Cannes Short Film Corner 18 - Kicks
Four Amerasians get together for Kicks
Interview with Writer/Director Maria Soccor
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Kicks because I wanted to reveal a truthful perspective from individuals of Amerasian/Eurasian people and how they identify themselves. Kicks is also a tribute to "sneakerheads", those sneaker fans that wait on line to get the latest new sneaker.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
People should watch Kicks for the solid performances that are delivered by the ensemble cast, and the veteran actors who did cameos. Kicks is a unique film whose dialogue is current and powerful.
Visually, the cinematography and color of the film is set to give the urban setting of the streets lots of color to enhance the possibilities of hope. The streets reflect the world the characters thrive in, and ultimately give hope to a new age of multiracial individuals who seek acceptance as Amerasians.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I am half Filipino and half American. The personal theme of being multiracial has a steady presence in all of my work. I strongly believe that non race specific or multiracial characters must have some form of inclusion. Often times this group is not represented and it's my social responsibility to represent and support diversity in my films. Being multiracial has been a gift to explore identity and all of its unique nuances and distinctiveness.
My universal theme of working with an ensemble cast has been consistent in my films. My feature documentary, Lords of BSV which is currently on Redbull TV's Video on Demand platform, also had an ensemble cast of dancers. I believe that working with an ensemble cast can deliver a universal message of love, acceptance and equality in a much more complex way. After all, life is complex and so are individuals. Why not develop characters that need a voice to show a different dynamic that has not been seen and especially heard?
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Originally, the script was longer. Twenty one pages turned into a tight 15 pages. Getting the message across in twelve minutes was a challenge.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Since its inception, I was pleased to hear from actors that the writing was solid and that they have not heard anything like it before. My actors felt this was an important film to be a part of which I was grateful for. Now that I have made the film I hear that this needs to be turned into a feature which to me is the ultimate compliment.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback from Kicks has actually encouraged me to write for the Amerasian/Eurasian experience, and have it consistent in my content.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Having my film on www.wearemovingstories.com is a privilege to be amongst other filmmakers and especially women filmmakers. Considering this will be our first story, it will allow people to learn about our film and that is all I can simply achieve. I also look forward to having my NYWIFT and Film Fatales sisters get involved and learn more about my Kicks.
Who do you need to come on board?
I am looking for buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists to amplify this film’s message.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like Kicks to be a socially relevant film.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
When one is half Asian, what is the perception of one's identity versus the perception of what one is identified as? How does this shape who you are?
Would you like to add anything else?
Yes! Thank you for this opportunity!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently I am auditioning for film and TV through my theatrical agent Tosha Smith MilIs at The Talent Connexion in New Orleans, and I recently finished my first narrative feature, Cissero Fix which explores the dark work of cyber terrorism.
Interview: June 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
Kicks
Four Amerasians get together for Kicks
Length: 12 minutes
Director: Maria Soccor
Producer: Marcos Acevedo and Dena Greenbaum
Writer: Maria Soccor
About the writer, director and producer:
Maria Soccor - Writer/Director: As a producer and director on her acclaimed documentary feature film, Lords of BSV,which has won 13 awards across the world and her 2018 Cannes Film Festival entry Kicks, which she wrote and directed, Maria Soccoris demonstrating her outstanding talent behind the camera, while simultaneously continuing to distinguish herself as a successful actress.
Soccor has been featured in over 20 movies including Playmakers of New Orleans starring Zoe Saldana and Boris Kodjoe in which she played Saldana's sister, and Jersey Justice starring Emmy award winner Blanche Baker and John Leguizam's (Undefeated on HBO).
She is a member of The Screen Actors Guild, The American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, Actor Equity Association, New York Women In Film and Television, and the Feature Documentary Chapter of Film Fatales. Soccor also serves on the Theater/Arts and Film Committees at New York's prestigious National Arts Club.
Her awards include New Jersey Essex County Young Woman of The Year, Miss New York, and Ms. National USA.
Key cast: Scott Albrecht, Vanessa Bontea, Paulo Briones, Anthony Chisholm Lou Martini Jr., Maria Soccor, G.K. Williams, Perry Yung
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists:
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KicksTheShort/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KicksTheShort
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickstheshort/
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
We have entered Kicks into several film festivals and have interest in distribution.