The Talk

A young woman (Charlie) struggles to open up to her partner (Jonah) about her asexuality. Once the protagonist, Charlie's sexuality comes to light, as expected, it impacts her relationship.   ‘The Talk’ questions the very notion of sensuality and intimacy and brings to light the complexity of human experience. 

Made by the Ace and queer community, for the Ace and queer community, The Talk aims to depict a confronting and honest experience that many can relate to, yet scarcely depicted in our media especially within Aotearoa. This story comes from a place of honesty and personal experience. It's confronting, with it arising uncomfortable questions but at the same time, truthful; showcasing the complexity of relationships and human emotion.  

Visually and tonally, the film is inspired by the likes of films such as In the Mood for Love (2000), All of Us Strangers (2023) and Challengers (2024). 

Meet The Team: 

Judah Jackson (Director/Co-Producer): 

Judah Jackson, born and raised in Pōneke, Aotearoa, is a Director/Producer interested in championing stories that need to be seen and heard. Judah studied at Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), worked in various roles on short and feature films, had shorts in local/national film festivals/competitions and recently produced a short film called The Native Police under the mentorship of Rachel Perkins, which helped to build a foundation for his Directing. “People and collaboration is everything to me!” - Judah’s experience in a variety of Film disciplines provides a framework to reach out collaboratively and communicate with each production department. His passion for storytelling is evident through his diverse portfolio of work. Judah has a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, and to craft evocative narratives. 

Olive Shadbolt (writer): 

Jovially blasphemous is Olive’s first response wherever asked about who they are. Secondly they are Rongowhakaata. They are a writer and poet specialising mainly in Short form fiction, but has also written several short films including “Dead Set”, “Hills Apart”, and now “THE TALK”. Most of Olive’s writing focuses on the rejection of the divine couple, exploring relationships platonic, romantic, and everything in between. A triple threat Olive is asexual, autistic, and agender giving them a unique angle on this story experiencing societal pressure to love both from a masculine and feminine perspective. “THE TALK” as a story is born out of their own complicated relationship with love. Beyond writing, Olive is a beloved swim instructor and avid boardgame enthusiast capable of running twelve different tabletop RPG systems.   

Hannah McDonald (Co-producer): 

Hannah McDonald is an interdisciplinary artist/producer who has led and produced several short films and worked as a visual effects artist on a number of projects. She is particularly interested in issues and injustices concerning Womens’ rights, the rights of indigenous & POC, and LGBTQIA+ matters in Aotearoa and globally. 

The funds we are seeking now are exclusively to cover post-production expenses, particularly color gradingand sound mixing/mastering, without which the film cannot be completed. 

To clarify, here is a breakdown of the revised $2,500 budget:

• Color Grading: $1,500
• Sound Mix/Master: $1,000

Based in Pōneke, the film takes place all in one location, the main protagonist's apartment. From script, performance, cinematography and production-design, The Talk, questions what it truly means to be romantic, sensual and intimate. Moreover, The Talk represents a human experience, one that needs to be told, shared and celebrated by the community and wider community. This story comes from an honest place and has a strong vision not only through artistic and stylistic choices but through tone, care and empathy. 

We are working towards something that we hope will be very special and dear to the community as there is an element of invisibility felt when it comes to understanding and awareness around Asexuality, even in LGBTQIA+ spaces.  As strong believers that film can be a vehicle for change, with this film we are wanting to help strengthen the community by allowing our friends, family, members of the community, those questioning their sexuality and others to either see themselves being represented in our main protagonist Charlie, or to gain a new perspective and ultimately find a place of understanding.