Anti-bullying awareness short film
AGUSKA, made to support the work of award-winning charity, Kidscape, had its release on November 10, 2024, following into National Anti- Bullying Week.
The project takes its name from Aguska Mnich, a five-time world freestyle football champion, Polish freestyler and multiple Guinness World Record holder who serves as the film’s inspiration.
AGUSKA tells the story of Melissa, a young girl who is bullied at football for her lack of skill and for her wealthy family. Rather than being knocked down, she works with her family to overcome the challenges, unites the team and ensure everyone wins - in more ways than one.
The film stars rising star Tegan Muggeridge as Melissa, and features legendary actor Simon Callow as Patrick Carter alongside Hannah Baxter-Eve, Mary Roscoe and Skye Kilgallon.
It also boasts a special appearance from the titular character, Aguska, who is shown as herself in a scene involving young footballers. Canadian football legend and Chelsea FC star Ashley Lawrence, who gave up her time to play the role of a football coach. Dunstan Bruce, the lead singer of anarcho-punk band Chumbawamba (best known for its 1997 hit ‘Tubthumping’) also makes several cameos in the film.
The Film is directed by Tristan Loraine and Hannah Baxter-Eve.
“When you work with talent like Simon Callow, Tegan Muggeridge and Hannah Baxter- Eve, you know your life as a director will be very rewarding as you are in safe hands. Working with young actors is always more challenging, but the young ladies in AGUSKA absolutely knocked it out of the park with their professionalism, preparation and enthusiasm,” says director Tristan Loraine. “As a producer, I hope the film will help Kidscape grow as a charity and increase the discourse on bullying in sport.”
Tristan reunited with executive producer Herb Jackson Jr. after the pair worked on ANGEL FLEET together.
“Tristan and I worked closely together on this film to bring attention to the issue of bullying and to show our support for Kidscape in their efforts to assist those who have been impacted,” says Jackson. “Our collaboration pushed creative boundaries, resulting in the impactful film you see today. The contributions of the cast and crew were invaluable, and we are excited to have Dunstan and Aguska on board to amplify the impact of our message. We are eagerly anticipating the World Premiere of the film at the Birmingham Film Festival in November.”
Tegan Muggeridge who previously starred in the Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures feature film A Christmas Story Christmas stated:
“It has been great to be involved in Aguska; the film has a special place in my heart. I can absolutely relate to Mellissa, having experienced bullying myself, so I am very grateful to have been given the responsibility to depict Mel and be a part of a film that will make a difference. I’ve been knocked down and got back up again!”
Kidscape Chief Executive Officer, Paula Timms stated: ‘When you’re being bullied, it can feel like you’re utterly alone. That’s why the film’s message is so important: help is out there. Whether the bullying is in a sports team, community, or a school, we want children to know that they can get support. Together, we can stand up to bullying and make it stop.’
Established in 2006, Fact Not Fiction Films has produced over 30 films, documentary and short films. ‘Aguska’ follows their previous public awareness short films ‘Missing a Note’ (dementia) (2018), ‘Finding Wilson’ (mental health in young adults and PTSD in the military) (2020) and ‘Eve Groves’ (lobular breast cancer).
aguskafilm.com© Fact Not Fiction Films
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