Cannes Short Film Corner - The Indivisibility of Blood
The Indivisibility of Blood follows two brothers, Jon and Aaron, as they navigate the violence of New York City and their tumultuous relationship with their parents. The overwhelming goal to not become their father proves insurmountable, as we watch them develop from young boys to men.
Interview with Director Jessie-Ann Kohlman
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to tell a story that I felt was an accurate representation of some of the characters I have met living in New York City. My two protagonists, Jon and Aaron, are compilations of people I know and stories I have heard during my time here.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The authenticity of The Indivisibility of Blood makes it special. I am proud of the fact that this film is a personal project for every member of the cast and crew; it is a story told by young New Yorkers about young New Yorkers. Support new, up and coming artists! It’s important to recognize and have respect for the directors, actors and filmmakers that have paved the way. But it’s just as important to continue to look outside the establishment for young voices that are creating and doing really innovative projects.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
A universal theme in the film is the impact that childhood traumas have on our psyche and decisions we make throughout our lives. Crime and violence are too often treated as deliberate choices by “bad” people who are turned into societal pariahs. Instead, I hope that this film will showcase the possibility that crime is a consequence of pervasive, systemic violence. More personally I hope that people will appreciate my take on a male driven narrative. In an industry too often dictated by the male perspective, I am excited to be part of a growing number of new voices that are starting to be heard. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done in opening up the film community to different storytellers of all backgrounds and genders and I hope to continue to be a part of this movement.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I have known the screenwriter, Jacob Spetzler, for a while but we had never worked together on a project prior to this. Jacob pitched me the beginnings of a story that set out to capture the New York fixed-gear bike scene that he had become part of while living here. We ended up deciding to tell a more character driver story, and thus our biker brothers Jon and Aaron were born. The decision to add in flashbacks of Jon and Aaron as children came later, and these scenes were extended further after working with the actors, Donovan Colan and Maddox Skigen, who portrayed them.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The Indivisibility of Blood debuted this year at Cannes, an honor that was both surprising and humbling. We have yet to showcase the film in any other arena or festival, but are looking forward to airing the film over the summer and hearing the feedback and discussions it inspires.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
As a first time filmmaker I have been quite pleased with the reception The Indivisibility of Blood received at Cannes. Our main goal now is to get the film out to as wide an audience as possible to keep seeing how it’s received!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible onwww.wearemovingstories.com?
I am proud of this first film and feel as though it demonstrates the high level of talent and potential of all of the creative individuals who were involved. With greater time and resources, I know that we would be capable of so much more, including telling feature length stories. I’m hoping that by expanding our visibility using this platform we will also expand the possibility of collaborating with others in the industry who can provide us with additional support for bigger, better, and more creative projects in the future
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
As I said before, we would love to get this film out to as large an audience as possible. This film was created by a young cast and crew and many of us are first time filmmakers. Our primary goal is to get our faces and talent out there, so film festival directors, distributors, and journalists are all welcome and necessary.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’d like for this film to open viewers’ eyes to the consequences that exposure to violence has on a child as they mature into adulthood. Mostly, I’d like for this film to create the possibility of dialogue regarding these issues that are too often considered taboo or polarizing. Also, I’d love for this film to inspire other young filmmakers to persevere and continue trying to organize and get their stories made and shared.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What impact do you believe your childhood had on the way you view the world?
Would you like to add anything else?
A huge thank you to all of our producers and supporters that helped The Indivisibility of Blood get this far! I am so proud of what this amazing cast and crew were able to accomplish and I know that you haven’t seen the last of any of us.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Kendall York, composer, is currently working on her own debut EP along with an accompanying visual record. Donovan Colan, young Aaron, just landed his first feature film role in Drake Doremus’, "Zoe," which comes out in 2018! I, on the other hand, am back in school and currently studying acting at the William Esper Studio in Manhattan. Luke Rosen, producer, has just finished directing a dance video that will be out soon, and is making video content for V Magazine. A website will be up and running soon for the film, where you can keep up to date tabs on all the creatives involved in the process.
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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The Indivisibility of Blood
The Indivisibility of Blood follows two brothers, Jon and Aaron, as they navigate the violence of New York City and their tumultuous relationship with their parents. The overwhelming goal to not become their father proves insurmountable, as we watch them develop from young boys to men.
Length: 9 minutes
Director: Jessie-Ann Kohlman is an actress and director based in New York City. Having graduated in May 2016, she is currently continuing her studies at the William Esper Studio in NY.
Producer: Luke Rosen is a producer, actor, and director based in New York City.
Writer: Jacob Spetzler is a writer and director currently based in Colorado.
About the writer, director and producer:
Key cast: Massey Blakeman, Antonio Barrera, Taylor Rosen, Donovan Colan, Maddox Skigen
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of the above!
Funders: Jessie-Ann Kohlman
Where can I see it in the next month?
Shnit Worldwide Shortfilmfestival, and we’re waiting to hear back from other festivals as well!