Dacryphilia
Pablo loves to cry. Adora loves a man who cries. They were perfect for each other until the day he ran out of tears.
Interview with Director René Chandler and Writer Amanda Miha
Watch Dacryphilia here:
Congratulations! Why did you make this animation?
René Chandler (RC): I’ve read a lot of Amanda’s scripts. I particularly like a lot of her ideas and unique writing style. She writes about people on the fringe, people you’d never expect to come across in real life, and she makes them relateable. I read Dacryphilia and asked if I could animate it. Originally she wrote it for theatre, then adapted it to screen, which eventually made it to the semi finals of BlueCat. We teamed up with our producer Shelley Dresden and began working together.
I instantly visualised it as a stop motion. I think the darker or more emotive the theme the more I lean towards stop motion as I am inspired by a lot of European stop motion which has the same darkish content. Dacryphilia in particular shares these elements. I was interested in how Dacryphilia shows emotional and mental conditions that can be developed at any time in one’s life. How those conditions can become addictive and what the consequences are of holding on to something, when it’s better to let go.
Why is the film called Dacryphilia?
“Dacryphilia” is the word used to describe sexual arousal caused by the act of crying, or tears. On the surface the film is about a couple with a fetish for tears. However, the fetish just serves as an analogy for a relationship falling apart.
It is also a striking title that is to the point.
You’ve described it as being an adult fairy-tale. Can you explain what you mean by this genre?
This story exists in the realm of make-believe and the surreal, in a make-believe land with make-believe animals that can talk. René has created a set that uses a folklore inspired aesthetic, which helps to present this adult relationship-based drama as fairy tale.
How do you collaborate as a writer and director who live in different continents?
Skype makes the world a smaller place and the only thing to sort out is the time difference. Reviewing the film and taking notes was all done over email.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Overall the film has enjoyed a positive reception. Dacryphilia as a real-life concept is a less-than-conventional foundation for a modern love story, so that has definitely raised a few eyebrows. We did have a few viewers who found watching Pablo and Adora act out their romantic scenes a little humorous – which is somewhat understandable! Cats and dogs – the true meaning of “opposites attract!” We have also had a fantastic response from fans of the wonderful and talented Davey Havok, who plays the role of Pablo.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really. It was a little surprising to hear that people found some moments humorous – however that was a nice informative moment in terms of how the film was being viewed, and a good reminder that we all read film in our own ways!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on this platform?
We’re hoping to gain a few more viewers through this website, and hopefully a few more via word-of-mouth, or even the opportunity to screen at more festivals, which would be fantastic!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Any distribution-related contacts would be fantastic – again, we’d love to have the chance for film festival selectors to view this film and consider it for future screenings.
What type of impact would you like this film to have?
We’re happy for people to view the film, enjoy it and take what they will from it. We hope that people will appreciate it as a tale about letting go. It’s different sort of love story – a little left of centre, but a love story all the same.
Lastly, what’s a key question that will help spark a debate about this issue and film?
We wouldn’t call this a “big issue” film but we like to think that this does pose a question about the nature of relationships: when a key condition of the relationship is removed, is what is left worth salvaging… and at what cost?
Interview: April 2016
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Dacryphilia
Pablo loves to cry. Adora loves a man who cries. They were perfect for each other until the day he ran out of tears.
Length: 6 minutes
Genre: Adult fairy-tale
Director: René Chandler
Writer: Amanda Miha
Producer: Shelley Dresden
Voice: Davey Havok
Looking for: Media interest, festivals.
Made in association with: RMIT Arts, Link Arts & Culture
Awards and/or Film Festival screenings: Official Selection: Montreal International Animation Festival, Be There! Corfu Animation Festival, South Texas Underground Film Festival, Greek-Australian Short Film Festival, Manchester International Short Film & Animation Festival.
Where can I watch it?