Thin Line Film Festival 2020 – He's Still Fast
Follow Ethiopian refugee, Tolassa Elemaa, as he pursues his life long dream of competitive running.
Interview with Director Andrew Q Holzschuh
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I’ve had a heart for refugees since I first learned about them in 2010. I remember a whole world which I did not know being unveiled as I watched the film God Grew Tired of Us. That movie introduced me to a new definition of resilience. Shortly after, I was inspired to help film a documentary about a refugee from Burma resettled to a neighborhood called Vickery Meadow in Dallas, Texas. Since then I've continued to be drawn to the people of this neighborhood and their ability to overcome adversity regardless of the challenges they’ve been presented before even getting to this country.
Over the years I’ve volunteered with several organizations and made three films about refugee life in Vickery Meadow. While volunteering at the International Rescue Committee in 2018, I heard about a newly resettled Ethiopian refugee named Tolassa. He was an elite runner back in Ethiopia but had to flee due to harsh political persecution. And here he was in Dallas, Texas trying to navigate the running community and return to competitive running without knowing who to go to. As a runner I was well aware of the time commitment a marathon or even half-marathon required, not to mention at a competitive level. I was also familiar with the numerous challenges and barriers a newly resettled refugee faces. Tolassa’s dream of entering the competitive running world would be far from easy, regardless of his raw talent. I knew I had to meet this guy. But even more, I knew he needed all the help he could get.
What started as volunteering to take a few pictures at his first half marathon in the US, turned into a year-long journey getting to witness Tolassa reclaim his dream to be a competitive long-distance runner. My hope for anyone watching this film is that they are not only inspired to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity but that they grow a deeper empathy for those who have had their dreams unjustly taken away.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
There’s so much to learn from Tolassa’s ambition and values. He has a truly inspiring story that will stick with you and make you reflect on what relationships you have in your own life to be grateful for.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Friendship, perseverance, noble actions, standing up for what you believe in, moving forward no matter what. These are all themes central to Tolassa’s story. He is a man who will stand up against injustice, and a man who will greet you as his friend.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film began as just photographs to help promote Tolassa as a runner. I felt moved by his story and his perseverance and after meeting him I quickly realized there was a story to be told here. The central motivation from the beginning though was always to help Tolassa reach his goal of becoming a full-time competitive athlete.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's gotten great feedback so far. More and more people are asking when and where it will screen next.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It hasn't. Honestly, it's been overwhelmingly positive.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Awareness about the film means awareness about Tolassa and for him to gain bigger support. It also brings up the opportunity to have a conversation about not just what refugees are but WHO refugees are and how they benefit the US.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anything and everything. This film was produced almost entirely by me. I've gotten some support but not nearly as much as I'd like. I think the film has tons of potential to change evolve peoples' view on refugees. If I can just get the right people to watch it and move it forward.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think I've stated it several times already but I would love for it to have an impact on Tolassa's potential career, and most importantly spark conversation about how resilient and hard-working many refugees are.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Not sure how to answer this one... I guess "what do you think about refugees like Tolassa being resettled in the US?" I'm really not sure what question I would ask.
Would you like to add anything else?
Here's my bio if it's helpful...
Andrew Q Holzschuh is a Texas-based filmmaker who, over the past ten years, has made his name focusing on stories that are off the beaten path. His short narrative and documentary films cover a wide variety of topics such as refugee resettlement, sex trafficking, porn addiction, Christian battle rappers, drug addiction and more. His primary focus throughout his body of work is to create a transformative experience for the audience, helping them gain a new level of empathy. His use of different mediums and techniques have spanned from stop-motion animation to lightweight run-and-gun documentary filming and even storytelling through point and shoot cameras.
His recent films include Hope Uncloaked and He’s Still Fast both of which he shot, directed, produced, and edited. His technique of staying lightweight and close to his subjects for longer periods of time allows him to provide a glimpse into his subjects’ lives and the moments that unfold day to day. Currently, Andrew is in post-production on a series of short documentaries about himself and his wife’s 2600 mile walk from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail and 500 miles walk across the state of Colorado.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently in post-production on a series of short documentaries about himself and his wife’s 2600 mile walk from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail and 500 miles walk across the state of Colorado.
Interview: January 2020
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
He's Still Fast
Follow Ethiopian refugee, Tolassa Elemaa, as he pursues his life long dream of competitive running.
Length: 27:08
Director: Andrew Q Holzschuh
Producer: Andrew Q Holzschuh
Writer: Andrew Q Holzschuh
About the writer, director and producer:
ANDREW Q HOLZSCHUH is a Texas-based filmmaker who, over the past ten years, has made his name focusing on stories that are off the beaten path. His short narrative and documentary films cover a wide variety of topics such as refugee resettlement, sex trafficking, porn addiction, Christian battle rappers, drug addiction and more. His primary focus throughout his body of work is to create a transformative experience for the audience, helping them gain a new level of empathy. His use of different mediums and techniques have spanned from stop-motion animation to lightweight run-and-gun documentary filming and even storytelling through point and shoot cameras.
Key cast: Tolassa Elemaa, Josh Millard, Alex Laywell, and Yui Iwase
Looking for: film festival directors, journalists
Facebook: TeamTolassa
Twitter: @AndrewHolzschuh
Instagram: @andrewqholzschuh
Hashtags used: #teamtolassa
Website: www.andrewqholzschuh.com
Other: Vimeo
Made in association with: The International Rescue Committee
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Thin Line Film Festival in Denton Tx. March 25-29 2020