By reaching the first funding target, we are able to realise the project.
Mädchen tells the story of Ada, a young girl from a low socioeconomic family, who gets her first period. It addresses not only the emotional aspects, but also the economic aspects that go along with this topic. We are a mixed team of people, all of whom agree: there is still much to be done about the issues surrounding menstruation and access to hygiene products. The film is a small outcry to draw more attention to this topic.
With your support we are bloody powerful.
Like millions of others around the world Ada finds herself faced with a situation that discriminates against her purely because of her social standing. The film is about Ada and her struggle but it's also about so much more. There are millions around the world who can not access hygiene products purely because of the financial cost. In Germany, tampons and other products are considered luxury items and are taxed at a rate of 19%, reinforcing inequality and leaving thousands without this basic life product.
The film is also about the way in which we talk and discuss menstruation and the issues that surround it. We want to elevate and normalise the conversations around menstruation and through our film you can help us to do that as well. By donating to this project you help give a voice to Ada and the millions affected each day by these issues.
We are a no-budget production, the life of this project is due to the enthusiasm and trust of many people. We are making this film through passion and will only succeed with your support. Any donation, no matter how big or how small will help us make this film and give Ada and others a voice.
Each euro allows us to tell Ada’s story in the strongest way possible. Our amazing cast and crew are volunteering their time which means your donation will help with the following: camera, light and sound equipment hire, post-production, catering and travel expenses, locations, costumes, props, filming permits and festival fees.
The project is fortunate to have the support of a number of talented professionals.
The core of the team, however, consists of:
Silvana Damm (Director)
Silvana Damm is an actress, writer and director from Berlin. In addition to studying PR and psychology, she has gained experience both in front and behind the camera, working as an AD and production assistant.
“In my studies, I specialised in the topic of social change. How do we inspire change in an information-flooded world? For me, the answer is film. As a medium I believe it has the ability to connect audiences through empathy, which is a truly powerful thing. It is for this reason I feel great responsibility as a filmmaker. For me, “Mädchen” should be a platform for these important issues and also an inspiration for young people who feel helpless and powerless when it comes to the subject of menstruation.“
Saskian Schubert (Cinematographer)
Our DoP Saskian has been shooting commercials, music videos and narrative short and feature films for over five years. With his atmospheric image design, he strives to create something special and to make each story unique through his photography. His experience includes projects for brands such as Hugo Boss, MOTEL ONE, Eibach Federn and Brawny.
"After reading the script, I was able to gain a very accurate impression of Ada and her sisters’ environment and I immediately developed a concrete idea of how I want to shoot “Mädchen”. Shooting the film in this way, I would like to encourage the viewers to be drawn into their world and deal with the topic of this important story. Silvana’s open approach inspires me and makes the project even more interesting. I am excited to be a part of a project that is contributing to and opening a discussion on such an important topic, as well as working with talented young actors and creating a world for their characters.”
Joseph Timbs (Producer)
Joseph is a Berlin-based Australian director, producer and editor with over 7 years of commercial, fictional and artistic media experience. Inspired by stories and with a keen sense for details, he strives to create exciting, meaningful films.
"After meeting Silvana and reading her script, I was immediately attracted to the project. Silvana's passion for this topic shines through in her writing. She tells Ada's plight touchingly and empathetically. I am delighted to support the narration of a story about a subject that our society considers to be very intimate, although it is extremely universal."
Bridget Moy O'Brien (Producer)
Bridget is an Australian producer, actress and screenwriter based in Berlin. For the past eight years, Bridget has worked across film, mini-series and TVCs. Most recently, Bridget has been focusing on feature films and has produced, written and starred in award-winning films screened at festivals in the US, Australia and Asia.
"For me, bringing stories like Ada’s to light through the medium of film is so important. These stories need to be openly told and to be heard. What better time than now to have and support these discussions in our society?”
Mädchen