Director Michael Marantz’s newest film, A Sister’s Hope, introduces us to Jamira Burley, an individual who has turned adversity into inspiration and positive community change. Equally heartbreaking as it is hopeful, her story weaves a narrative of loss, belief, dedication and action.
Marantz, a SHOOT New Directors Showcase alum (2015), also served as executive producer, composer and editor on A Sister’s Hope which entailed his working in collaboration with Vital Voices and its honoree Burley.
Marantz teamed with DP Tim Sessler on the short which blends the arts of documentary and narrative filmmaking.
Credits
Production Michael Marantz, director, executive producer; Tim Sessler, DP; Noah Meisner, Tay McEvers, producers; Noah Meisner, executive producer; Carlee Briglia, production manager; Anthony Strong, 1st assistant director; Billy Gerard Frank, production designer; Lenore Romas, art director; Juie Mollo, stylist; Rashida Bolden, hair & makeup. Music Michael Marantz, composer; Daniel Boventer, co-composer. Postproduction Michael Marantz, editor; Zach Tidmore, Ellie Forman, DITs. Color Studio RCO Seth Ricart, color; Sheina Dao, color producer. Sound Mix Brandon Hickey. Audio Bill Hennessy, Jon Moore. Cast Andre Jatty Robinson, Jacob Qaasim Middleton, Littles Francis Manch, Jamial Solomon Ruff, Elizabeth Moody, Waheedah Shaheed, AU Hogan, Huston Pigford, Lamique Joseph, Mo’Quis Lawrence, Gregory Thomas, Toni Seawright
Directed by Steve Rogers via production house Revolver, this 90-second Christmas film for Aussie telecommunications company Telstra--created by agency Bear Meets Eagle On Fire in tandem with +61--tells the story of an accidental singing superstar, Little Donkey, who goes on a whirlwind tour across the world. But eventually stardom isn't all it's cracked up to be as Little Donkey misses its family at holiday time.
“We wanted to tell a Christmas story without falling into the holiday cliches. Hopefully the heart of this rings true and people get a bit of giggle along the way,” said Micah Walker, chief creative officer at Bear Meets Eagle On Fire.
Blake Crosbie, managing director of +61, said, “It’s a charming story that is so true of Christmas and so naturally adds to our brand idea ‘Wherever We Go’.”
