PRESS RELEASE
Bonsai Films will manage the AU/NZ territories for independent feature film PIECES following a successful Australian theatrical release.
“At Bonsai Films, we try to focus on original and thought-provoking independent films and PIECES absolutely fits the bill and we are delighted to be attached.” said Jonathan Page, Bonsai Films.
PIECES is directed and produced by Martin Wilson (Great White) and written by Monique Wilson, who plays the lead alongside Dalip Sondhi (Tidelands, Frayed, Claremont Murders), David Genat (Winner of Australian Survivor, Host of Rush) and Allegra Teo (The Curious Case of Dolphin Bay).
The film was nominated for two 2022 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards for Best Indie Film and Best Costume Design in Film and had its world premiere at CinefestOz Busselton in 2022.
PIECES follows an art teacher and her recovery class who are commissioned to make the backdrop for a professional dance performance. As a documentary film crew record the process, they uncover the incredible personal stories of the students and their battles with mental illness. These experiences not only mould and transform the final performance, but also their lives and the life of their teacher.
With the backing of the Mental Health Commissioner and Health Minister, PIECES opened Mental Health Week in October 2022 and was followed by screenings in theatres across Australia. The film has since had back to back screenings by demand nationally.
The film is a personal project for film director Martin Wilson. His brother Daniel has lived with schizophrenia for 50 years. Daniel’s struggle has had a profound, long-lasting effect on his family. Martin’s father, Keith Wilson, is Daniel’s carer and has served as the Western Australian Health Minister from 1988-1992 and is a former chair of the Mental Health Council of Australia. Since his departure from politics, Keith has dedicated his life to mental health advocacy and Daniel’s health and wellbeing. Martin made PIECES to both honour Daniel’s struggle and continue the work of his father by highlighting the extraordinary efforts of mental health carers. Too often, the invisible, unheard champions of this complex illness.
“With PIECES I wanted to demystify mental illness and start a long overdue conversation that debunks the misconceptions and negative stereotypes that complicate and amplify the stigma, discrimination, and isolation experienced by people afflicted with a mental health illness.” said Martin Wilson, Director/Producer
“We are so pleased to be working with Jonathan Page at Bonsai Films, imparting his expertise to help extend the film’s reach, and importantly, its message to more audiences.” said Nicole Ferraro, Producer.
PIECES was produced by Martin Wilson and Nicole Ferraro from Third Storey Pictures and executive produced by Melissa Kelly and Ryan Hodgson of Factor 30 Films.
