The Bison's Legs is a short film set in prehistoric times. With the help of archaeologists, forest rangers, and a lovely cast and crew, I have spent the last two years preparing for this project. The filming has been completed in May and the film is currently being edited. The premiere will take place on October 26th in the Rijksmuseum of Oudheden in Leiden (see below). This website contains all the information about the film and was intended to support the crowdfunding.
Here is the trailer! (English subs available)
Goal of the Crowdfunding
Note from August 20th: As of today, the crowdfunding has gathered over €4200, I'm very proud of that and thanks so much to everyone that has donated!! Though filming has already been finished, there are also costs to the postproduction, like paying the editor, paying for music rights and setting up the premiere. So donations are still very much welcome! The below message was aimed at the first phase of the crowdfunding, i.e. for the main production days of May 2024.
With the crowdfunding, I aim to raise €5000. This isn't much for a film like this because I can borrow a lot of artefacts, and most of the cast and crew are participating voluntarily. It's enough to rent a van and equipment, arrange food and accommodation, and pay the makeup artist. I can borrow authentic clothing and artifacts from archaeologists in Arnhem and Leiden and the filming locations (thanks to the cooperation of Staatsbosbeheer) are all free.
I set up the crowdfunding myself because most funding platforms take a percentage of the proceeds. Plus, I like a personal and minimalist approach. This website also allows for the project's long-term development. I can use the site as a lasting reference point and post more in-depth texts on the blog.
I've created a separate account for the funds. All donations go directly to the film, and any leftover money will be used for the premiere (venue rental, welcome drinks, and such).
Your contributions are crucial to making this happen. But there are definitely rewards in return. Take a look below!
If you donate:
• €10: You're invited to the premiere and will be credited in the film (you can choose the name under which you want to be credited!).
• €15: The above, plus you get a piece of flint.
• €35: The above, plus a **Legs of the Bison** T-shirt.
• €50: The above, plus a small artwork.
The shirts and the flint pieces can be ordered until the end of August (the artworks until later).
Below is a link to a Google Form. Let me know how much you're donating and which merch you'd like. I'll then send you a payment request privately. Thanks so much in advance, and I hope to see you at the premiere!
https://forms.gle/1JR7XMcCxtAhTwVg9
The Story
The film is set 30,000 years ago, at a time when humans were, I believe, just as intelligent as we are today. The story revolves around the creation of a cave painting: Two young hunters spend a day out spotting bison. They sketch what they see and take the sketch to a cave. There, they create a mural and bring the drawing to life using the shadows cast by their fire.
Right: screenshot from the cave scene.
The Message
With The Bison's Legs, I want to paint a different picture of prehistory. The cliché is that early hunter-gatherers were brutes, poorly dressed, and simple-minded. My vision is that they were just as intelligent as we are, articulate, and equally capable of wonder. My hunters are not only civilized; they also create music and poetry and reflect on their relationship with nature.
Left: screenshot from the film.