A community screening of the film Blaze will be held at Orange Regional Gallery on Thursday 30 May, supported by Orange City Council.
Hosted by Domestic Violence NSW and Housing Plus, the film screening is being held to mark Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and raise money for The Orchard, which provides crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Mel McDonell encouraged everyone to show their support and help raise awareness of gender-based violence.
"This is an opportunity for everyone to come together to raise awareness of the impacts of domestic and family violence as well as the support available for those affected by family violence," Cr McDonell said.
"Everyone has a right to live free from violence and when we come together at events like this it sends a message that violence in our homes and communities will not be tolerated."
'Blaze' is directed by Archibald Prize winning artist Del Kathryn Barton.
Directed by Archibald Prize winning artist Del Kathryn Barton, 'Blaze' explores how creativity can be a source of healing for children victim-survivors exposed to violence, one of the priority groups for advocacy.
The screening will be followed by a recorded conversation with the film's director, which will unpack some of the advocacy within the film.
"Domestic violence is preventable. That is why it's so important this Prevention Month for us all to start having conversations about the cultural change we can all help achieve. This is also the reason why DVNSW released our pledge earlier this year which focuses on individual actions to counter domestic violence" Delia Donovan CEO of Domestic Violence said
"Art is a fantastic conversation start which is why we feel so privileged to have been able to collaborate with Del Kathryn Barton in this screening."
Jenna Hattersley, DV Services Manager with Plus Community and Housing Plus, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are proud to partner with Orange City Council and DVNSW to share this important message. We are also deeply thankful for the community's support in making a tangible difference in the lives of women and children staying at The Orchard through this event."
The Blaze screening will be held at 6pm on Thursday 30 May in the theatre at Orange Regional Gallery.
Tickets cost $40 and are available from 123 Tix here.
