My name is Georgia Fernandes- I am 21 years old, I want to
write stories-stories that make people think, feel, believe and imagine . I
want to make an impact.
I have always wanted to tell stories, and so I started
writing movie scripts. Most of my scripts surround strong women and put women
in the main spotlight. Whereas some create feel-good experiences, others are
more of a raw insight into what it means to be a woman living in this world.
‘Mercy' is possibly the most special script I've written
because it represents the bravery, resilience, and perseverance that thousands
of young girls around Africa possess. 'Mercy' is a combination of hundreds of
different real-life stories affecting girls below the age of 15.
'Mercy' is not a film that begs for sympathy- it strives for
change; in the hope that everyone who watches the short film will see how one
wrong decision can affect multiple lives. I think stories like this that
describe the courage that young African girls show- should not be kept secret,
instead they should be shared with the world.
My hope for this film is that it would launch the 'Think
Twice Movement,' which would push for men to 'Think Twice' before they even
touch a girl. To stray away from that film- I suppose as a woman, I am also
pretty tired of constantly seeing men in the main spotlight in all films- as
the hero.
I want everyone to see women in a new light- and for once
instead of constantly portraying them as wives and mothers- portray them as
many actually are: CEOs, MDs, Police, Special Agents, Athletes, Doctors, and
so much more.
Mercy is more than a movie, it is a movement with a purpose.
Georgia Fernandes (fourth from right) with the MERCY crew.
GEORGIA FERNANDES AT THE PREMIERE OF “MERCY”
IN NAIROBI ON NOV. 24
To
be standing here right now is surreal, and I want to start by thanking you all
for coming here today- and for being a part of this dream.
For those of you who do not know, my name is Georgia Fernandes; I am 21 years old- and I am one of the co-writers of Mercy.
Many of you may be surprised to know that I am studying architecture; however, I have always wanted to tell stories; I have always wanted to make people think, feel, and imagine; I wanted to make an impact, and so I started writing scripts.
Most of my scripts are about strong women, and I always want to put women in the spotlight. Whereas some scripts create feel-good experiences- others are more of an insight into what it means to be a woman living in this world.
'Mercy' is possibly the most special script I've written because it represents the bravery, resilience, and perseverance that thousands of young girls around Kenya possess, each having gone through their own journey, and this is just one.
I am hoping the film has moved you- just as writing the script moved me. Today I am hoping that you watched this film not just as an audience but as individuals who have the ability to help, as individuals who have the ability to make an impact.
'Mercy' is not a film that begs for sympathy- it strives for change; in the hope that everyone who watches the short film will see how one wrong decision can affect multiple lives.
Stories like this that describe the courage that young Kenyan girls posses - should not be kept secret and instead be shared with the world. My hope for this film is that it would launch the 'Think Twice Movement,' which would make men Think Twice' before they even touch a girl.
Producing a film is no easy feat- but telling a story that is aimed to move millions is even more challenging, and it takes a team that is passionate, hardworking, and devoted to not just making a film- but serving a cause.
Mercy is a film that we hope is going to make an impact on so many people's lives, and when we created each character, we knew that the opportunity to play that role could possibly change someone's life- but choosing the right person for the role would change millions of lives. Casting Mercy was no easy task, but to my leading ladies, Tana, Mariam, Shandra, Selestine, and Martina, YOU made this dream come true, and you nailed it.
Today I would like to thank the entire cast and crew for making this a reality- From the many nights we stayed up late - only to wake up two hours later to start a new day, to standing in the cold of the night and getting sprayed by fake rainwater - thank you for not just your endurance but for doing it all with a smile.
A
special thank you to
Imani
and Ntinyari for the Soundtrack,
Githogoro
Community
Earth
Angles Welfare Team
Vishal
Sharma
Evasha
Homes
Julius
Kilonzi
Engage
Burson Cohn & Wolfe
... without you, this wouldn't have come
together.
In
2019, when I first came up with the idea of 'Mercy,' I was just a girl who
wanted to tell a story- and seeing how that story has grown has been one of the
most incredible experiences of my life. I knew what I wanted to say, but what I
needed was someone who knew how to make that possible, someone who could match
my passion and help turn it into a film, and that's when Zippy Kimundu walked
in. Without her guidance and support, this film would not be possible. Zippy,
this is our first film, and I cannot wait for us, and everyone here to see what
the future holds.
For Ian Fernandes and Justus Tharao, who have spent sleepless nights making sure that this film was everything I had ever dreamed of, and to Desiree Gomes for giving me the first stepping stone to make this more than just an idea. Thank you.
Lastly, I wanted to say thank you to someone who inspired this entire film and this cause. Someone who changes the world every day and never expects anything in return. Someone who inspires me in every way and someone I am so honored to dedicate this film to you. So, to Ruth Adhiambo, thank you for everything.
As you can see from the numbers, over 5000 girls were impregnated in one month alone, and over 10 million girls have experienced some form of sexual abuse over the last fifteen years. That is why this cause is something that means so much to me; although this is the end of this film, it is just the beginning of this movement, and I can't wait for you all to join in.
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