ORIGINAL FILM PRODUCTION
''THE CYCLE''
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Synopsis:
A Black Deaf woman who is caught up in domestic violence and lost in translation. But should this be taken at face value?
She's lonely. In fact, abused and trapped in silence by her abuser. The trauma she experiences from the abuse means she is unable to live a normal life. Until one day she builds up the courage and grabs an opportunity. Police officers arrive at her house. Will she be heard? Will the police protect her? Or will she be another statistic? Things do not turn out the way she expected.
Written/Produced/Directed
by Vilma Jackson
The premiere event
Vilma has recently organised a one-night event for "The Cycle" at Rich Mix on the 25th of October. The event included the premiere of the film, followed by a panel Q&A session and a networking opportunity for visionaries. We had amazing attendees who were truly engaged with the film and panel discussion. They had so many questions. This is one of the reasons why Vilma Jackson worked tirelessly to raise awareness, enabling them to better understand and learn so much from it. Vilma is thrilled to report that the event was a tremendous success. The feedback regarding both the film and the event was overwhelmingly positive. Don't just take my word for it, see the reviews from attendees.
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Raise Awareness Of The Domestic Violence
'The Cycle' holds immense significance for Vilma Jackson Productions. Vilma Jackson recognises the acute need for support and resources within the Deaf community, particularly among minority ethnic groups who have faced domestic abuse. Sadly, these individuals often don't receive the same level of assistance as their white counterparts.
This is why Vilma believes it's crucial for everyone, regardless of gender, race, faith or disability, to receive equal and immediate support.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Behind the scenes
Behind the scenes images taken on set of 'The Cycle' by photographer Mark Sherratt
Behind the scenes images taken on set of 'The Cycle' by photographer Mark Sherratt
Behind the scenes images taken on set of 'The Cycle' by photographer Mark Sherratt
Behind the scenes images taken on set of 'The Cycle' by photographer Mark Sherratt
Oscar Neumann
I was fortunate to attend the Premiere of The Cycle by Vilma Jackson on Wednesday 25th October. This was an extrardinary event. The event included a psychological thriller that packed a punch, a social awareness and advocacy campaign for Deaf rights and the stunning debut of a new star.
The last first. Vilma Jackson, conceived, wrote, directed, starred and produced this 25-minute film, delivering professional quality. There was little to distinguish the film from the standard of editing, lighting, acting and sound that one would witness on a mainstream platform. Impressive and certainly a talent to look out for.
The film was followed by a Q & A panel about the relationships between the Police and the Deaf community and the issue of domestic abuse within that community. This was graced by a senior representative from the Manchester Constabulary who is responsible for liaison with Britain’s Deaf citizens. This was a remarkable session which I enjoyed through the sign language interpretation provided. Takeaways: The Police are raising their game, for example there is now a Deaf friendly way to call 999 and communicate with help, yet many are not aware of this. There is much more to be done with regards to improving deaf awareness in the Police and removing bias towards hearing people; Sign language is a beautiful and sophisticated means of communication. It was a real privilege to witness such a passionate, mature and detailed conversation in this medium. Congratulations to Vilma Jackson for making this and integral part of the Premiere.
The film itself was a harrowing and scary journey through the trauma of domestic abuse. The plot is unpredictable and holds viewer interest all the way to the finale. In response to questions from the audience after the Premiere, Vilma Jackson explained how the casting was designed to surprise and that it was important to include blood and violence in a production with a predominantly deaf cast because – why not? Deaf people are adult human beings and TV and Film designed for them should not treat them as children.
Watch “The Cycle” with your eyes wide open and pay close attention to detail. Every nuance is included for a reason.
Helen
Vilma, I was over-flowing with love and pride. Your portrayal of the trauma around domestic violence always half hidden by its existence at ‘HOME’. ‘Home’ should be where the heart is and where we can find safety, and love. Your beautiful drama showed us all how this is so often not the case. The panel afterwards was very impressive. Well done and thank you for a humbling and amazing experience.
