 The Hamilton Film Festival kicks off this weekend so I'll be sharing a Q&A with the filmmakers everyday this week.
My first Q&A is with mother and daughter filmmaker team, Marla and Kasha Slavner, regarding their documentary Sunrise Storyteller. Check it out below: What did you learn about yourself and your craft while making this film? As I was working on a minuscule budget, I learned how to be resourceful, and problem-solve. I also learned how to do most roles within the filmmaking process; directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, and sound. The making of The Sunrise Storyteller has taught me so much about building my confidence, learning to believe in myself, and connecting with others. I don’t think I truly understood what a profound impact the film could have until it was released. Since it was a journey piece for me as well, It has opened a much broader dialogue about global citizenship, resilience, and youth empowerment. How is it different from other films being shown at the Hamilton Film Festival? I really don’t like to compare my film to others. For the most part, filmmaking is such a labour of love and very personal. It takes a lot of passion and purpose to take this path so I have an admiration and respect for all filmmakers. Especially at festivals where hundreds, if not thousands of films have been submitted and a small percentage of those are selected. I’m here to support them, as well as all those others who may not have been selected but are working just as hard to have their films seen. I know that side of the equation as well and it feels very personal which it shouldn’t be. Why should people watch it? The world is in turmoil and it’s easier than ever to be disempowered by how traditional media covers news current events. People should watch the Sunrise Storyteller to re-awaken their sense of hope and inner-hero/heroine and question themselves as to the individual and collective role we all have to play as global citizens.. The film highlights everyday changemakers, who have risen above the challenges and adversity they’ve faced to help make the world a better place. They’re incredibly inspiring to me and to the audiences who have seen this film so far. |