CANNES SHORT FILM CORNER - Mia
Mia, a 27 year old writer seeks inspiration for the last few chapters of her book but when she starts battling her obsessive demons she goes to places she never imagined.
Watch Mia here:
Length: 14:51
Director: Daniel De Menezes
Producer: Carla Roda
About the director and producer: Daniel De Menezes is a Director and Cinematographer based in Los Angeles. He started his career working in VFX on various international television series. Some of the series include an episode of Californication and Killing Lincoln.
He then transitioned to production where he directed his own short film that won the Gold Lion Award at the Barcelona International Film Festival. Daniel ever since has been working on various Feature Films, short films, and Music videos. He is also currently working on developing the feature script for MIA.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Investors, Distributors, journalists.
Funders: Dan Frank Productions
Release date: May 2016
Congratulations! Why did you make a film called MIA?
I made the film Mia because I wanted to explore the human mind and how it works through a strong character like Mia. The various emotions that a person goes through and how quickly a person can go from being completely Sane to Insane. With Mia it shows through her writing and the complex nature of her being.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It’s something that you should watch because it explores and takes you into the mind of the character and you feel the emotions, you feel the transition of her character. It takes you through a journey of obsession, trust, lies and a deep psychological understanding that will captivate you for the whole 14 minutes. The film questions your beliefs and understanding.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
There are a lot of people out there that go through various psychological disorders due to many reasons like family issues, relationships and work and some of these stories go unheard. This film takes you on this journey and tries to unravel the mysteries of the human mind and why people do things for a reason or just for pure pleasure or obsessions.
How has the script and film evolved over the course of its development and production?
The script right from the beginning was not a linear story. That added that extra spark to the development of Mia’s character. Mia started of as a simple character but through the development phase I liked the contrast of seeing something and believing something else which is the basis of the character. From there her character became complex and transformed into a solid, strong lead character that hypnotises you with her sweet nature.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People who have watched it so far love the complexity of the film and was a good puzzle to solve after they watched the film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
That was the whole point when I wrote the script. To make the audience believe something and by the end of it question their own beliefs.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want people to watch it and be amazed by structure,complexity of Mia and the unraveling of the emotions of the human brain. Also since I’m developing the feature script I would like potential investors and distributors to see the potential this film has.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would love to have distributors to put this film out for everyone to watch and investors to help take the feature script all the way through and make the feature film happen.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As I mentioned before, I Would love people to be swallowed by Mia’s character and get into her shoes and feel what she’s going through.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Whether everything the audience watched throughout the entire 14 minutes was exactly what they believed it to be or not.
Would you like to add anything else?
Watch the film once its out on all platforms. Keep an eye out for updates!!!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m working on developing the feature script for Mia. I am also the Cinematographer on some upcoming films in the next couple of months.
OFFICIAL FACEBOOK FOR MIA:
https://www.facebook.com/Official-MIA-894708440596229/?fref=ts
Daniel De Menezes Instagram:
@danielfrank24