Cannes Short Film Corner - Monolith
A young artist attempts to create the perfect painting, leading her on a downward spiral of unexpected and supernatural outcomes.
Interview with Writer/Director Zenon Samuels
Watch Monolith here:
Main photo: Emma Lynch in Monolith.
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Early this year I had an idea to create an anthology series of micro shorts with very raw and human stories – that myself and a group of fellow classmates would collaborate together on. I knew I wanted to go with a more experimental piece, and from that Monolith was born.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The film has a very simple, but thought-provoking theme – exploring raw emotion in relation to positive and negative energy. This is told through the perspective of an artist, and hopefully other creatives will be able to relate to this story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I believe that the theme of “the struggling artist” is one we as creatives can all relate to -- however I wanted to really push that idea by exploring the concepts of negative and positive energies. In particular, the notion that we as human beings tend to focus on negative energies and things that can tear us part, where we could use that negativity to bring positivity into our lives.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
As the project was originally created as a micro short, the initial outline was a 2-3 minute, one shot/one take piece, exploring the five stages of grief. However, as I became more attached to the character and the visual aesthetic of the film I decided to develop this into a more fleshed out story. Fortunately, I knew the perfect person to cast – Emma Lynch, and through my relationship with her, the character and subsequent story evolved into what it is today.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far much of the feedback has been positive – many have praised the story and the visual style, the latter of which I am very proud of. Other comments have been on the blending of genres (something I often like to do in my projects), praising the blend between experimental drama and eerie thriller – which is unexpected but great to hear!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
So far I’ve tried to embrace any concepts that people have brought forward; I am always open to new ideas and suggestions, and I find it very interesting that art can take on so many different opinions. It’s always great to hear how someone can relate to the project – but also equally as interesting if they take something away that I never intended. This is what makes films so much more interesting, and great to be a part of.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Often, I tend to keep my projects too close to my chest, not showing them until I’ve worked on them and worked on them – many of them never seeing the light of day. So personally I’d like to start putting more of my work out there and hopefully getting onto the festival circuits so I can get a wide range of feedback from general audiences, film critics, as well as fellow film makers. I try to shoot my projects as proof of concepts for features – and Monolith is one of these films, so it would be great to get enough feedback to develop this story even further.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Of course, all of the above would be great! However, one my goals this year is to gravitate from short films to features, so I am currently I am looking for financiers to adapt Monolith into a more narrative driven independent feature. However, any festival invitations are greatly welcome!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
First and foremost hope people enjoy it, but also give some thought into the meaning behind it. As an experimental project, I hope it leaves room for thought as well as further exploration of the characters and themes. For me it was a great experience to be able to put some of my own personal emotions into the film, and I hope someone can relate to it so that is can help them.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I think one question I’d like to start debate about, would be the concepts of positivity and negativity – and that if we continue to focus on these dark thoughts and destructive behavior, it is ultimately going to tear us apart.
Would you like to add anything else?
I’d like to invite those to reading to continue following my adventures from Cannes and onward through my website – www.zencoproductions.com. And to also check out some of the other up and coming short films out there too! Lastly, I’d like to thank We Are Moving Stories for reaching out to me to chat and I hope to hear from you all soon!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently myself and producer Mari-Liis are working on three new short film projects -- Survive, a refugee inspired science fiction drama (shot just after Monolith); an as yet untitled HP Lovecraft horror/thriller; and Sunset - my homage to the works of Los Anegeles author Charles Bukowski. I am also in development on two feature films based on my shorts, and a no budget feature that will begin shooting mid year.
Interview: June 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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Monolith
A young artist attempts to create the perfect painting, leading her on a downward spiral of unexpected and supernatural outcomes.
Length: 15min
Director: Zenon Samuels
Producer: Mari-Liis Userdnov
Writer: Zenon Samuels
About the writer, director and producer:
Zenon Samuels is an Australian writer director of short films and music videos, and is also as the creator and owner of production company ZenCo. Productions.
Mari-liis is an Estonian producer of short films and commercials currently based in Los Angeles.
Key cast: Emma Lynch
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Financiers, buyers, distributors, and festival directors
Social media handles
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/zenco.productions
Twitter:
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/zenonsamuels
Other:
Funders:
Self financed.
Where can I see it in the next month?
On my website, or hopefully on the festival circuit!