CANNES SHORT FILM CORNER - Samantha's Choice
A psychological drama about abortion. Samantha, a wilful but thoughtless good time girl, finds herself pregnant and, without understanding the possible consequences for her mental state, goes through with an abortion only to find herself in torment, recrimination and despair.
Watch Samantha's Choice here:
Length: 13:50
Director: Marie Hélène Boyd
Producer: Marie Hélène Boyd
About the director and producer: Marie Hélène is British of West African origin and bilingual in English and French. She was born in Côte d’Ivoire and has lived in the UK and throughout Africa including Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea and Congo.
She began her acting career in 2008 shortly after leaving the Congo to join Giles Foreman to Train as a Method Actress. Graduated in 2013 as a Method Actress from Giles Foreman School for Acting with an ACTL Diploma and a Post Graduate Program Diploma. And since appeared in critically acclaimed plays and films. She recently went in to directing and producing because as a dramatic actress she felt that the wasn't enough films that is raw and reflect our time as it is.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of above
Funders: Self-Funding
Made in association with: Acteurs Sans Frontieres Productions.
Release date: 2016
Congratulations! Why did you make a film called Samantha’s Choice?
Because it’s a topic that is very close to me. And I wanted to create a third perspective on the topic of abortion that is not a judgmental or passive point of view. But understanding the women and the reason behind her decision and supporting her with it in order to help her cope with it mentally. And I want to encourage women who are facing this tough choice to really seek advice and help.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch the film because it’s a topic that is becoming more and more current in our society, and together we can only make change on this subject if we are more aware of how deep the psychological impact on the mental level is.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The topic of our film is a theme that is very current in our day to life, it’s an issue that is found in every country
How has the script and film evolved over the course of its development and production?
Well the script got rewritten a lot as we got closer to filming, because of research we found, people we spoke to, we wanted to get an honest and truthful story.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
That the film is raw and powerful and very moving and you never lose a moment because the film draws you in from beginning to end.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes, it surprised me because being a first time filmmaker I wasn't very confident in myself and taking something from a script into a finished product is big challenge.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m hoping it will generate interest from producers and buyers to Produce it into a feature film that explore the topic in a more in-depth way. “explore 5 women, 5 reasons, 5 outcomes.”
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above, they can all help in their own way to amplify the message of the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want it to create conversation amongst people, Because through that we can find a better solution that isn't a recriminating or passive attitude towards this subject.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why are you pro or against?
What would you have done if that was you?
How can we help?
How does her decision affect you?
Would you like to add anything else?
We have a passion to seek truth, understand truth and tell the truth through our work. Samantha’s Choice we believe is a truthful and very moving story.
Contact us for more details: Marie-Helene Boyd: acteurs.sans.frontieres@gmail.com
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I Have a new project that will begin to work on very soon, but at this moment in time I can’t reveal anything about it. And on top of that I’m looking for producers to take on Samantha’s Choice into a feature. Open for new collaborations too.