My brother, Robert, living with non-verbal, Tier-3 autism, embodies the more severe challenges on the autism spectrum. His journey included battling weight issues, a fixation on food, a fascination with dinosaurs, and a remarkable talent for swiftly assembling large, complex puzzles. Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges my brother faced for being different and how some family members treated him because they didn't know how to deal with his differences.

Without words to bridge the gap between his experience and our understanding, we learned to read his emotions, the guttural groaning sounds, tapping his hand over his lips. Despite their abstract nature, they were laden with meaning in a world where emotions were expressed through the raw, unfiltered language of sound.

This narrative is crafted from these experiences and will illuminate the realities of caring for those with special needs.

Our film not only navigates the challenges my brother faced but also celebrates his extraordinary strengths. For instance, his ability to assemble complex puzzles symbolizes his unique worldview, highlighting the incredible potential of individuals with special needs, despite their communication hurdles. We plan on portraying Afa similarly as he can see a world in which his dinosaur figurines are real. By highlighting talents, this offers viewers a more nuanced understanding of the autism spectrum.

We aim to spark a conversation about autism that transcends cultural boundaries, encouraging a more inclusive and understanding society. We envision audiences leaving the film with a deeper empathy for individuals with special needs, inspired to embrace differences and advocate for a world where everyone is valued for their unique contributions. Ultimately, Silent Giant is a call to action for greater awareness, acceptance, and support for the autism community worldwide.

In 2024, Victoria shared her heartfelt script for Silent Giant, pitching the idea for me to direct it. I knew from our history together, from collaborating on my thesis film, FILI, at USC to our writing group, that she was incredibly talented as both an actress and a writer. When I read the script, I was deeply touched by the depth of the story and her raw vulnerability.

In December, we had the opportunity to present our vision as finalists during a grant interview, but sadly, we did not secure the funding. The rejection hit hard, particularly because we had poured so much effort and passion into our pitch. However, as the new year began, my resolve to bring this film to life only strengthened. I was determined to bring this film to life, not just for Victoria but for all those who understand the challenges of living with disabilities. With your support, we can transform this dream into reality.

Our narrative opens with Afa finding joy in bubbles shared with his loving sister, Tupe. This tender moment swiftly contrasts with the present day, where Tupe is serving as a marine while Afa struggles under the harsh treatment of his abusive sister, Lily, and her boyfriend, John.

We follow Afa on his quest for nourishment, highlighting his determination despite his vulnerabilities. He asserts himself by locking his inattentive caretakers out of the house and seizing moments of joy whenever possible. As Tupe begins to uncover the painful reality of Afa's situation, her return home sets off a cascade of events that forces the entire family to confront their past failures and the profound impact of their neglect. 

AFA - SEMU FILIPO

At the heart of the narrative is Afa, a joyous yet vulnerable young man with non-verbal autism and Parder-Willi syndrome. His portrayal highlights the challenges and joys of living with special needs. 

Semu Filipo, of Samoan and Tokelauan descent, graduated from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School in 2004 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Acting. His career took off as he collaborated with renowned theatre companies across New Zealand, such as Downstage in Wellington, Silo in Auckland, The Court in Dunedin, Auckland’s Pop-Up Globe Theatre, where he showcased his talents in successive seasons of Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, and Auckland Theatre Company’s Things That Matter.

Semu has also worked on many well-known New Zealand series, including Orange Roughies, Harry, Kura, and Shortland Street. In 2021, Semu landed his first big international role in the highly successful series Young Rock for NBC America. This was followed by the NZFC feature The Justice for Bunny King, featuring New Zealand’s lead actor Thomasin McKenzie. Semu also had roles in Next Goal Wins, directed by Taika Waititi, and The Fall Guy.

TUPE - VICTORIA SCHMIDT

Afa’s older sister is a marine. She is resilient and caring. Her disciplined military life is contrasted as she balances personal goals with family obligations.

