New Orleans Film Festival 2018 - Jane
When an isolated mixed race woman rediscovers a childhood diary, painful memories threaten to derail her attempt to take control of her life.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Abraham Felix
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! I made this film for anyone who has been made to feel “other” or less than for being different in some way, shape, or form. In this particular film, that feeling of “otherness” stems from our main character Jane’s identity issues as she grapples with being mixed race.
As a kid I always looked at biracial or mixed race people and simply assumed they were experiencing the best of both worlds. Embarrassingly, even into adulthood I never really critically investigated that incredibly naïve assumption. As I learned more about race as a social construct through books, documentaries, and general conversation, I came to understand how much we shape our own identities through how other people react when they see us. How much we internalize their presuppositions and prejudices. How we often end up living lives influenced and shaped by people who don’t have our best interests in mind.
I, as a black American, share an identity with all other black Americans, carrying the history, pain, and excellence that accompanies it. Gradually I came to understand that that shared existence brought with it an unexpected advantage: the advantage of identity. I know who I am because America tells me who I am. It tells me my place. Where I fit in and where I do not. Now it’s up to me to determine whether or not I agree, and whether or not to choose to fight for something better. But at least I know where I’m starting from.
Many mixed-race Americans and others do not feel that same advantage as they begin their journeys into adolescence and adulthood. Often they don’t get the “best of both worlds.” They get no sense of place in either world. They’re often left in the middle of nowhere, isolated and looking for answers among peers and friends who do not have them. Devoid of identity, purpose, and checking the “other” box on financial aid applications or medical chart at the same time. That’s a lonely place. I lived nearby for a while.
So this film is a message of hope and empowerment to anyone who feels like an “other.” For any reason, not just race or skin color. You have the opportunity to be greater than the sum of your circumstances. That’s what “Jane” is here to say.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
On a macro-level, this film is urgent because I’d never heard the topic: “What does it feel like to be mixed race in America?” broached. Not even in conversation. I think of myself as pretty conscious of race and racial discourse, but if I had never considered how race affects mixed race people, I wonder how many more folks of all races, especially in the South where I’m from, could also stand to learn something from the topic and ensuing discourse.
On a micro-level, I believe the lack of cuts in the film does a good job of making you feel like you’re right there with the character. In the moment. That’s a special feeling and experience I believe this film delivers on.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Thematically this film is about identity and who/what we allow to control our lives. Jane is a character shaped by the boxes society has placed her in because in reality we are shaped by our environments, peers, and all sorts of things before we even realize it.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script was a collaboration between myself and Catherine Miguez, the lead actor. As a mixed race Vietnamese and European American, she effectively was the subject matter, expert and muse for “Jane.” It was a patient and intentional process that continually evolved as narrative metaphor and our understanding of the subject matter and message meshed with production logistics. For example, in early drafts Jane was riding a train. After researching how much it would cost to control a real train and train station, we quickly changed course. We did our best to be realistic while maintaining and protecting the heart of the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We’ve gotten incredible feedback so far! We’ve only showed in limited settings to this point but people are resonating with the message of the film and the distinctly South Louisiana visuals. Our cinematographer Shannon Palmer really did an amazing job of showcasing the landscape and deepening the visual metaphor and James West and Jerry Gilbert bring another level of depth to the film through sound and score. But the primary goal is to have an empowering message for mixed race people and with that audience, we’re hearing great things.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how universally the film’s message has been accepted because the character is so specific. People of all skin colors and ethnicities have gravitated to the meaning and the heart behind this film.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
At this early stage in my directing career and Catherine’s Miguez’s more exposure helps us find an audience and hopefully cultivate and grow it. Also we really value and love We Are Movies Stories as an asset for filmmakers and want more filmmakers behind us to know about it too.
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 in the process, placement in more festivals and press about the film would be amazing.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think every filmmaker loves to have a warm reception and for audiences to enjoy their films. Beyond that, it would be great to create another in-road for nuanced discussions on the concept of race and how it continues to affect our society.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What decision did Jane make at the end of the film and what were her motivations behind it?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Our producers Deirdre Peterson and Aquiles Montalvo are actually taking a little break as they prepare for their upcoming wedding ceremony! I’m in post-production on my second short film “After Them” while prepping for production on my third short film “Please Maintain an Awkward Silence.”
Interview: September 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
Jane
When an isolated mixed race woman rediscovers a childhood diary, painful memories threaten to derail her attempt to take control of her life.
Length: 12:03
Director: Abraham Felix
Producer: Deirdre Peterson, Aquiles Montalvo, Abraham Felix
Writer: Abraham Felix, Catherine Miguez
About the writer, director and producer:
ABRAHAM FELIX is an award-winning director by way of writing and editing for print and television Across genre, his work explores humanity and race with a thoughtful eye for detail.
DEIRDRE PETERSON is a California bred Louisiana based line producer whose credits include American Heist, Final Girls and Lemonade by Beyoncé.
AQUILES MONTALVO is a producer and locations manager with credits on 21 Jump Street, Pitch Perfect 2, Underground, Queen Sugar, and many others.
Key cast: Catherine Miguez as Jane
Looking for: Film Festival Directors, Journalists, Distributors
Facebook: janethefilm
Instagram: @abrahamjfelix
Funders: Richard Felix Jr, Jennifer Newman and countless others through Indiegogo!
Made in association with: NOVAC
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
You can watch it next at the New Orleans Film Festival in October.