Shoreline
Logline: with shaken hands and mothers love, she cries her song to you.
a home is where the heart may lie, from shore to shore to blue.
Length: 11:13
Director: Yalitsa Riden
Yalitsa Riden arrived in Halifax in the fall of 2012 to pursue their artistic studies at NSCAD University, where they're currently enrolled in the institution’s Film Program. Their love for the arts goes hand in hand with their student and political advocacy, having serving on the University’s Student Union for 2 years. Their goals lie in supporting gender equality, connecting students with local organizations throughout the city and promoting increased provincial funding for the arts.
A combination of their interests and passion for film has taken them on a journey where they continue to explore their artistic expression without limit. “Shoreline” is a part of that journey fusing their creativity and unique storytelling.
Yalitsa's practice incorporates values and experiences from life and the imaginary. Some work is highly political in its presence and others more subtle and nuanced.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Made in association with: NSCAD University
Release date: April 2015
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Shoreline is a poetic gesture highlighting the individual and shared experience of loss and finding inner strength through self discovery and friendship. This project is very close to my heart as it encompasses themes and experiences that are both personal and intimate to myself and the cast.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The audience has the autonomy to take what they will from a film. I hope that those who have an opportunity to see Shoreline feel connected to it in someway, however that looks/feels most appropriate to them. The story really comes alive through the viewer - who are able to apply their own personal experiences and perspectives to the images, characters and environments projected on the screen.
My work deals with themes of isolation, trauma, resilience, mental health, the rural and family. I explore these themes in subtle gestural ways that articulate themselves through the characters interactions with each other, themselves and their environments.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Shoreline deals with themes of loss, trauma, mental health and family (not necessarily biological - but a family of friends and loved ones). It explores the intergenerational relationships we have and how those connections are made and retained.
In Shoreline these connections are expressed through the interactions of three independent women; highlighting how relationships shape who we are as people and how we deal with various experiences in our lives.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of its development and production?
The original script was conceived to be flexible and adaptable, to act as a foundation that could sustain multiple layers of development. I worked closely with the cast to give breath to accessibly authentic characters, who could live as much on the screen as they could in the real world.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I received some great feedback regarding the film, most of it incredibly touching and humbling. I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to share this film with family, friends and the local public who have all showed tremendous support and love. This sort of support and feedback is always greatly appreciated and is a huge contributor to my art practice as I continue making films.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback is always surprising because you’re never quite sure how people are going to react to your film. Receiving feedback is one of my favourite aspects of filmmaking - it allows me to receive individual perspectives and potentially see the film in a completely new light.
With such a personal project it can be a very intimidating, yet beautiful. It’s astonishing to see/hear how different it can be for each person.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope to continue sharing Shoreline’s story with people. That’s the main goal. Always.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It’d be great to get in touch with anyone who is interested in learning more about this film and sharing it. Shoreline’s main goal is to be able to screen to audiences around the world who might be able to connect to it in some way.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Any meaningful impact or reception is always the goal. I truly believe the film lives within each and every viewer. It’s true colours are painted through their eyes, their thoughts, their experiences. I’m always grateful for any engagement the film has with the viewer - whether that be good, bad or in between.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Any question is a good question. Ultimately, I hope this film sparks a dialogue- whether that be with oneself or with others.
Would you like to add anything else?
Hmmmm…just that I if anyone has any questions about the film they are more than welcome to reach out. I always love having conversations with folks about films…it doesn’t even have to be about Shoreline, any film really! :)
I’d also like to give a BIG shout out to the amazing cast & crew who helped make this film possible.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m currently working on a film titled “Death Flame” - an architectural sensory experience that will be screening at the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival (http://www.hiff.ca/) this month (June 8th to be exact).
Raghed Charabaty's newest film #DEEMA is beginning its festival circuit kicking off with a screening at the Cannes Short Film Corner. Charabty is a emerging filmmaker with an incredible reservoir of creativity, talent and remarkable storytelling. Not only is he an unstoppable creative force but an an amazing human being all around.
Sara Campbell is a Halifax actress who continues to find unique roles in local productions. She is incredibly talented and I'm so fortunate to call her not only a creative partner but a dear friend.
Andrea Skinner and Danielle Dorion also continue on their creative paths seeking fruitful opportunities in Halifax and Toronto.
Grace Loeppky has moved on from this lovely little city called Halifax to continue her footprint in the film industry. Grace is a contending force to be reckoned with as she brings, talent, passion and amazing work ethic to the table.
Daniel O'Neill keeps the beat going working on multiple musical projects within the city. He is also an active Board Member of the Centre For Art Tapes and has recently invested most of his time helping the arts organization with it's most recent transition.