Ave Marie

2024
13min
Short
Synopsis: 

Set in 1984 suburban Aotearoa New Zealand, Ave Marie is about adopted siblings Marie and Xavier who use dance as a way to escape the day-to-day reality of their mother's religious rants and the neighbourhood bullies. While tough and unforgiving Xavier insists on putting himself front and centre of every dance routine and fighting the BMX gang for his right to wear lyrca, Marie decides she wants to shine too. When their staunchly Catholic mother leaves the kids home alone for another funeral, Marie gets her chance. 

With the help of a little faith and a kick arse soundtrack, Marie has to choose between saving Xavier from the fires of hell or helping him take the BMX gang head on. Can the power of dance unite where fists can't? 

Status: 
Complete
Genre: 
Drama, Comedy

Credits:

Directed by: 
Produced by: 
Screenplay by: 
Executive produced by: 
Cast: 
Crew: 
Director of Photography
Production Designer
Costume Designer
Festival/Awards: 
2024: Toronto LGBTQ + Film Festival – Winner Audience Award for Best Direction, Outfest Peru International Film Festival, BraveMaker Film Fest, Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, Atlanta Women's Film Festival – Nominated Best Ensemble Cast and Best Costume, Hobnobben Film Festival – Winner First-time Filmmakers Award, Australia Independent Film Festival, Tees Valley International Film Festival