Awareness Film Festival - A Place to Stand
It's never too late to turn your life around. Inspired by the award-winning memoir, A Place to Stand is the incredible true story of how Jimmy Santiago Baca left behind a life of prison, drugs and crime to become a celebrated poet.
Interview with Director Daniel Glick
Wacth A Place to Stand on Prime Video, Kanopy and Tubi
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made the film because I had visited a prisoner in New York. It was my first time in a prison and I was totally shocked and stunned at the inhumanity and brutality of the place. I told my friend, who was incarcerated, that I wanted to learn more about prison and he recommended Jimmy Santiago Baca's memoir A Place to Stand. I read the book, which floored me in its power and rawness, and I knew that I needed to make it into a film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Jimmy Santiago Baca is one of the most beloved and respected writers alive today. He is considered by many to be one of America's greatest living poets. This is the story of how he started writing - in his own words - and his journey towards discovering his genius is one of the most compelling and profound personal transformations that I've ever heard of.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think the biggest theme is that of personal transformation, that it is absolutely possible to change one's life for the better no matter the circumstance. Jimmy is an example of that and this theme is present throughout Jimmy's entire journey.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
As this is a documentary there was no script, but the film evolved quite a bit. We worked on it for four years - conducting interviews, then editing, then more interviews, then more editing. It's hard to condense a life into a movie - there are an almost infinite amount of moments to choose from, so we had to take our time, see what worked, get lots of input from our creative team, and let it change and grow.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's been almost universally positive. From critics to students to teachers to writers to artists, people have been really moved by the story.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No it hasn't. It's what I hoped for and knew was possible, given how popular Jimmy's poetry and memoir (which the movie is based on) have been. I'm just happy we achieved the potential that I knew this story had.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope to reach a wider audience, to find more people to enjoy the film, and to spread the word of or work.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this point, the movie is complete, but we could always use more press to spread the word. Having more journalists to write about our film would be great.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like it to impact people deeply, for folks to realize their own potential and realize they can change their lives for the better. I think the most powerful feedback we've received on the film is that someone told us that it reconnected them with their humanity. I hope that the film continues to impact people like that.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I think a key question would be - "Is anyone beyond the point of rehabilitation?" Jimmy is a strong example that most people can be rehabilitated.
Would you like to add anything else?
I would encourage people to visit our website to find out more - www.aplacetostandmovie.com. Also - we are currently giving away the film for free to anyone who commits to screening the film in a prison or a detention center. If someone is interested in doing that, they can contact us at info@aplacetostandmovie.com.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We're currently working on a number of things, but the most active project (we're on location now) is about a buffalo drive on the Blackfeet Reservation. We get to hang with those mythical beasts and their human caretakers for a week.
Interview: October 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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A Place to Stand
It's never too late to turn your life around. Inspired by the award-winning memoir., A Place to Stand is the incredible true story of how Jimmy Santiago Baca left behind a life of prison, drugs and crime to become a celebrated poet.
Length: 83 minutes
Director: Daniel Glick
Producer: David Grubin, Gabriel Baca, Daniel Glick
About the writer, director and producer:
Daniel Glick (director) has worked on a wide range of films, most with a social action bent - the arts, criminal justice, conservation, indigenous rights, and more. His aim is to make a difference in the world with his work.
Gabriel Baca (producer) is one of New Mexico's most prolific independent, on-the-ground, filmmakers. He has created dozens of music videos, a steady supply of short films and is a union editor.
David Grubin (producer) is one of the most accomplished documentary filmmakers alive today. He has produced over 100 films, won 10 Emmys, 3 Peabodies, and much more.
Key cast: Jimmy Santiago Baca
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Journalists
Funders: Over 1000 Kickstarter Backers and Private Donors
Release date: July 2016 (already released!)