DUO

DUO (2022 Film)

A young woman searches for her missing half while she struggles with psychosis.

Director: MJ SCHEMBRI

Screenplay (Flesh for the Father): Damian Chiappara

Cast: Ashley Rainer, Chris Bridgewater, Justin Gerardin, Nathan Schulz, Rhiannon Walton, Ilana Collins & Lorena Chiappara

Cinematography + Post-Production: MJ SCHEMBRI

Company Credits: HAUL MEDIA / Futureport / Scenic Rim Brewery

The film began Production in 2019 when it was originally written as a cannibal horror by Damian Chiappara, who also served as the film's Producer. Principal Photography took place in February 2020 in the Scenic Rim region of Queensland, Upper Coomera and HAUL MEDIA Burleigh Heads. Completing the film became difficult, as production had halted with the pandemic, forcing the studio to close and the film to be completed solely by the Director, who had relocated to Sydney and spent most of his time struggling with psychosis and depression. He had attempted to organize pick-ups in QLD, and although the actors were available he was not able to secure the main location, Chiappara's grandparents' vacant home. These experiences reshaped the Director's vision for the film and rather than abandon the project he chose to alter it instead. Sound Design and Animation became a focal point, emphasizing the main character's battle with psychosis. This became "DUO".