Cannes Short Film Corner - Don't Cry
A daughter tries to come to terms with the loss of losing her father.
Interview with Actor/Producer MACKENZIE BREEDEN
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! This was my first film I have ever created. As an actor, I always found myself in front of the camera, but when a story burns so much in your heart you just have to make it. That's why I made "Don't Cry." After my father passed, I was faced with the question, "How are you doing it?!" (it being the grief) And I never knew how to answer it until I had this idea to create a narrative piece expressing the grief of losing my father. I felt like I had to send a message of hope to those who have lost someone and help give those who have not lost a loved one a bit of insight to the suffering a mourner's experiences.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Everyone needs to be reminded of hope and goodness. Despite the pain, there is hope, there is beauty to be found. By watching "Don't Cry," it is my hope that you too will experience a better understanding of the preciousness of life.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think death and the grief are common themes found in cinema because it is the truest reflection of humanity, but it never gets old, because everyone expresses themselves differently when faced with death. I found that I wanted to showcase the way I found healing, so maybe someone else could as well.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I went through a BUNCH of versions of the narrative piece. I knew I wanted to start it off with the voicemail I was left from my friend who lost her father shortly after my dad died. It was one of those things, where she asks for advice and I thought to my self, "I still don't even know!" Once I really thought about this question and after many rough drafts later, I finally figured out what I wanted to say, "It's the duty of the living to live."
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It is my very first self produced project, so everyone has been supportive. I did it more for healing and have not even really submitted to festivals. I have just sent it to friends who I thought needed to hear the message, and they all responded very well.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was surprised how much conversation it has brought out. People never really know how to talk to someone who is grieving, but I think seeing the film, they were able to start a conversation with me about what it is actually like.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Truly just excited and honored to be a part of such a unique and important project. Hoping to encourage and connect with fellow artists.
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, any help would be great, as I navigate my first attempt as a filmmaker.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Just hopeful, that people can not view it as a piece of "art" that needs to be critiqued, but more can walk away with a better sense of understanding.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Have you ever lost someone? How do you feel you grieved? Do you think you are healed from the wound?
Would you like to add anything else?
My lovely friend // director of the film Gabriella Lewis, willingly shot and directed and edited this piece. So I literally would not have this if it were not for her!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I just finished writing and shooting a short called "I Don't Want To Be Me Anymore," about an exhausted actress in LA who works at a Steakhouse (my actual life!). And in post-production for my newest short called "Dead Parent's Society," a dark comedy about a group of individuals who all have just one thing in common - their dead parents.
Interview: May 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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DON'T CRY
A daughter tries to come to terms with the loss of losing her father.
Length: 7:23
Director: GABRIELLA LEWIS
Director Bio:
Gabriella is an award wining filmmaker from Wales, UK. She is currently a workshop mentor at one of the UK's leading drama schools. She was selected for BFI and Film Cymru Wales' "Female Directors Lab" in 2015 and has produced a number of short films which have been showcased worldwide. She is currently looking to make her first debut feature film.
Producer: MACKENZIE BREEDEN
Writer: MACKENZIE BREEDEN
Key cast: MACKENZIE BREEDEN
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors.
Social media handles:
Instagram: @mackaitlin | @gabbylewisfilms
Made in association with: The Creative Mind Group
Where can I see it in the next month? Hopefully online, or at another festival!