DC Shorts - Falsified
A man whose son was stolen at birth is convinced that he has found his long lost child. Inspired by Spain's Stolen babies scandal, Los Niños Robados.
Interview with Writer/Producer Ashley Tabatabai
Main image: Ashley Tabatabai as Javier in Falsified
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I came to realise that many people had never heard of the stolen babies scandal that happened in Spain. I assumed, wrongly, that they would have. Largely because of the scale of it, 300,000 estimated cases over the decades. Beyond that, it became about exploring the human side of the film. We wanted to explore that and the dynamic of a father who feels he has finally found his long lost son.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I have no need to sell it. Some people will like it, others won't. That's the nature of anything artistic. We're proud of the story we have created. It is inspired by this scandal that most know little of, so that will hopefully bring some awareness. Beyond that, it's subjective. Watch the trailer, if it pulls you in, then check out the full movie.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I hope that the audience will be able to find their own meanings and truths from the film. For me, the exploration of identity and pursuit of truth are 2 universal themes that run through the film. On a more micro level, it is about the dynamic between a parent and a child, which is something everyone on the planet has their own version of. I think it helps highlight the importance of appreciating every moment, even if it's the first ever moment you share with that person.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script has something like 8 versions and 48 drafts, which is crazy. It took a lot of time to refine the story and to weave in the elements we wanted. Once we got to filming the team knew the shots, style and tone we were after and were able to deliver amazingly well. The edit and score really added the final bits of character to the piece to help elevate it to the level it's at.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been very positive. Now, let's be real, it's not a romantic comedy, so when an audience watches it, the reaction is usually quite pensive and sombre. Which is good, we have wanted it to pack a punch and get people thinking. We had our world premiere at the LA Short Film Festival last month and are set for our East Coast premiere at the DC Shorts Film Festival next week, with more festivals to come.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not even. It's what I was expecting. I knew we'd be in the position we are with the film before first starting writing it.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
All awareness is good awareness, for the film and about the scandal. If we can reach more people with it through your site then great. And if someone reads this and it inspires them to go ahead in the pursuit of their own creative endeavors then even better.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this stage we're looking to promote the film further. So we're interested in any funding opportunities to go into our publicity campaign.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
For me, I'm focusing on getting the film out there to as many people as possible. The piece will then speak for itself and will have the impact it's supposed to.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How would you react if you found out that you had been stolen at birth and sold to another family?
Would you like to add anything else?
I'd like to thank you for reaching out to us to cover the film. If people enjoy the trailer then please follow us on Twitter and hopefully you'll get to watch the film at a festival near you soon.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
There's a feature film version of the short that I'm working on. But at this stage the short is the priority. We want to enjoy the festival run and if there's a feature film in the future then great. Myself and the DoP of the short (Adam Lyons) are in pre-production on another short called "Without Notice" and the Director/Editor, Stefan Fairlamb, has his first feature film in post.
Interview: September 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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Falsified
A man whose son was stolen at birth is convinced that he has found his long lost child. Inspired by Spain's Stolen babies scandal, Los Niños Robados.
Length: 16 Minutes 26 Seconds
Director: Stefan Fairlamb
Producer: Ashley Tabatabai
Writer: Ashley Tabatabai
About the writer, director and producer: Ashley Tabatabai is an actor and filmmaker, and the creator of Falsified. His first film under his production company Taba Productions
Falsified is Stefan Fairlamb's directorial debut, he also edited the film. He currently has his own feature film in post production.
Key cast: Ashley Tabatabai as Javier Baena, Mitchell Mullen as Henry Mercer
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Journalists to help spread the word. Film Festival directors/programmers interested in screening the film.
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FalsifiedShortFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FalsifiedFilm
Other: http://www.falsifiedfilm.com/
Funders: Self Funded
Made in association with: N/A
Where can I see it in the next month?
Screening at the DC Shorts Film Festival in Washington DC. In Showcase 6, showing on Friday 8th September at 9:30PM and Monday 11th September at 5PM at the E Street Cinema. http://festival.dcshorts.com/screening_category/showcase-6/