This petition has been created to raise support and generate attention for the Australia film “I Am You”. I Am You depicts the true story of the kidnapping and murder of a 15 year old girl, Rachel Barber. For a synopsis of the film please go to facebook.com/IAmYou

So far this film has been released in cinemas abroad but has not received support for a cinema release in the country that it was made for to the audience it was intended for. This film was made to give Rachel Barber, the victim of this horrific crime, a voice. 

So why has this film not made it to the big screen in Australia? Is it no good? Not according to the results of numerous screen tests in Melbourne to general population audiences comprised of regular Australian movie goers. The reception at these screenings were distinctively positive. Those who saw the films gave it rave reviews. But the politics of the film industry stalled the films release, and with this lost momentum, resulting in there being no cinema release for the film at all.

By signing this petition you are officially showing your support for this film, for homegrown Australian films, and most importantly, for giving Rachel Barber her voice. Please, pass this petition on to friends, family and acquaintances. The more people know about I Am You, the more likely we will succeed in getting it up on the silver screen.

From Director of I Am You, Simone North:

When I undertook the making of this film (my first film as a director) I wanted and expected it to be a small, independent production. I wrote the film and realized this was not going to be the reality. Amazing Australian actors such as Guy Pearce, Sam Neill and Miranda Otto showed great interest in the project, and in turn the film exploded into a very large scale production. The interest in and help offered to make I Am You was abundant. The story was an important one to be told and many people recognized this.

The trajectory of the film was going good. Production had been grueling but rewarding, and the product we saw in the editing room was outstanding. But once the final cut of the film was locked, the film’s distributors re-cut the film without my knowing, despite being a breach of our contract, turning the situation into a legal nightmare. The nightmare is ongoing even now. 

The distributors believed Caroline was the more interesting and compelling of the two girls and re-cut the film in this mindset. But this was not what I intending my film to be. I knew the story inside and out, and I knew that this film was for Rachel. To give her back the voice Caroline had robbed from her. It was also meant as a cautionary tale to parent’s with children like Caroline and those with children like Rachel.

My film is a truthful storytelling of an abominable act. Murder.

I speak for Rachel through my film and remember her spirit. She was an innocent fifteen year old girl. I also speak for Caroline and her pain. 

This film is a story that every teen and parent should see. It is not an unusual story. Caroline suffered normal problems. Problems children, teenagers and adults face everyday. But she was lost and out of control. She had no one to help her. This film is not fiction, nor is it documentary. It is an exploration of the human condition, of murder, and an ugly reminder that we can all stand at the abyss, as Caroline did. Those are the times that we need help and understanding, so we do not take that final step into the depths of despair.

I can honestly say that every person who has seen this film with the knowledge that every line is true is effected by what they witness. And it effects these people for some time.

Please, sign this petition, support the film and Rachel Barber, her family and Caroline Reed Robertson as well. This film was made for Australians to be seen in cinemas. We need all the support we can get. Thank you.

From the family of Rachel Barber:

“People need to know the real story behind the murder of Rachel. This movie is a way of showing people to be aware of their surroundings. It can't be missed at the cinema due to the important messages in the film. And to keep Rachel's spirit alive. She has been missed every single day since March 1st 1999." 

-Emmanuel Carella, Rachel’s Boyfriend

“My family wants others to hear Rachel's story, and Rachel would want this, too. Her murder was sick and uncalled for. I've no sympathy for Caroline - there is no excuse for murder. I've less sympathy for her parents who should have listened to Caroline's pleas for help. This film needs to be on the big screen so Rachel and Caroline's story never happens again.”

-Heather Barber, Rachel’s Sister

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