A trip to the mall with mom does not go as planned for a high school teacher, after she crosses paths with some of her students.

Interview with Director Benjamin Kegan

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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thanks! I fell in love with the story and characters.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Well it would be rude to walk out! Plus it's short! But more importantly, I think you'll enjoy it. It's strange and hopefully a bit haunting. But most of all the actors are really good. You'll want to watch their performances.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The evolution of man and language makes a cameo appearance. But I think the big themes are about relationships and power. The way power can shift in a relationship, and also the power of denial. I always approach themes from a personal perspective while directing. It can be helpful to label the themes occasionally, but really I try to remain very specific and draw from experiences and circumstances.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Shorter. Tighter. Faster. Better.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People always ask me about the ending or the title.

Barbara Robertson and Director Ben Kegan.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I tend to be a bit coy when talking about both the ending and the title and ask people their thoughts. I'd rather know what they think the title means, or what they think about the final moments of the film. Mostly because a little openness can be a good thing. Sometimes what is imagined is more powerful and mysterious than what is seen.

Some people think it's a dark comedy. Others think this is definitely NOT at comedy. I'm okay with either view.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

More snapchat followers?

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We definitely want to bring the film to as many audiences and festivals as possible. So festival directors and journalists please check us out!!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

If the film sticks with you, sort of creeps back into your mind later that evening or the next day, then I think it was a success. I hope it haunts you in some way.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

That's a good one. I'll go with the questions I'm asked the most and love discussing, but hate answering. . . .What does the title mean? and What do you think the ending means?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks for reading about our film! I hope you check it out and enjoy it.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We've got our irons in a few fires.

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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The First Men

Release date: March 2016

Where can I watch it? Palm Springs Short Fest! June 24th, 5pm in the "America the Weird" program

Length: 14min

Director: Benjamin Kegan

Producer: Chandra C. Silver

Writer: Benjamin Kegan, based on the short story by Stacey Richter

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Festival Directors, Journalists

Funders: David Ross Fetzer Foundation for Emerging Artists, Columbia University School of Arts, Our amazing Indigogo supporters!

Made in association with: Columbia University School of the Arts, MFA film program