May 17 2007
Documentary on Polyamory Filmed in Sydney
Thursday, 17 May 2007

Documentary on Polyamory Filmed in Sydney

Sydney, May 17th, 2007 – Filming wrapped up today on a new documentary about polyamory, described by the cinematographer, Marden, as “exceptional talents giving Open and insightful access into a fascinating world”.

The producer, Muffy, said, “I am really pleased with what we’ve got here. This is such an interesting story, and the family members are all genuine, loving, emotionally mature people. I couldn’t imagine how polyamory worked when we started this project, and I have to say the whole process has been very educational for me.”

The final product will be a seven-minute documentary film, which will be shown at film festivals across the world. It was financed by the Commonwealth Government via the Australian Film Television and Radio School.doco.jpg

The film focuses on a MFF Triad and the male partner of one of the women. “We were very cautious about being involved,” said Anne, one of the triad, “but I felt very safe with Muffy, and the whole crew, because I felt they treated what we offered with respect.”

The production crew found the subject matter of the documentary fascinating. “I think that the process of interviewing has revealed to the crew, and hopefully to the wider public, that polyamory is not, in fact, fundamentally selfish,” said production assistant Esy. “This film challenges the wider understanding of polyamory. I definitely think the material we have does the subject justice.”

Subjects and crew alike hope that this film will contribute to making polyamory more widely understood and accepted.

“I found this experience a real eye-opener,” said sound recordist, Sethy. “I think polyamory should be recognised more. I know society will accept it eventually. I found it beautiful, being among these people. It was love, just genuine love. It was just a beautiful experience.”

The film attempts, in the limited time available, to cover topics such as how people come to be Poly, jealousy, telling parents and friends, and time management, and also old chestnuts such as “what about the children?” and “isn’t this just another name for Swinging?”

“It was a big chunk out of my life, the days it took to film this,” said Pete, the partner of one of the women in the triad, “but I really feel it was worth it, because the filming was a very good experience. I felt I could trust the filmmakers to deal with the material in a sensitive and trustworthy way.”

The film will be in post-production until some time in August. The AFTRS is likely to hold screenings in Sydney and Melbourne at some stage in the future.

"We view this as a first step in getting positive images of polyamory into the media and to the wider public,” said Chris, a member of the triad. “It’s important that healthy, functional poly families contribute to showing that polyamory is a valid and ethical choice.”

All the people involved commented on the impact on the crew of being closely involved with a Polyamorous family for several days. Even if the film is only seen by a handful of people in the future, it has already dramatically shifted the perceptions of the people involved in its production.

“The crew were all affected positively,” said Jenny, the third member of the triad. “They will all go on to have careers in the media, and hopefully they will generate and participate in projects which portray polyamory in a responsible and balanced way.”

The participating family will be notified whenever the film is to be shown, and will pass the information on to PolyOz. Rights to the film are owned by AFTRS, and screenings may take place over several years at various film festivals.


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Comments (6)
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1. 27-05-2008 11:26
 
Copies
Thanks Chris. 
I will be seeing Anne soon and will ask. Perhaps bring a copy when you come down next anyhow as I'm sure it will be useful. With your permission I may keep a copy in Adelaide for the PolySA group. 
 
[hugs] 
D.
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2. 21-05-2008 09:08
 
Copies available?
Darren, 
 
Speak to Hippolyta she may have a spare copy. If not I do, and will bring it down on the long weekend. 
 
*hugs* 
 
Chris
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3. 19-05-2008 15:09
 
Copies available?
Hey guys, I saw a screening at a recent PolyVic social and it was great. 
Are copies available that we may use sometime in the near future to show the PolySA group ? 
 
[hugs] 
D.
Registered
 
4. 14-07-2007 09:01
 
Copies available?
Great news!!! How can i find out about screenings in Melbourne or Sydney. Blessed be 
Bronwyn
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5. 04-06-2007 23:24
 
Congratulations you three!
Well done guys, I look forward to seeing it! 
 
Craig 
xx
Registered
 
6. 18-05-2007 05:19
 
Another Great Article
:grin Well done CnJ! 
 
Another great article - hope also all goes well with the screenings - thanks for your continued support!
Registered
 

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Last Updated ( Friday, 18 May 2007 )