HollyShorts 2018 - Oh No Pedro
A story of a young man who has lost his words, his thoughts, and his gender identity. Those eyes are always sharp as knives, yet the secret insides him is no longer hidden, waiting to be free by himself.
Interview with Writer/Director Annlin Chao
Watch Oh No Pedro here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
"Oh No Pedro" describes a war between one and oneself; a war of finding an identity. Through the animation and live action, two parallel worlds coexist – the young man and the female inside him. The eyes from observers are sharp as knives, yet the most dangerous part is the man's mind. In the end, the man finally touched his deepest part, and embrace the person who he really was. The film was based on some of my friends' true stories: A man who has a woman inside of him. I wish to tell a different story of people’s souls that hides in the shadow.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
There is no question whether you should or shouldn’t. The question is, do you want to experience other people’s lives, even for just 3 minutes?
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think one could never be truly free until they embrace their true selves.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I’ve got more people’s stories after I’ve released this film. People came to me and shared their experiences, and I can imagine myself fit in their stories, even if I wasn’t in the same position; I can see them.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes, a lot of sad and shocking stories. But all in all, they’ve made me closer to the world.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
If it could be part of the achievements, and more people can watch and enjoy the film, then why not, sign me up.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I think this film can be amplified a lot by journalism. It’s a topic that most of the people don’t experience, but are still interested in. It’s about LGBTQ+ issues.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
People should be aware how sharp one look or comment online can be.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is the true freedom if we all live within a frame?
Interview: August 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
Oh No Pedro
A story of a young man who has lost his words, his thoughts, and his gender identity. Those eyes are always sharp as knives, yet the secret insides him is no longer hidden, waiting to be free by himself.
Length: 03:13
Director: Annlin Chao
Producer: Tom Rosenthal
Writer: Annlin Chao
Key cast: Alistair Wroe
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): journalists
Social media handles: Tom Rosenthal (Music video for Tom Rosenthal “Oh No Pedro”)
Facebook: @tom.rosenthal.71
Instagram: @tomrosenthal1
Website: https://www.annlinchao.com/oh-no-pedro
Funders: The Pleasant Tree Co.
Made in association with: The Pleasant Tree Co.
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? It’s already online on Youtube and Vimeo.