Carmel International Film Festival - Logan's Syndrome
Logan is a remarkable artist who uses paint to express his experiences with an incredibly rare and debilitating genetic condition.
Interview with Director Nathan Meier
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This film is a collaboration between my childhood friend, Logan Madsen and myself. When we were kids, we never discussed his condition. After high school we lost touch for many years, but were reunited at his first solo art exhibit, where he presented many flower "portraits." It was around this time that he told me his next series of paintings would be all about himself--his body, his anxieties, his autism. This was the first time we ever discussed Miller syndrome. I had recently graduated from film school, so we talked about the possibility of documenting in film, some of the themes he planned to explore in paint. The idea expanded from there and we would ultimately spend five years collecting footage of his day-to-day existence as his personal project grew. As he explored himself through his art, I got to know him more as a friend. I found myself in the unique position to share what I believe to be a compelling and important story to a greater audience.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Beyond being a portrait of an artist with a rare and debilitating genetic condition, Logan's Syndrome is at its core, about a family. Through their frankness and honesty, the audience is afforded an intimate view into their many struggles, joys, hardships, loves and fears. It's a journey worth taking. One that affirms what it means to be human in the face of staggering challenges.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
We all know what it's like to feel different at times, but for the Madsens, this feeling is omnipresent. While Logan and his sister, Heather, have a condition so rare that fewer than thirty people in the world are afflicted by it, many aspects of their story are universal. The greatest theme in the film is that of a mother's unwavering love. Logan's father was for the most part, out of the picture when he was very young, leaving his mother, Debbie, to raise two children with very special needs on her own. Through her devotion, Logan and Heather were able to navigate many obstacles to achieve their own independence and pursue their talents--Heather as a writer and Logan, an artist.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We never imagined that the film would take over six years to complete--had we known, we may not have ever started. However, it is this passage of time that gives the film its greatest strength. The project evolved over the years as Logan himself was evolving. Since it is a documentary, the "script" was writing itself, and though you can attempt to plan its trajectory, you are really at the mercy of the unknowable.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received enormously positive feedback. People have been incredibly moved by the film and that's all we ever wanted. Sharing this story has always been important for Logan and his family and we all benefit from their generosity.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has only strengthened my resolve and affirmed that this is a story that must be shared.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By having the film more visible, the issues it presents become more visible. People with disabilities are often completely overlooked. They are invisible because many choose not to see them. Logan's self portraits demand the viewer to stare.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
The Carmel International Film Festival is the beginning of our film's public life. We hope to go to other festivals, but ultimately we are looking to secure online distribution. I have always wanted this to be a film that is easy to find. I want it to have as large an audience as possible and the Internet opens up the entire world.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
More than anything, I would like this film to find those people who may be facing similar situations to the Madsen's. I hope that by sharing their inspiring story that others can gain strength to face their own challenges.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I want this film to be the spark. I hope that it can open up a dialogue about things some find difficult to face. The subjects in this film bare their souls and welcome your questions.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
After six years producing, shooting, editing and directing this film, I have gone back to painting and am focusing all of my creative energy on the canvas.
Interview: October 2017
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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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Logan's Syndrome
Logan is a remarkable artist who uses paint to express his experiences with an incredibly rare and debilitating genetic condition.
80 minutes
Director: Nathan Meier
Producers: Brian O'Hare, Nathan Meier, Logan Madsen, Azadeh Navai
Cast: Logan Madsen, Debbie Jorde, Heather Madsen, Terry Madsen
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loganssyndrome/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/logansyndrome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logansyndrome/
Made in part by funds raised via Kickstarter
After CIFF, there are no scheduled screenings