'My Life on the Rails' is a psychological drama, based on a true story, about Edith who tries to pick up the pieces of her life after losing her leg in a tram accident. This proves difficult, as she is sexually abused by her physiotherapist.

My name is Tiss van Dongen and I am an enthusiastic filmmaker from Pijnacker. I am currently in my fourth and final year of the Film and Audiovisual Media program at the Dutch Filmers Academy. The final assignment for graduation is to make a short graduation film of 10 to 15 minutes. An acquaintance of mine, Edith Haakman, was hit by a tram when she was sixteen. She lost her leg in this accident. During her rehabilitation, she was sexually abused by, among others, her physiotherapist. After the accident, she found acting in the theater, and this proved to be her salvation. On stage, she could play someone who was 'normal,' she said. A few years ago, she wrote a book about her life. This book inspired me and led me to base my graduation film on her story. The story will not tell Edith's exact story, but it will be largely based on her book and her life. An older version of Edith will appear in the film, which will be played by herself. The film will primarily take place around the tram accident.

What do we offer?
- A fun experience with a friendly team
- Visual material for portfolio
- New acquaintances in the film world
- Travel allowance
- Catering
- Additional compensation in consultation

Type
studentenproductie

Location
Delft

Description
Cast
Edith (18, F)
The main character of My Life on the Rails is Edith. The film will largely take place in a time when Edith is young. Later, we will jump 60 years into the future and see the older Edith, who will be played by the real Edith.

Edith describes herself as a young girl as a cheerful girl who always laughs and chatters away happily. She is very naive and believes everything people say. Despite her cheerfulness, she is very insecure about her appearance. She is very tall for her age, wears glasses, and has thin legs. It is her dream to become a ballet dancer. After the accident, she experienced both physical and psychological conflicts. In addition to phantom pains, inflammation, cysts, and ill-fitting prostheses, Edith is sexually abused by her physiotherapist, whom she calls 'The Wolf'.

Edith loses her leg in the film. If you are an actress who is missing a lower leg, this role could be perfect for you! If not, we will use special effects to make it look like you are missing a leg. It would also be helpful if you have some experience with ballet.

Physiotherapist 'De Wolf' (23, M)
'The Wolf' is the nickname Edith gives to her physiotherapist at the rehabilitation center. At the time, he was seven years older than Edith and wore a white coat. He was responsible for her daily massage treatments and walking exercises.

Edith describes him as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'. Although he didn't look unpleasant, he turned out to be manipulative and cruel. He abused his authority and Edith's vulnerable position to sexually abuse her during the daily massages. He is described by Edith as bad and insanely selfish. He has a huge ego and feels superior.

Mother of Edith (50, F)
Edith's mother, Mien, is described in Edith's book as a dominant and temperamental woman who always wanted to be the boss in the family. She had an excitable and quick-tempered nature, which meant she could regularly fly into a terrible rage. She is extremely overprotective. Edith was never allowed to ride a bicycle and therefore always had to take the tram. After Edith's accident, her overprotectiveness worsens even further. She finds what happened to Edith extremely terrible. For herself, too.

Doctor (35, M)
Another character in the film is Edith's doctor at the hospital, who treats her after the amputation. He is described as a very supportive and hopeful extra. The doctor behaves in a fatherly manner towards Edith. When she is confronted with her amputated leg for the first time and panics, he sits down beside her and puts a comforting arm around her shoulders. He is honest and knowledgeable. He gives Edith hope and tells her that she will be able to do everything again later. He calls her a go-getter.

Featured Extra (M/F/X)
Edith has a confrontation on the street with a stranger who makes a comment about her crutches. That person says they know how it feels to walk with crutches, since they themselves walked with them for at least a week. This is an example of the many interactions Edith has had with strangers in her life.

Crew
In addition to the cast, we are also looking for a number of crew members. We are looking for someone to handle the camera (DoP), someone responsible for the sound, someone to handle the lighting (gaffer), and someone willing to work on make-up. Besides standard make-up, the make-up artist will also have the opportunity to apply special effects make-up to Edith's leg.

Language requirements
Dutch

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