Best Friend
What happens when a marriage steeped in the expectation, rigidity and pressures of migrant culture, disintegrates.
Interview with Writer/Co-Director Koraly Dimitriadis.
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Best Friend is part of a suite for four films. Why did you decide to make these films?
I received some Australia Council Art Start funding and in that application I wanted to test out turning my poems into films. I had never made films before. I chose four poems and created the title The Good Greek Girl Film Project because I wanted to explore the different facets of what it is to be a good Greek girl and what happens when you break away from the expectation to be one. I didn’t expect to love acting and creating my films so much. The films have been a launch pad into some new exciting screen projects for my writing and performing.
Is your film a dramedy?
Yes, I would say that even though the intentions of my writing are always serious and stem from anger and pain, that my audiences tend to react in laugher and tears because my films are very emotionally charged.
Why don’t we hear more Greek voices?
I think the reasons are two-fold. Firstly migrant culture is steeped in expectations that money and academic excellence is success and so not many are brave enough to venture into the arts. If they do, they tend to stick to stereotypical art. This is because the industry itself perceives quality art to be very English and reserved and only makes sense of ethnic art when it is stereotyped.
They also stick to stereotyped rather than writing about their experiences because the culture itself is all about appearances and what will people think. So it’s hard to really express yourself honestly if you are an artist from a migrant background. There are consequences.
What type of feedback have you received so far about the film?
Out of the four films, Best Friend is the favourite of many. It makes people cry. Also cinematically people like it. One person I respect told me it made him pull back because I am so dramatic. I was also told I would benefit from acting classes
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I like to receive honest feedback. It helps me evolve as an artist. Yes it has challenged me and I am incorporating the feedback into my practice. I have done acting courses since then and am working on my craft.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on this platform?
It would be good to get this film shown as a few more festivals.
What type of impact would you like this film to have?
I want to reach women from migrant backgrounds who may have gone through a marriage breakup as I have. But I think the message is universal for women, that sense of loss when a marriage ends, even for men.
Interview: April 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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Best Friend
Length: 11 minutes
Writer/Co-Director: Koraly Dimitriadis. Co-directed with Nathan Little
Producer: Koraly Dimitriadis
Looking for (ie buyer, distributor, sales agent, producer, media interest)
Funders: Australia Council
Made in association with: Outside The Box Press
Where can I watch it?