Fantasia Film Festival - Ingrid and the Black Hole

 

Two children experience a lifetime together when they imagine what it would be like to travel through a black hole. 

Interview with Writer/Director Leah Johnson

*

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

At the time of writing this film, I was acting as a part-time caregiver to my grandmother who suffers from Alzheimers. My experience watching her suffer from the disease was the initial inspiration. She had such an unusual experience of time, that no one experiencing life linearly could relate to. I wanted to make a film that captured time and memory in that way.

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

I think it's a very personal film that a lot of people will relate to. I find most people are able to find parallels in this film to experiences they've had in their own lives.

But beyond this, I think people will find it to be an enjoyable movie. It's a fun rabbit hole to fall into, and the cinematography is very lush and beautiful.

Ingrid and the Black Hole

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

 At the heart of the film is this idea of Alzheimers disease being like a "black hole" that you get sucked into. Black holes have the ability to bend time, and they are inescapable once you get sucked in. That seemed like a perfect metaphor for alzheimer's disease, so the film really grew out of that theme.

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

I initially wrote a draft of a very different film by the same title back in 2011. That script was a much more literal version of the story, but it had the same themes at the heart. It wasn't until I had the experience of actually working with my grandmother that I was able to come up with a fresh take on this story. I rewrote the script at the end of 2014, and by summer of 2015 we were shooting.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

 The feedback so far has mostly been very positive. A lot of people seem to be moved by the story and find it relatable, which is great. 

I'm very happy with the fact that, although the concepts of the film are sort of 'deep', most people instinctively understand what the story is about - that is very surprising to me. You never know when you're making something if your idea is going to come across in the final product, or if it's going to go over people's heads completely.

Ingrid and the Black Hole

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

 Hopefully more people will look for the film at festivals, and be curious to check out more of my work as well. As I move towards making longer form projects, I'll definitely need a lot of support to pull those off.

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

 Hopefully more programmers invite the film to their festivals. Really it's about getting the film in front of as many eyes as possible. Broadcasters and distributors are always helpful too! :)

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

  I'd love for people to walk away from the film feeling moved, or maybe even thinking about its meaning. Really, I have no agenda other than giving people a solid six minutes of entertainment and distraction from their own lives.

 Would you like to add anything else?

You can learn more about me and see more of my work on my website: leahjohnston.com. And please continue to check our facebook and official website (ingridandtheblackhole.com) for screenings near you. 

 What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

 We are all trying to make our next project and survive as artists!

_________________________________________________________________________________


 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

_________________________________________________________________________________

INGRID AND THE BLACK HOLE

Length:  6:39

Director: Leah Johnston

Producer: Leah Johnston, Walter Forsyth

Writer: Leah Johnston

About the writer, director and producer:

Leah is a filmmaker, photographer and actor. She has written and directed four award-winning short films which have screened at dozens of festivals internationally, such as Telefilm Not Short on Talent at Cannes Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival and the CBC Gala at Atlantic Film Festival. Recent honors include winning the Corus Fearless Female Director award, winning the 35k Bravofact Pitch prize for Women in Film, an award for Best Horror (Silver Wave Film Festival),  a Special Jury Prize (Worldfest Houston) and a nomination for Best Emerging Filmmaker (Yorkton Golden Sheaf Awards).

Key cast: Molly Dunsworth, Hans Petterson, Jordan Poole. Mia Perry, Rena Kossatz, Josh MacDonald

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): ALL OF THE ABOVE

Funders:  Bravofact

Made in association with: Women in Film and Television Atlantic

Release date: July 2016

Where can I watch it in the next month? More screenings will be announced shortly!