Pan African Film Festival 2019 – Fayth
It takes courage to pursue the unknown. Sometimes you have no other choice but to take a leap.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Ashton Pina
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Fayth is inspired was true events. Homelessness in Los Angeles is a tragic reality against the backdrop of film sets and picturesque beaches of the Pacific. After I moved to LA and In the time it took to secure the perfect apartment, I found myself sleeping in my car. I would align my gym time with my showers to ensure I was fresh for the day. It was the perfect excuse to make sure I went to the gym. Things ended up working out, but the one thing I’ll always remember is driving around to find the perfect spot to sleep and watch the sunrise.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I hope everyone seeing Fayth will create a sense of urgency in their approach to life. When life-changing opportunities are presented to us, we can allow fear to block a blessing but when we have the courage to push past our limits, the reward is extraordinary.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My aim with Fayth was to weave my personal experience into one that would resonate with a global audience. Compassion for others and self are at the forefront of this piece. All it takes is one moment to change the course of someone’s life forever.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
As a creator, I can easily get attached to this idea of perfection which only slows down the creative process. Because of my personal experience, the script came together pretty easily and I’ve always had Jensen in mind to play Noah. On the production side, things went very smooth and we didn’t experience anything out of the ordinary. When it came to editing, that’s where I hit a hiccup. I knew I didn’t want to edit the film so I started the search for an editor. The first editor I brought on cut the piece so childish which made me wonder about the film I actually shot. If you didn’t know, a good editor can be the saving grace when it comes to filmmaking. I was lucky enough to be recommended to Chris who took the Fayth to a whole new level. After collaborating on the cut, we polished it with some sound work and the film was finally perfect…two years later.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Audiences have connected to the piece calling it moving, emotional and gut-wrenching.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Being my first non-queer film, I struggled with the concept of my work connecting with straight audiences. Audiences helped me shift my perspective to realize that not everyone will connect to the stories I tell but there will be at least one person who watches my film and it will transform their lives.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
My aim is that Fayth will reach more people who need that extra push to pursue their dreams.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I’d love to connect with any and anyone interested in sharing the messages in Fayth. There’s so much power in collaboration.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Go ahead, take that leap! Do whatever it is you’ve always wanted to do!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What have you done this week to support someone else in pursuing their goals? What have you done for yourself?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for your support!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m currently developing my off-broadway stage play WERQ! into a feature film, a digital series based off my short film In The Paint, and a number of short film projects.
Interview: February 2019
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
Fayth
It takes courage to pursue the unknown. Sometimes you have no other choice but to take a leap.
Length: 7:26
Director: Ashton Pina
Producer: Ashton Pina
Writer: Ashton Pina
About the writer, director and producer:
Ethnically infused with Cape Verdean, ASHTON PINA hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Through his creations, Ashton hopes to enlighten and entertain the world. Ashton’s been blessed with amazing opportunities like working with Inuka Bacote, Nelson George, and Beyoncé. Ashton is a recipient of the Riant Theatre Youth Empowerment Award, has earned both an MFA and MBA, and mentors young media artists in NYC and LA. He wrote and directed the award-winning short, The Brothers Texas and produced The Huffington Post featured web series, Bi. Ashton is currently developing his off-broadway stage play WERQ! into a feature film, a digital series based off, In The Paint, and a number of short film projects.
Key cast: Jensen Atwood & Alexandra Grey
Facebook: Ashton Pina
Twitter: @ashtonsdreams
Instagram: @ashtonsdreams
Website: www.ashtonpina.com
Other: IMDB
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Nothing scheduled. Currently waiting to hear back from upcoming festivals.