3 Years in Pakistan: The Erik Audé Story
Imprisoned in Pakistan for a crime he didn’t commit.
Interview with Director/Producer Jamielyn Lippman
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you so much! I have known Erik Audé since we were actors together in the 90’s and when I first found out about his arrest in Pakistan I knew he was innocent. After his release in 2004 I interviewed him for another documentary I was making about actors and he told me the stories of what he endured. I knew this needed to be its own documentary. Cut to February 2016: I was watching “Jim: The James Foley Story” on HBO, I had just finished making “When The Bough Breaks” as I was watching that documentary I was so moved and I said to myself, “I know what I am going to do next, I am going to tell Erik’s story”. I thought it was important for him to tell his story in his own words.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It’s a story of survival of the mind, strength, courage and integrity. How one man spent 3 years in the one of the most dangerous prisons in the world where he was tortured and fought every day to survive for a crime he didn’t commit. How one can overcome such extreme adversity and not be broken. It is very inspirational and will really make you appreciate how good we have it and to not take things for granted.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Erik is a true example of perseverance. Not only did he persevere in prison by adapting to his surroundings and making crucial friendships, but also by moving forward with rebuilding his life after this horrific ordeal.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Erik wrote a book which we developed into a screenplay while making this film, so I started with a road map and I knew this story inside and out. There were many elements that unfolded as we were making the film, especially in trying to track down the man who set him up. With documentaries things are constantly changing during the investigation process, interviews fall through and then new ones come to your attention.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been extremely positive. I have heard over and over again that it’s moving, heartbreaking, at times painful to watch but also very inspiring.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It’s what I hoped people would take away from it.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
For more people to be aware of the film!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Fortunately we have distribution with Gravitas Ventures and an amazing publicist but we are a small film that can always use more exposure so thank you for this interview!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To make people more aware that this really can happen to anyone.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How would you survive being tortured in a foreign country for a crime you didn’t commit?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We are developing this story into a feature called “The Price of Pride” which focuses more on life in prison. It’s “The Shawshank Redemption” meets “Midnight Express”. I also am in post-production on a Narrative thrilled called “Killer Weekend” that I directed for Blanc/Biehn productions and have several other films in development.
Interview: October 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
3 Years in Pakistan: The Erik Audé Story
Imprisoned in Pakistan for a crime he didn’t commit.
Length: 105 minutes
Producer: Jamielyn Lippman & Lorna Paul
Writer: Jamielyn Lippman & Samantha Smart. Narrative Erik Audé & Michael Greene
About the writer, director and producer:
JAMIELYN LIPPMAN’s producer/director’s credits include the Brook Shields executive-produced When the Bough Breaks: A Documentary About Postpartum Depression and Die Trying about the day-to-day lives of Hollywood actors.
Key cast: Erik Audé, Mark Hapka, Meagan Good, Quinton Aaron, Erin O’Brien & former Major League base player Jose Canseco.
Facebook: Erik Audé doc
Twitter: 3YPErikAudeDoc
Instagram: @theerikaudestory
Official Website: www.pointofviewpictures.com
Made in association with: Point Of View Pictures / Gravitas Ventures
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Los Angeles Theatrical Release September 28th at Laemmle NOHO On Demand and Digital HD on October 2, 2018 It is now out on VOD everywhere!