Director Noah Conopask, who’s with The Sweet Shop, wrote and directed this poignant film about children witnessing domestic violence, in partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). The film is an intricate balance between a boy’s fantasy and the harsh reality of his parents’ abusive relationship.

Entitled "Hero," the :60 is based on scientific research that reveals kids who witness abuse can suffer permanent changes to their personalities. They don’t even have to be hit themselves.

The film features a young boy who is traumatized by his parents’ continued arguments and his father’s violence towards his mother. The lad deals with the abuse by imagining himself as an astronaut, heading into space.

Conopask said, “The film is autobiographical. The boy is me. I had to make it. Children look up to their parents. Even if they don’t want to. I hope that I can inspire action in those who may be broken or hurt and are acting in this way. I hope I can stir them to look at themselves and recognize what it is doing to their child, their family and themselves.”

In the U.S., one in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.

Credits

Client National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Production Chirp Films Noah Conopask, writer/director; Laura Thoel, exec producer; John Malina, producer; Mario D’Amici, production manager; Garrett Hardy Davis, DP; Alex Choate, production designer; Marissa Adele, wardrobe stylist. Sound Gavin Little, sound designer. Editorial Whitehouse Post James Dierx, editor. Postproduction RCO Seth Ricart, colorist; Sheina Dao, post producer

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