Victoria Schmidt is a New Zealand-born Samoan actress and writer from Auckland, New Zealand, known for her dynamic contributions to Pacific theatre and screen. A graduate of the UNITEC School of Performing and Screen Arts, her career began in theatre, which enabled her to bring a diverse range of stories to life. Celebrated for her versatile talent as an actor and commitment to authentic storytelling, Victoria crafts narratives that speak to the universal human experience. She is known for FILI, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Sione's Wedding.

CAREGIVING

Our story illustrates Tupe caring for Afa and their family while away from home, emphasizing the significant sacrifices she makes for those she loves. She also grapples with guilt and the emotional weight of being apart from home.

RESILIENCE

The film juxtaposes Afa's innocent world filled with small joys like playing with dinosaur figurines and blowing bubbles with the harsh realities of his environment, showcasing his struggles and extraordinary strength. While Afa may not communicate with words, he consistently asserts his agency through small acts of defiance and determination.

CULTURAL STIGMAS

Set against a Samoan backdrop, the story navigates the often misunderstood and mishandled nuances of special needs care. Here, such challenges were not merely overlooked but were interpreted through a lens of deep-seated cultural stigma.

Within many Samoan families, these conditions were wrongfully attributed as 'Fa’a malaia' - a curse. Due to that supposed curse, the individual was often labeled ‘ma’i’ - sick and thought to be the consequence of family wrongdoings or past sins. This belief unfairly burdened families with a sense of ancestral fault, and we see these ideals within the characters of Lily and her boyfriend, John. 

Our visual style will draw inspiration from amazing creators like Tom Stern (Million Dollar Baby and The Hunger Games), Roger Deakins (No Country For Old Men and Blade Runner), and the painter and graphic artist Edward Hopper.

We’re excited to use natural lighting as Stern does, keeping artificial lights to a minimum. This approach will help us maintain that authentic feel that brings stories to life, much like Million Dollar Baby’s gritty, realistic portrayal. Taking a page from Roger Deakins, we plan to pay close attention to framing and composition to convey our characters' emotions and the story's rhythm. For example, in the pivotal bubble scene, we’ll use soft lighting and smooth tracking shots to capture Afa’s joy and highlight his fleeting sense of freedom. This will contrast the tighter shots we’ll use during more intense family moments.

Inspired by Hopper, the film will capture moments of isolation, using composition and space to highlight Afa’s solitude. Hopper’s distinctive use of solitary figures in contemplative spaces will inspire our visual approach, allowing light and shadow to emphasize Afa’s inner world while hinting at his unspoken emotional state.

By blending these styles, we hope to create a visually distinct film that tells a profound emotional story and fully immerses the audience in the journey. 

Our shooting schedule is set for the last weekend of April 2025. Our cast and crew consist of friends and close collaborators, and they have graciously offered to share our pool of resources, connections, and creative elements. With the knowledge I've gained through my experiences at Pepperdine, USC, and various productions, I plan to maximize these resources to share Afa’s story in a way that gives it the love and attention it deserves.

Here’s what we still need:

Navigating the fundraising process can often feel daunting and exhausting, but each step brings us closer to creating something magical. With your support or the support of those who share our passion, we can turn this vision into reality. If any aspects of our story, the characters we’ve developed, or the themes we wish to explore resonate with you, we would be honored to receive any contribution you can offer. Your kindness would have a profound impact on our journey. 

To give you a clearer picture of where your support would go, here’s a detailed breakdown of how we intend to utilize our $8K budget:

WAYS TO HELP

Aside from monetary donations, one of the best ways to help is by sharing the link to this campaign. We aim to spread the word far beyond our immediate circles by leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and word-of-mouth. Our goal is to connect with everyone who is as excited as we are to see this film on the big screen.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to read this far. On behalf of myself and the dedicated team that is committed to turning this film project into a reality, I sincerely thank you for your contributions, no matter how big or small. Whether you choose to support us by making a donation, spreading the word on social media, or sharing our campaign in your social groups with friends and family, every single action counts. I believe this film has the potential to touch hearts and spark conversations, and we truly value any support you can offer.