Director's Statement:

"Love Yourself First" marks my first go at writing and directing, a project that means a lot to me. The idea for this short film came to me unexpectedly one night while I was scrolling through TikTok. I noticed a worrying trend – young teenagers getting into dark magic spells on the platform. What struck me was how some found it cool, while others were struggling and looking for help without any guidance on how to undo the consequences.

This discovery pushed me to create "Love Yourself First." I wanted to highlight the dangers of easily available information on social media, luring people into things without showing the potential problems. Like our main character, Alyssa, who gets drawn in by the promise of happiness on a magic card but doesn't see the lurking shadows, the film shows how easy it is to make quick decisions without understanding the consequences.

Beyond the cautionary tale about social media, "Love Yourself First" also talks about self-love. Alyssa's inner struggles reflect a common problem – wanting love but also needing time alone. The film emphasises the importance of accepting and understanding yourself.

In the end, "Love Yourself First" is a call to be careful and do proper research before trying new things. It reminds us that, in a world full of information, we need knowledge and good judgment. This not only helps us navigate the digital world but also improves how we approach life, encouraging a deep sense of self-love.

I hope this film connects with you on a personal level. I invite you to join me in spreading the message that loving yourself comes first. As the director and writer, I've put my own experiences into the story. Alyssa's struggles with friends, relationships, and insecurities mirror my own experiences in different ways. Through these shared elements, the film becomes a way for everyone to think and embrace the important idea of "Love Yourself First."

Synopsis:

The story unfolds in a library where Alyssa, seeking solace, discovers a mysterious book titled "How to achieve your dream life." While reading, she stumbles upon a card with instructions to enter a dream world by whispering a wish before sleeping. Alyssa follows the instructions, finding herself in a dark room and eventually a beautiful field. However, her dream turns unsettling when a man named Chase appears, claiming to have been waiting for her. Alyssa tries to escape but is caught by Chase, who pleads for companionship. In a struggle, she uses a key to return to the library. Back in reality, Alyssa finds a new book, "Love yourself first," realising the key to fulfilment lies within. The story explores themes of self-love, escaping toxic relationships, and finding strength within oneself.

Genre:

Psychological Thriller and Drama

The Cast:

Charlotte Roche as Alyssa
Byron Bonovan as Chase
Extras: (In Library)
Couple: Zoe Sines and Nathan Amos
Student 1: Mazimum Perou 
Group of Students:
Megan Hearne 
Simon Campbell
Vismaya Chandrashekar
Hayden Lepine-Williams 

The Crew:

Writer and Director : Melfin Pereira 🍀
Producer : Samuel James Thomson
Director of Photography : Marc Nickl 
Production Designer : Kaja Jedrak
Sound Recordist : Jamie Drayton
Sound Designer and Composer : Cameron Fernandes
Editor : Juliano Hassoun
1st Assistant Director : Ran You
Assistant Camera/Gaffer : Qinglong Liu
Boom Operators : Noah Downs-Brown and Juliano Hassoun
Colourist: Marc Nickl
Title Sequence Designer: Vismaya Chandrashekar 

Shoot Date: 

19th April - 21st April 2023

Completion Date:

27th October 2023

Premiere Date:

5th November 2023 @ 10th Goa Short Film Festival.Vlog 

Release Date:

31st October 2024

Social Media Presence : 

IMDbInstagramArticle

Your support: 

Support the film here : GoFundMe

Awards: 18

20th January 2024 - WINNER - Best Europe Short Film (Rohip International Film Festival) 

20th January 2024 - WINNER - Best Cinematography (Rohip International Film Festival) 

23rd January 2024 - WINNER - Best Women Director - Short Film (Golden Lion International Film Festival) 

25th January 2024 - WINNER - Best Debut Short Film (Thilsri International Film Festival) 

25th January 2024 - WINNER - Best Editor (Thilsri International Film Festival) 

25th January 2024 -  HONORABLE MENTION - Best Cinematography (Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival)

27th January 2024 - WINNER - Best Debut Short Film (Athvikvaruni International Film Festival)

27th January 2024 - WINNER - Best Director (Athvikvaruni International Film Festival)

1st February 2024 - WINNER - Best Emir Kusturica (Absurd Film Festival)

2nd February 2024 - WINNER - Best Debut Director (Kodaikanal International Film Festival)

2nd February 2024 - WINNER - Best Europe Short Film (Kodaikanal International Film Festival)

2nd February 2024 - WINNER - Best Cinematography (Kodaikanal International Film Festival)

3rd February 2024 - WINNER - Best Debut Director (Tekka International Film Festival)

10th February 2024 - WINNER - Best Director (Birsamunda International Film Awards)

10th February 2024 - WINNER - Best Cinematography (Birsamunda International Film Awards)

15th February 2024 - WINNER - Best Director (Cuckoo International Film Awards)

15th February 2024 - WINNER - Best Student Short Film (Cuckoo International Film Awards)

26th February 2024 - SEMI FINALIST - Best Director (Rameshwaram International Film Awards)

Nominee : 16

Best Actress  - Tekka International Film Festival - February 2024 

Best Cinematography  - Thilsri International Film Festival - January 2024 

Best Debut Director - Rohip International Film Festival - January 2024 

Best Thriller Short Film, Best Cinematography and Best Director - Hallucinea Film Festival- January 2024 (x3)

Lift - Off Filmmaker Sessions - January 2024 (x2)

Lift - Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions - December 2023 (x2)

Best Narrative Film, Best International Film, Best Film of Goa, Best First Time Director, Best Indian Director, Best Female Director and Best Student Director - 10th Goa Short Film Festival - November 2023 (x7)