Spiros Dimilous
I believe I had a fantastic experience night and given the many opinions people shared about the movie. The film is impactful and powerful. The highlighting the struggles Deaf individuals face when communicating with hearing people. I highly recommend watching it!
Emma Gilbert, Chief Inspector
An intense depiction of the complex nature, perception and impact of domestic abuse. Within this short film, many questions around access to key services, communication and cultural understanding are raised. You have to watch it. And then you’ll need to watch it again to make sure you’ve not missed something else it is unfolds, twists and turns. We have much more to do here!
Carmel George
The Cycle, a short film by Vilma Jackson is a powerful, visceral drama, sometimes shocking in its imagery that highlights the issues faced by deaf people, in domestic abuse situations. Such as difficulties in being listened to and being believed. The shocking twist at the end, gives the viewer food for thought, by challenging the stereotypes we may hold of an abuser and the abused.
Dorothy Dady, Founder RAMLION
I went to the premiere screening event of Vilma Jackson latest short film ‘The Cycle’ at Rich Mix. The film was captivating, thought provoking and powerful as it made the audience question the narrative involved with a serious topic of domestic abuse.
Alan Reed, Co-Founder ELREM Foundation CIC
The premiere screening of the ‘The Cycle’ at Rich Mix was another masterpiece of powerful performance art that took the audience on an intriguing journey through the mental and physical roller coaster that is domestic abuse. It wouldn’t be a Vilma Jackson production without a few twists and turns thrown in for good measure.
Sophie Wooley
I saw The Cycle with my sister Cathy Mager. I thought it was such brilliant work. You are very talented in so many ways. I'm full of admiration and excitement for THE CYCLE and for the way you make your work. The structure of the story was superb with many unexpected twists. It was gripping all the way through, and you got good performances from a wonderful cast.
Dikmaya Pun
The short film "The Cycle" was both amazing and inspirational. Based on a true story, I loved watching it. I have a feeling that a sequel is on the horizon! Anyone - I highly recommend watching it.
Premiere Event -
Photography by Mark Sherrat.
Keith J
The Cycle is a powerful and disturbing film. An uncompromising representation of the physical and psychological violence suffered by women and men in domestic abuse, and particularly the specific experiences of many black, deaf victims in gaining support from the police and other agencies, is painful to witness.The shock works. We are left in no doubt that this is an issue that must be addressed. Furthermore the film is intriguing as well as shocking, with a plot ingeniously designed to show how domestic abuse affects both women and men, and can cause victims to become abusers themselves. The central character is portrayed convincingly by Vilma Jackson, the author and director, and her supporting cast do not let her down.
This was a remarkable event. The film, about the experience of deaf victims of domestic abuse, is powerful and shocking , as is appropriate for the topic, and the plot is cleverly constructed. It requires careful attention to be fully aware of its message. The discussion afterwards was informative and lively due to an excellent panel, representing the writer and director, and police and voluntary organisations.
The police representative in particular was refreshingly frank in acknowledging the many obvious failures there are in ensuring abused victims’ accounts of their experiences are properly heard. She was also very informative about policies for improving police practices, and the difficulty in introducing them speedily across the country.
As a hearing person it was a new experience to be part of a largely deaf audience. Their questions and comments to the panel made a very important contribution to the quality of the event.
Philip Garden
Never before have I seen such a powerful film; I liked the final bit that differs from the usual fairy tale ending. This posed unanswered questions for the audience who were totally captivated throughout the film; Vilma is to be congratulated on her initiative in addressing serious abuse issues among vulnerable deaf people with limited access to the mental health services available. The disturbing effects that she has portrayed are common place in deaf society; the film has indeed stirred great emotions especially the victims present. It is pity that the film was rather short but it is enough to send a strong message to the NHS and professionals who has often failed the deaf as current evidence suggests so.
It was a nice idea to have the panels available for feedback and questioning. Personally I would have loved just the cast to outline their honest feelings during filming; it was refreshing to see each of them come out with issues from their childhood past. As for the health professionals, they somehow spoiled matters for they oversold their services hence taking away the thunder from the film. I would have liked the audience to walk away feeling the strong impact that the film had delivered rather than be burdened with too much information from the professionals.
