Living for Today

new short film & single by Rae Leigh

“Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones no one sees.”

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

**Rae Leigh Releases Powerful New Short Film and Single “Living For Today” — A Raw and Hopeful Story of a Mother Escaping Domestic Violence**

Acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, actor, and producer Rae Leigh unveils her most personal and impactful project to date: the short film Living For Today, released alongside her emotionally charged new single of the same name.

Co-written by Rae Leigh and director Ryan Littler, the film follows a single day in the life of a woman fleeing domestic violence with her young daughter. Overwhelmed by fear, shame, and exhaustion, she is forced to sleep in her car — a reality faced by thousands of women and children across Australia escaping violent homes every year. Through her raw and vulnerable performance, Rae brings to life the fragile strength of a mother trying to shield her child while surviving the aftermath of trauma.

Despite its heartbreaking foundation, the film carries threads of hope. Music becomes her lifeline, and a moment of unexpected human kindness helps steer her toward safety, support, and a sense of possibility beyond survival.

Co-Starring Cast

Living For Today features a committed ensemble of Australian actors who bring depth and realism to Rae’s story:

James Anderson as Rae’s bar boss — a character representing the pressures of employment instability many victim-survivors face while trying to appear “fine” at work.
Bryella Mills as Rae’s young daughter — delivering a heartfelt, natural performance that mirrors the emotional weight children often silently carry in DV situations.
Victoria Edwards as the job interview officer — portraying the systemic barriers and rejection that can hit hardest when a woman is already at her lowest.
Sabrina Khan as the Centrelink staff member — whose robotic, computer-like lack of empathy highlights the emotional disconnect many experience when seeking government assistance during crisis.
Adrian Woodward as Darren, Rae’s violent partner — a chilling depiction of coercive control and escalating abuse that Rae is desperately trying to escape.

Together, the cast delivers a grounded, emotionally compelling portrayal of the many societal touchpoints a woman encounters while attempting to rebuild her life.

A Song at the Heart of the Film

Rae Leigh’s original single “Living For Today” serves as the emotional pulse of the story. Written from a place of lived understanding and deep empathy, the song embodies the project’s core message:
Even in the darkest moments, courage and human connection can light the way forward.

Rae Leigh on the Project

“This story reflects a reality many women face in silence. I wanted to honour their strength and remind anyone going through this that there is hope, there is help, and you are not alone.”

Domestic Violence in Australia — The Reality

1 in 4 Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
On average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner.
Homelessness services report that domestic and family violence is the number one reason women and children seek emergency accommodation.
Many women escaping DV are forced to sleep in their cars with their children due to lack of safe housing options.

Living For Today aims to amplify these urgent truths, spark community awareness, and inspire meaningful support for victim-survivors.

Availability

The short film Living For Today and accompanying single are being released through Rae Leigh’s production label, with screenings, festival submissions, and community awareness events planned for 2025.

About Rae Leigh

Rae Leigh is an award-nominated singer-songwriter, actor, producer, and domestic-violence advocate. Her work blends emotionally honest storytelling with strong social impact themes, championing the voices of women and children affected by violence. Her previous music releases have achieved national radio support, chart success, and international recognition.

Media Contact

Rob Leigh – Media & Publicity
📞 0407 507 093

Synopsis

In the space of a single day, a young mother’s world unravels as she struggles to break free from a cycle of violence and rediscover her sense of self.

Set on the Gold Coast, Living For Today is an intimate portrait of survival — a story about courage, music, and the quiet strength it takes to start again when everything feels lost.

Through moments of fear, tenderness, and fleeting hope, the film explores what it means to be seen, to be heard, and to find purpose in the face of adversity. At its heart, Living For Today is a story of resilience and rediscovery — a reminder that even in our darkest hours, there is light to be found when we choose to keep living for today.

Director – Ryan Littler

Visionary filmmaker and founder of Stair Light Productions, Ryan Littler brings this intimate story to life with authenticity and heart. His direction captures the delicate balance of despair and hope that defines everyday survival, showcasing the emotional strength found in small moments of compassion.

Lead Actor, Writer & Producer – Rae Leigh

Rae Leigh — acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor, and producer — delivers a raw and deeply human performance in Living For Today. As the creative force behind both the film and the single, she steps into the role of a woman living through one of the most challenging days of her life: escaping domestic violence and, out of pride, shame, and fear, facing the reality of sleeping in her car with her young daughter.

Rae’s portrayal captures the quiet resilience of a mother trying to hold herself together while protecting her child, and the emotional complexity of someone navigating survival with no clear path forward. Throughout the day’s unfolding events, she discovers unexpected hope — through music, and through the compassion of a friend who offers connection when she needs it most.

Her original song “Living For Today” anchors the film, underscoring its themes of courage, healing, and the choice to keep moving forward, even in the darkest moments.

Co-Starring Talent in “Living For Today”

James Anderson – Supporting Actor (Rae’s Boss)

James Anderson brings authenticity and grounded presence to his role as Rae’s boss at the bar. His performance helps frame Rae’s everyday world — a place where she tries to hold things together despite the turmoil at home.

Bryella Mills – Young Co-Star (Rae’s Daughter)

Young actor Bryella Mills delivers a heartfelt and emotionally resonant performance as Rae’s daughter. Her innocence, confusion, and quiet bravery form the emotional backbone of the film, anchoring Rae’s motivations and the urgency of their escape.

Victoria Edwards – Supporting Actor (Job Interviewer)

As the job interviewer who rejects Rae, Victoria Edwards brings a realistic portrayal of the systemic obstacles survivors often face. Her poised and professional performance heightens the emotional impact of the moment, showing how even small setbacks can feel overwhelming for someone in crisis.

Sabrina Khan – Supporting Actor (Centrelink Staff Member)

Sabrina Khan plays the Centrelink staff member with a strikingly detached and procedural demeanour. Portraying a character who feels more like an automated system than a supportive human being, Khan’s performance mirrors the frustration many women experience when seeking help — encountering indifference instead of understanding. Her cool, unsympathetic delivery adds tension and highlights the emotional barriers Rae faces when trying to access support.

Adrian Woodward – Supporting Actor (Darren, the Violent Partner)

Adrian Woodward delivers a chillingly controlled performance as Darren, Rae’s violent partner. His portrayal provides the emotional stakes of the story, grounding the film in the harsh realities of coercive control and domestic abuse. Woodward’s presence is unsettling, powerful, and essential to the authenticity of Rae’s journey.

A Unified Ensemble Serving a Powerful Story

Together, the cast of Living For Today builds a compelling, emotionally charged world around Rae Leigh’s lead performance. Each actor brings realism and depth to the film’s portrayal of domestic violence, systemic barriers, and the fragile moments of hope that guide a survivor toward freedom.