The Message
A short film by Marigold Pazar
A HER Productions Film
Made possible by the Newcastle Civic Theatre and the Australian Cultural Fund.
The Message sets an actress on a surreal and haunting path, where dreams, longing and escape pull her in opposite directions.
The film is shot in Muloobinba/Newcastle by a passionate team of local artists, produced by HER Productions and supported by the Newcastle Civic Theatre.
The Message tells a timeless story of human desires of the heart meeting at a crossroads with the calling of a dream. Two characters face a pivotal moment in their lives, where chosing eachother stands in the way of what leads them on their path. Set in a city rich with history and charm, the timeless architecture evokes an otherworldly realm that feels both fairytale-like, haunting, and romantic, where the characters struggle to find their purpose.
Written and directed by local actor-filmmaker Marigold Pazar, the film is rooted in her hometown on Australia’s east coast but shaped by the influences of slow European arthouse and Old Hollywood cinema. This tone reflects Pazar’s Hungarian and European heritage, while respectfully acknowledging the Awabakal and Worimi lands on which she was born. Inspired by filmmakers like Márta Mészáros, Béla Tarr, David Lynch, Alain Resnais, and Michelangelo Antonioni, the film evokes surreal moods, transforming familiar pockets of a town into something beautifully unrecognizable.
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 shed light on the unique beauty of Newcastle, revealing a side of the city that is often overlooked. Pazar is also deeply passionate about protecting nature and beauty in heritage, where secrets are held and stories are told. Through filmmaking, she hopes to share a love and respect for what is enchanting that goes overlooked, especially in a rapidly developing city where cheap and ugly replace what has historic value, beauty and meaning.
By bringing this project to life, we also seek to foster and celebrate a thriving filmmaking culture in the area, putting Muloobinba/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.
