Director Dan Balcaban’s feature documentary Care About Us, which explores homelessness in 11 different countries, will have its world premiere at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum on November 5.
Balcaban, an actor who has previously directed shorts such as Distance to Now, shot the film on location in Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Cairo, London, Prague, Berlin, Stockholm, Barcelona, LA, New York and Vancouver.
Care About Us aims to explore new solutions to the poor living conditions of homeless people across the globe.
“It’s the same all around the world. You start to notice the homeless more and more. Usually, you’d pass them without a fleeting thought. They’d either look at you, pleading with their eyes, or keep their head turned. They don’t know if you’ll help them or berate them, but truthfully, barely anyone even thinks about them,” said Balcaban.
The idea for the film came to the director after he was hospitalised following a near-fatal motorbike accident.
“I realised then that although I had nearly lost my life, there were others that were worse off than me, even in that moment,” said Balcaban.
“Other factors also led to the creation of the film, such as my mother getting food stamps and second hand clothes when we were kids. This was due to our financial situation at the time. I also ran away from home when I was younger. Although it was for a short time, I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.”
Balcaban also produced Care About Us along with Jake Koseleci and John Vitaliotis. Writers are Kate McKee and Alex Slade.
All money from the Powerhouse screening will go to two charities that work with homeless people, Rough Edges and Milkcrate Theatre.
When:
Sat 5 November 2016
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where:
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris Street
Ultimo, NSW, 2007
Bookings and Info:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/care-about-us-global-homeless-documentary-premiere-celebration-tickets-28633941891