Low-budgeted and set in Cyprus, a rather inexpensive, but also distinctly atmospheric location, Committed is the first feature film written and directed by Stelana Kliris. The story follows a man who has just proposed to his girlfriend and who takes off, pressured and terrified by the idea of marriage, taking his problems on the road. It is then that he crosses paths with a runaway bride, who has just escaped her own wedding.
Romance, comedy and several philosophical conversations and explorations are the core of Committed, which is described by its makers as a When Harry Met Sally, but put on the road — and with a highly surprising ending that you won’t have seen coming. Stelana’s screenplay explores the
fear and also joy, security and panic that the tradition of marriage and timeless ideas such as love and commitment are known to create. It takes two people as its case study, but pushes its subjects to discover universal themes that we can all relate to, and they do all the questioning and truth unraveling for us.
A good story with humour, attitude and a wandering spirit should not need millions to be told. And in this case, the screenplay is written in such a way, that it won’t have to. Committed‘s filmmakers are working alongside three production companies — Full Moon Productions, Filmworks, Seahorse Film Productions — that have offered their equipment and valuable services at competitive rates, in order for the film crew to produce the best work possible and to keep the Cypriot film industry going.
Writer-Director Stelana Kliris
Stelana Kliris has already shot two short films in Cyprus and swears by the island’s filmmaking potential. Her first short film, The Fiddler, received such noteworthy support by both the government as well as the local film community in Cyprus that Stelana returned to her island of origin to shoot her second short as well, Hope. As the filmmaker herself states “what sets the Cypriot filmmaking community apart for me is that, despite the small size of the industry and the infrequency of work, they love what they do, they care about their work and they tackle each project with eagerness and enthusiasm. It’s a reminder as to why one joins such a tough industry in the first place”.
If you like the sound of this and you’d be interested in helping Committed get made, then there are many different ways you can go about it. Visit the film’s indiegogo funding campaign and donate — in some cases, you’re even given the opportunity to see your name in the film’s credits, among the other producers. You can also share the project’s details on Twitter or Facebook, let your friends know, spread the word and support the filmmakers. Visit Stelana Kliris‘ page or Committed‘s official website to find out more on how you could join the film’s talented team.
Committed page at indiegogo.com
Committed movie website at committedmovie.com
Stelena Kliris website at stelanaklirisfilms.com
International Short Film Festival of Cyprus at isffc.com.cy
