Mayo film highlights issue of domestic abuse and sexual assault

IT was lights, camera, action for the filming of Bruise - a short film highlighting the issue of domestic abuse and sexual assault - in Westport.

"Tonight we scream for all those who can't," called out director Mo O'Connell when directing the female extras playing characters who have been affected by domestic and sexual abuse.

Bruise has a strong Mayo influence. It is an On the Western Front Studios production - Emer and Brian Durcan, the owners and producer/cinematographer team, are from Westport, where the company is based.

Mo O'Connell directs and Chris Watt is the writer of the award-winning script.

Bruise was shot in Westport locations, including a local house, at Roman Island, the Quay, and in McConville Park. The crew, cast and extras were a mix of local people and people from all over Ireland.

Mayo Women's Refuge helped with stories from women who have experienced this type of situation.These stories were used to build the main characters.

Mayo Rape Crisis Centre also got on board with Bruise and both organisations sent women who work in these services to be extras.

Bruise is also supported by Adapt Kerry, Safe Ireland and CYPSC.

A short film highlighting the issue of domestic abuse and sexual assault, the story is told through drama, movement and dance. Music was composed especially for the film by award-winning composer Natasa Paulberg.

Heather, the lead character, seems to have it all, the cute house and the good looking husband with a good job. From the outside looking in, things seem happy. Then the cracks begin to show.

After being physically and sexually assaulted by her husband, Heather runs from the house only to find herself being subjected to ridicule and sexual violence from a group of men.

She gets away and meets a small girl dressed up as Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen. The girl leads Heather into the forest where a group of women are having a candlelight vigil. They are there to support Heather, to help her find her voice.

Her abuser is placed in front of her and she screams at the top of her lungs, followed by supporting screams from the women, rendering her abuser powerless.

The message is spoken clearly of the support services: "We are here, we will help you, come to us and scream out your pain, you can leave this situation with our support."

So why this project?

Cinematographer Brian Durcan was awarded a Leader grant for a new cinema camera, lenses and equipment. Emer Durcan, producer, wanted them to sink their teeth into a project that was important to the community.

It will be used, they say, as an advert for these support services.

It is an important subject to bring to the front in light of the rise in domestic abuse cases following the lockdown and also cases such as the murder of Aisling Murphy.

"We as a community are going to stand together and do something to bring this important subject into the light and change the community’s mindset forever-more."

Bruise is now in post production and will be released between July and September next.