Say My name (2023)
“A violated girl is trapped in an underworld of shame. As a child, she was exploited by her father and his friends, and then thrown to the streets as a vulnerable teenager. Despite life going against Mel at every turn, she is determined to see the good in people and find hope before her past catches up with her.”
Directed by Rhoyce Nova | Written by Mel Baker & Rhoyce Nova | Produced by Mel Baker & Quinn |
| Starring Quinn, James Ryan, Winnie Grigg, John Stericker, Darell Jones, Jarrah Webster, Nuno Filipe, Tarni Sneddon, Kate Olivia |
| Director of Photography: Zachary Peel-McGregor | Editor: Agnes Peel-McGregor (Awarded by David Lynch)|
| Assistant Director: Michael Santos | Sound Design: Mark Parry |
| Composer: Quinn | Music Team: Quinn, Mel Baker and Lori (Wren) Quinn | Sound Engineer: Matt Stewart |
| Based on the book Sleeping Under the Bridge |
| Winner of over 50 International Awards |
| including Best Film, Best Actress, Best Cast, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Woman Empowerment Film |
| Nominated for Best Original Song, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography and Best Editor |
“‘Say My Name’ is a profoundly moving and unflinchingly honest short film that dares to delve into the darkest corners of human experience while shining a light on the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Directed with unparalleled passion by Rhoyce Nova, this film is a testament to the power of storytelling to captivate, challenge, and inspire change.
The film immerses you in the harrowing world of Mel, a young woman who has endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of her own family and society. Her resilience, her unwavering determination to find hope in the face of unimaginable adversity, is both heart-wrenching and inspirational.
The lead performance, delivered with raw emotion and vulnerability, is a tour de force. The portrayal of Mel is fantastic, capturing the depths of her trauma, her resilience, and her relentless pursuit of a better life. It's a performance that will leave you breathless and in awe of Quinn Alice's talent.” - Best Damn Film Awards Review
“Blatantly tragic yet undeniably inspirational.”
- Film Critic, Kirk S. Fernwood
The imagery is starkly vibrant, if that’s possible, and encompasses you fully in the world of such anguish tempered with acts of compassion which keeps you engaged throughout and assuredly makes you THINK about both central themes mentioned above. Quinn (whose full name is Quinn Alice Campbell), steps away from her composing duties for this effort and takes on the lead role with an exemplary magnitude of energetic volatility that breaches the heart, mind, and soul through her portrayal of Mel, a lively yet acutely afflicted woman trying to find refuge, peace, and any modicum of aspiration and sincere love while battling a severely fractured past. Cast out of her home by a cruel and abusive father due to her more recent choice of orientation, Mel resides in the streets while still striving to show mercy and kindness to others even as she cannot seem to forgive herself for things she had no control over as a child.
- Film Critic, Kirk S. Fernwood
Rick Prickett, who chairs The IndieFEST Film Awards, had this to say about the latest winners,
“The IndieFEST is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent. The IndieFEST helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptional high quality of entries. The goal of The IndieFEST Film Awards is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”
- Newsmaker Press Release Article.
The Reviews
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THE FINAL SEQUENCE OF THE FILM IS TEAR-JERKING DRAMA AT ITS MOST POTENT AND MADE ME APPRECIATE QUINN’S TALENT AND ABILITY TO “GO THERE” SO ADEPTLY AND REALISTICALLY, WHICH COULDN’T HAVE NECESSARILY BEEN EASY TO EMBODY."
- Kirk S. Fernwood, Film Critic, One Film Fan.
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“Say My Name” is a short film that packs a powerful punch in its brief duration, leaving a profound and lasting impact on its audience. Directed by Rhoyce Nova and driven by an outstanding performance from lead actress Quinn Alice, this film is an intense and emotionally charged exploration of identity.
- Robinson Film Awards, Italy.
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"Say My Name" is a profoundly moving and unflinchingly honest short film that dares to delve into the darkest corners of human experience while shining a light on the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
- Best Damn Film Awards, Atlanta, USA
“SAY MY NAME relies on a musical soundtrack to effectively convey the emotional nuances of the narrative, creating a powerful and heartbreaking atmosphere.
The film’s deliberate use of minimal dialogue enhances its poetic and immersive quality, delving into themes of hopelessness, loneliness, and the complex layers of mental health crises resulting from sustained trauma.”
- Short Films Matter Review
Listen to the say my name title track on the Australian Guild of Screen composers’
“She Plays” playlist.
