By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
DIRECTOR Sophie Wiesner gathered with her film crew in a Sydney pub when their family violence documentary finally went to air last Thursday.
They watched eagerly and tweeted madly as the ground-breaking film ‘Call Me Dad’ was broadcast on the ABC across the nation.
The documentary, which coincided with last week’s White Ribbon initiative, focuses on the inner workings of a men’s behavioural change group in Narre Warren.
Over 16 weeks last year independent film-maker Sophie and her team chronicled the men involved in the group Heavy METAL – short for Men’s Education Towards Anger and Life.
The documentary focuses on three men in particular – each a father and perpetrator of violence – and their families.
“It’s really special to be able to share something we’ve been working on for years now, and to know we’ve been watching it with hundreds of thousands of others,” Sophie told Star News after the film’s debut.
“I guess there’s also some trepidation as well. We think we’ve made a compelling and engaging film, but we don’t know how other people are going to react.”
Sophie is incredibly proud and respectful of the bravery shown by the participants who allowed their stories to be broadcast on national television, and made sure she checked in with them before and after the film aired.
“Some of them did feel anxious before the broadcast, but they were well supported by the counsellors and each other,” she said.
“And the feedback I received from them is that the people that have approached them to talk about the film have been positive on their decision to participate and feel the film has been, and will continue to be, helpful for families experiencing violence.”
The counsellors are Dave Nugent and Jacqui Seamark, who run the weekly two-and-a-half-hour Heavy METAL sessions.
“Dave and Jackie are really proud of what the film has been able to show, and I think they’ve received some really positive feedback from ex-clients and people that work in the sector,” Sophie said.
“There isn’t a film like this as far as they’re aware.
“The conversations have also turned to what can we do with this film? Can it be used for community and corporate screenings?
“Can it be used as part of an educational offering?”
The answer to these questions is “yes”, with Sophie urging readers to host a community screening and put together a discussion panel.
To host a screening, visit www.callmedadfilm.com.
