The Wilted Rose Explained

The Wilted Rose
Director:Elise Lamb
Producer:Elise Lamb
Madison Sturgess
Narrators:-->
Cinematography:Jake Koning
Editing:Nadya de Vos
Music:Adrian Diery
Studio:The Roaring Ones
Runtime:15 minutes
Country:Australia
Language:English

The Wilted Rose is a 2023 Australian live-action short film written and directed by Elise Lamb.

The film was produced by Lamb and Madison Sturgess in partnership with not-for-profit organisation The Centre For Women & Co. [1] with cinematography by Jake Koning, production design by Jodie Taylor, an original score by Adrian Diery and film editing by Nadya de Vos.[2]

The film had its world premiere screening in competition at the Brisbane International Film Festival[3] where it won Best Brisbane Short Film.

The film was also a 2023 contender for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award (AACTA) for Best Short Film.[4]

Plot

A musically gifted woman attempts to leave an abusive relationship with dire consequences.

Cast

Production

Funding

The film was funded by the Logan City Council's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) [5] and received the Brisbane Women's Club's Charitable Giving Grant.[6] The film was also successfully funded on Kickstarter and sponsored by Delaney & Delaney Solicitors.

Filming

The film was shot on location in Logan City, Queensland, Australia over three days.

Music

The score was composed by Adrian Diery and titled Vals Wouj which is Haitian Creole that translates to Red Waltz in English, a tribute to Kirsty Sturgess' heritage.

Reception

Critical response

Script coverage from Slamdance Film Festival stated "In just a few pages, Elise has created a lot of tension between the couple and represented very well the different aspects of an abuser. The psychology of the characters are very well explored".

Upon winning Best Brisbane Short Film at the Brisbane International Film Festival the Jury stated "The Wilted Rose is a haunting, disturbing and impactful film that challenges audiences to sit with the confronting issue of domestic violence and coercive control. The film is powerfully profound in its structure, imagery and message. A must-see".

Awards and nominations

! Year! Award! Category! Recipients ! Result
2024Mona Brand Award for Women Stage and Screen WritersEarly Career Writer Award Elise Lamb
2023State & Territory Awards (Queensland): Short Film Jake Koning
2023Best Brisbane Short Film Elise Lamb and Madison Sturgess
2023Best Short Film Elise Lamb and Madison SturgessContender
2023The British Short Film Awards[7] Best Production Design
(Long-Listed)
Jodie Taylor
2022Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards[8] Best Short Screenplay
(Semi-Finalist)
Elise Lamb

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lamb back in Logan to take a stand against DV . 24 September 2023 . My City Logan.
  2. Web site: The Wilted Rose (2023) . 24 September 2023 . Screen Australia.
  3. Web site: Shorts from Home . 24 September 2023 . Brisbane International Film Festival.
  4. Web site: AACTA Award for Best Short Film . 24 September 2023 . AACTA Awards.
  5. Web site: Funding for creative arts projects . 24 September 2023 . LoganARTS.
  6. Web site: Charitable Giving Program . 24 September 2023 . Brisbane Women's Club.
  7. Web site: Longlist 2023 . 24 September 2023 . The British Short Film Awards.
  8. Web site: Contest Results . 24 September 2023 . Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards.