Feature Film
Canvas
Directed by 
Criss Gidas
AFIN 2022 Finalist
- 2022
- 1h 49m
-
Australia - English
- Drama
- Sport
Stills
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Credits
Written by
Produced by
Synopsis
An ex-military boxer with PTSD seeks redemption in a local charity match to save his estranged father's gym.
Director's Statement
Writing and directing a film like Canvas was a challenge in itself to see how I could create a world that showcased a character who remains voluntarily silent for the majority of the film because of what he’d been through. In essence, I wanted to pursue a film about the trauma and mental health in men, especially soldiers whether they are still in active duty or veterans. It’s a topic that’s not discussed as it’s too much of a taboo topic and heavily stigmatised in society - whether or not you’ve seen war. While this may be a film based around sport, it’s one with a lot of heart. It centre’s around a story of family and opening up to people so you can heal. Canvas portrays a reflection of society itself. Men, especially those who have served, are perceived in a certain way and upon returning home to civilian life, there’s often a struggle to process the stark contrast of what’s been experienced.
What makes this one special
- Criss Gidas has been here beforeAlso in the 2021 programme
Director's Biography
Criss Gidas Director
A multi-talented individual, Criss Gidas is a passionate writer, director, and producer based on the Gold Coast. After studying and working in both London and across Australia, Criss really found her passionate dedication for telling stories of the human condition through narrative fiction. Criss was selected to be a part of the AFTRS/Screen Queensland Talent Camp in 2017. Her narrative feature script “Tag, You’re It” was selected by Maeva Gatineau (TWC/Hopscotch Feature’s) as apart of Screen Queensland’s Creative Consultations. It was also selected for the Stowe Story Labs Retreat 2021 with the support of Screen Queensland. The feature screenplay “Articles Of War” was selected for the tenth annual Stowe Remote Writer’s Retreat in 2022 with the support of Screen Queensland, a quarterfinalist in The Script Lab’s screenwriting competition, and a semi-finalist in Outstanding Screenplays feature competition. Most recently, Criss’ debut feature film “Canvas” has premiered at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April 2022 and she has been selected as a top three finalist for the Gold Coast Screen Professional of the Year award as a part of the 2022 Industry Awards. She also received an attachment through Screen Queensland as a Post-Production Coordinator with WildBear Entertainment.