gus". "We think Gus has come up with the catchphrase of the year," says Banks, the film's director, who appears alongside Grumpy Gus in the clip. "While I do my best to appeal to people's altruistic nature, Gus is rather more blunt." Everyone who donates to The Colonel's Outing gets a free download of a new five-minute short film, Snow, which has been produced exclusively for supporters. Jalfon says Number 8 Films doesn't expect something for nothing. He says $20 will get the donor a signed copy of The Colonel's Outing DVD on release, while $50 puts their name in the credits. "We also have packages for corporate or business sponsors available, so do head along to the website and check it out." Number 8 Films is a registered charitable trust that aims to increase opportunities for New Zealanders to see locally-made stories and provide training, support and assistance to people of all ages interested in performing and screen arts. Check out The Colonel's Outing website for a look at the appeal video featuring "Grumpy Gus" - you may just see a familiar face.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 28th July 2010 - 3:20pm