Vilma Jackson launches crowdfunder for new psychological drama, ‘The Cycle’

Please note: This article references domestic abuse.

Deaf filmmaker Vilma Jackson has announced a new short film project exploring domestic abuse, with a crowdfunding initiative launched to cover production costs.

Titled The Cycle and written by Jackson, the short follows a Black Deaf woman who is “caught up in domestic violence and lost in translation”.

Its synopsis reads: “[She’s] abused and trapped in silence by her abuser. The trauma she experiences from the abuse means she is unable to live a normal life.

“Until one day she builds up the courage and grabs an opportunity. Police officers arrive at her house. Will she be heard?

“Will the police protect her? Or will she be another statistic? Things do not turn out the way she expected.”

In a video explaining her reasons for creating the film, Jackson cited comments seen on social media concerning “negative experiences of hearing Black and Asian communities when trying to report incidents to the police”.

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A post shared by Vilma Jackson (@vcrj90_productions)

 

“The issue being discussed is that the police are not taking serious actions when incidents are reported, compared to when they are reported by the white community.

“It’s hard to even imagine what it could be like for a Black Deaf woman to be abused, and not have the support she needs to be able to escape from her abuser.

“The lack of support could be thew result of a number of issues: how she is treated due to her ethnicity; support networks; or the police being unable to communicate with her; or the lack of awareness aimed at minority communities.”

The film will be created in aid of Victim Support and Refuge, with filming expected to take place in June 2022.

It is then hoped that a one-off screening of The Cycle and a Q&A will take place in July before it is submitted to international festivals.

More than £451 has been donated to the crowdfunder on the Kickstarter website, with Jackson looking to raise more than £25,000 before the start of June.

Supporters will receive different gifts based on the money they donate, including a mention in the credits of the film for £25 or more and a character being named after them for a donation of £100.

More information about the film and the fundraising campaign can be found on the Kickstarter website.

Photo: Vilma Jackson.

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Note: If you are in an abusive relationship or think you might be, advice and support is available. Contact SignHealth’s Domestic Abuse Team by texting 07800 003421 or emailing da@signhealth.org.uk.

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By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.