WOW FILM FESTIVAL FOCUS - Life On The Line
Logline: Epileptic Kieran awakes from a four-year coma preferring dream life to reality.
Current Status: Completed
Length: 14.00
Genre: Thriller / Drama
Writer: Matt Maude
Director: Aurora Fearnley
Producer: Aurora Fearnley, Matt Maude, Jamie Donoughue
About the director: Aurora is a first class NFS graduate who started her production company LITTLE NORTHERN LIGHT in Leeds. She directed promos and commercials through collective Left Eye Blind signed to ACADEMY FILMS.
Looking for (ie buyer, distributor, sales agent, producer, media interest)
Fans !
Funders or made in association with: The EPIC award, Northern Film School
Where can I watch it at WOW? WOWFF SHORTS
Sound and Vision Friday 29th April, 2-3:15pm @ Cinema PARIS http://www.wowfilmfestival.org.au/festival-program-2016/shorts-programme-3-sound-and-vision/
Congratulations! Why did you decide to make this film?
I’m passionate about giving a voice to disability in media. I want to explore the inner doubts of those categorised in society as disabled and how that affects their mental health and behaviour.
Imagine I am an audience member. Why should I watch this film?
The vision of someone breaking through the mind’s psychological barriers is powerful and has cinematic beauty. I hope that we have created a film where the story is relateable and the visuals extraordinary
You’re inspired by science, myths and psychology. How has this been translated to Life On The Line?
Kieran, a coma survivor, tells the audience that within his dreams he was able to control things that happened around him. We explore the possibility that Kieran may still be asleep, the film follows Kieran as he realises that he is awakening.
Is the film autobiographical?
The main storyline drew on my own experience of a missed adolescence through illness. For four years I was completely bed bound, so my affinity to Kirean’s character was immediate. What I recognised in Matt’s script was a character who was identifying through the label of disability instead of accepting themselves as an individual.
This personal connection with the themes was vital for working with actor Will Rastall on his character's journey. It also permeated the other call centre staff with Clare’s OCD, Barry’s wheelchair and Hilary’s depression. The entire night staff appear to be in limbo, a band of social misfits who are empowered by each other’s company just as they are trapped by self perception.
What type of feedback have you received so far? Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It is always amazing to hear feedback from a film. It’s hard to sit in the audience with all the months or years of work you’ve put on screen and see it through their eyes, a story in 10 minutes. It sure is hard when the film isn’t received well, but there are rewards too seeing how affecting or moving the story can be.
In feedback it’s such a surprise to see how the film carries new meaning and subtleties through another person’s interpretation. Once the film is completed and out in the world you no longer have ownership of the meaning, only your intention. What it means to the viewer is something you can’t control or except.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on this platform?
Films are about connection, for me emotional connection. Telling stories that matter about people we relate to and see in our lives. I’ve seen films that changed my life or gave me hope or just giggle for hours. Whatever the genre or length I hope the film connects to the audience.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify the message of this film?
There are some truly terrible things happening to people with Disabilities in the UK, I feel that public opinion has been deeply politicized. Films carry messages and Life on the Line shines a glimmer of light onto a troubling topic that need more media attention and balanced discussion.
What type of impact would you like this film to have?
Kirean is a character in apathy who sees himself as a victim and feeds that energy with anger. The viewer hungers for that transformative release that will enable Kirean to accept himself. I’m attracted to characters that are almost immobile by their fear of change, especially at a point where they risk everything if they cannot move on, move forward or let go.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate about this film?
I’m hoping the film will open conversations around the isolation of disability and illness both physical and mental.
What are you developing or directing now?
Last year Directors UK selected my proposal for the ALEXA Challenge. My psychological thriller “Murmur” had full sponsorship by ARRI Media. So far it has had large festival success, with awards for the lead actors and myself picking up Best Breakthrough Filmmaker. We are screening in the Diversity in Cannes showcase next month.
Do look out for my latest film. Released in the summer is my ambitious sci-fi short film PULSAR. Made through winning ‘The Pitch’ at Pinewood and starring David Gyasi (Interstellar) and Jessie Buckely (War & Peace). It’s going to be badass with an all female crew of asteroid miners at the deep edge of known space.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Film Website - http://lifeonthelinefilm.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/littlenorthernlight
Twitter - https://twitter.com/aurorafearnley