Shot in Feburary 2023, Edith is the story of a woman living in Burra, South Australia in 1886.
The short film was written by Dominic Campaniello and Benjamin Raschella, funded by the Helpmann Academy and was produced by Aliessa Lunetta with Black Aperture Media, with DOP Patrick Prior.
Edith has won gold in the ACS awards for cinematography in 2024 and has only had a limited application to film festivals.
Edith’s design was kept simple in respect to the rural nature of the film, and with consideration to the historical fashions of the time. Costumes for both Edith and Russel needed to be kept within a micro budget, while still being able to reflect the time period, and personalities of the characters.
The use of constrasting colour with the pale purple blouse was an intentional choice to show that Edith (Ren Williams) was not blended into the environment she found herself in after her marriage to Russel (Trung Le).
The embroidery on Edith’s blouse was hand done and deliberate to be rough, and without fine thread to communicate the prospect that Edith had done it herself, and that she was not a comfortable home maker. The use of typically feminine motif of flowers was contrasted with the dark, winding branches through the embroidery showing a need for growth and change within her character.
Without the budget allowance for underpinnings such as a corset or chemise, Edith’s costume was constructed to not rely on these garments to create the historical shape and fit. Careful use of grainlines and gathering techniques ensured that the garments sat how they needed to without impacting movement, or requiring extensive adjustment for continuity.
Edith’s costume was designed, drafted, fit and made by Courtney Palmer
Art finishing was completed on set for Russel (Trung Le) after his vest was completed by costume maker Laura Day.