PRESS RELEASE: Award-winning Australian short film, Say My Name, shines light on social issues through unforgettable storytelling
Sydney, New South Wales – Award-winning filmmaker Mel Baker proudly announces the release of her short film Say My Name, a powerful and thought-provoking work based on a true story. This gripping tale, brought to life by an ensemble of debut cast and crew, explores the journey of Mel, who overcomes a traumatic past and finds hope against all odds. With exceptional cinematography by acclaimed DOP Zachary Peel-McGregor, Say My Name promises to captivate audiences with its raw emotions and inspiring narrative. Now available online, this film shines a light on critical social issues and the strength of the human spirit.
Say My Name follows the harrowing yet hopeful journey of Mel, a violated girl exploited by her father and his friends, then thrown to the streets as a vulnerable teenager. Trapped in an underworld of shame, her raw emotions, courage, and resilience shine as she finds hope before her past catches up. This immersive narrative tackles critical social issues such as child sexual abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, teenage suicide, and mental health. Dedicated to those suffering in silence, Say My Name is a gripping true story that promises to inspire and move viewers.
The award-winning film, Say My Name (2023), has garnered over 90 international film awards and is based on Melissa Baker’s memoir Sleeping Under the Bridge, the first book in a trilogy about her life story. The short film was produced and co-written by Mel Baker, known from The Healing documentary, and directed and co-written by Rhoyce Nova. The film stars young Australian actors: Quinn as ‘Mel’ (also the composer), James Ryan as ‘Father’, and Jarrah Webster as ‘Liz’.
Critical Acclaim for Say My Name:
• “Cinematic gem” – New York Critics’ Choice Awards 2024
• “The screenplay … weaves a narrative that not only captivates but challenges the audience to think deeply.” – Robinson Film Awards, 2023, winning Best Screenplay
• “Rhoyce Nova chooses to embrace a raw, unfiltered authenticity” – TMFF, 2025, winning Best Experimental Film
• “The lead performance, delivered with raw emotion and vulnerability, is a tour de force.” – Best Damn Film Awards, 2023, winning Best International Film and Best Damn Drama
• “The cinematography by Zachary Peel-McGregor stands out for its exemplary framing, capturing both the despair and the resilience in Mel’s fight for survival. The film succeeds in shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of homelessness, offering a stark portrayal of the challenges faced by those who endure such harsh realities.” – Short Films Matter
• “An intelligent, harrowing, and boldly confessional account of a survivor.” – Kirkus Review on the book Sleeping Under the Bridge
Say My Name is now available online, inviting viewers to witness a powerful story of resilience, hope, and the human spirit.
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Dr Mel Baker is an accomplished adult educator, international speaker, writer, and film producer. With five published books, two podcast shows, and a starring role in an award-winning documentary, Mel continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Her short film, based on her own life story, has received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Contact Information:
Mel Baker
Living Expressions Film
0430 792 272
[email protected]
View film: https://vimeo.com/livingwellmel/saymyname
Living Expressions brings together a unique voice to empower each other and learn from one another through our own lived experiences. Founder and creator, Dr Mel Baker, produced her first short film, Say My Name, which serves as a beacon of hope for countless survivors of child abuse who have been unjustly silenced. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on the darkest corners of our society.