The Message 

A short film by actor/director Marigold Pazar.

Awabakal Worimi Country, Australia.

​

Director’s Note:

I’ve always struggled to put into words what a film is "about" when it’s meant to be experienced visually—especially when, during the process of making it, I don’t fully understand it myself until the final edit. The film reveals itself to me along the way, as if I’ve only had to dream, sit with that dream, and let a subconscious story rise to the surface. My role is to let it emerge through filmmaking.

I knew this film was personal—about a restless spirit, yearning and fiercely stubborn, believing in a future only visible on an unseen path. It’s the conviction that the inner way is the only way, even if it makes no sense to anyone else. It might be delusional, but that’s part of the haze and mystery within me, too. I don’t know where I’m going, yet I know exactly where I’m going—and no one can tell me otherwise.

another aspect that has emerged and that has caught my interest during the edit, is that there is something hidden about this woman, whether or not she is even human is interesting to me. There are qualities in the way she secretly carries motifs of the witch or vampire. 

​

There are two people meeting at a crossroads. It’s painful. Tender. Emotionally... something. I hesitate to define the film because I want it to reveal itself in its own way to each viewer.

 

It is a film that has come from my subconscious dreaming, and personal storytelling, and devotion to the creative path. It finds two individuals intrinsicaly connected walking the crossroads of a time 

​

​

THE MESSAGE

 

It is a black & white short film shot in Muloobinba/Newcastle in association with HER Productions, centred on two people set against the backdrop of a dark night fairytale-like city.

The Message is a film inspired by poetic cinema, capturing the timeless story of human desires clashing with a profound need for freedom. The characters face a pivotal moment in their lives, one that can only result in a sacrifice. Set in a quiet seaside town, with a rich history and charm, the timeless architecture evokes an otherworldly escape that feels both fairytale-like and romantic. Amidst the city’s spellbinding beauty, the characters must navigate its labyrinthine enchantment as they strive to pursue their own dreams. The Message is written & directed by local actor/filmmaker Marigold Pazar, and although the story is rooted in Pazar's hometown on the east coast of Australia, it is profoundly influenced by European arthouse cinema, reflecting a tone deeply connected to her Hungarian and European heritage. Inspired by filmmakers such as Márta Mészáros and Béla Tarr, The Message offers a unique cinematic perspective as an Australian story.

The film being developed and shot in Newcastle, is a celebration of the city’s hidden charm. Often overshadowed by its industrial coalport reputation, this film aims to shine a spotlight on the unique beauty of Newcastle, revealing a side of the city that is often overlooked. Pazar is also deeply passionate about preserving what is beautiful, old and tells a story. Through filmmaking, she hopes to share a love and respect for what is enchanting, especially in a rapidly developing town where cheap and ugly replace what has historic value and beauty. By bringing this project to life, we also seek to foster and celebrate a thriving filmmaking culture in the area, putting Newcastle on the map as a vibrant hub for creative expression. We are deeply grateful for the Newcastle Civic Theatre's support, without which the making of this film would not be possible.

The donations raised here will cover essential wages for the crew, hire gear, post-production costs, and film festival submission fees. If we manage to reach our target of $3,000 we will have a completed film by the end of year, ready to be submitted to national and international film festivals. We will also be able to present the film at a special VIP cast & crew screening, in association with the Newcastle Civic Theatre, of which all donors will be VIP guests. This film will be created on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi people, the rightful custodians of this land. We pay our deepest respects to their leaders, teachers, and elders—past, present, and emerging.

​