Opening Night
Look within. Then dance it out. A man reflects on formative conflicts from his past with optimism, gratitude, and a musical twist.
Interview with Writer/Director/Animator Margaret Bialis
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The film was first and foremost made as my graduation film from DePaul University. On a personal level, I felt inspired by past experiences and learned behaviors from my life to hopefully make a relatable and heartfelt story.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think you could watch this film from two perspectives: if you wanted to zone out and watch funny colorful characters sing and dance, it's an entertaining 5 minutes of your life gone by. If you wanted to read further into the film, you could also reflect on conflict resolution and approaching opposition with optimism.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
All of the vignettes in the film are loosely based off of past confrontations or challenges from my personal life. I recognized that I could have resolved those issues in a much more productive and positive way than I did when I was younger. Instead of cutting people out or leaving an experience negatively, I realized I internalized my own hurts and moved on from those conflicts without growing from them. So the film, in a sense, is me coming to terms with those moments from my life with gratitude for making it through and learning.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Originally, I wanted the film to have no music, and each character to speak completely deadpan without emotion, to emphasize the awkwardness of interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. It took a lot of work to make the film enjoyable to watch.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People feel touched by the film in different ways that seem applicable to their own struggles or experiences; there hasn't been a similar response between two viewers, but overall everyone felt personally affected and enjoyed it, which is really humbling and exciting.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
A few people were really disgusted and uncomfortable with how I decided to resolve the film. I think it's funny, and hearing their takeaways helped me understand and appreciate why they disagreed with the ways I navigated the story. They think differently than I do, and I wouldn't be able to grow or develop without hearing some hard criticisms! But I also wouldn't change anything about the story.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
All I could ask for is that my film opens up the possibilities of conversation and connection between different people.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Any exposure is flattering and greatly appreciated, but the film also speaks for itself.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Of course I'd want people to enjoy the film. But everyone who has seen the film so far has had a different reaction that pertained to a specific experience in their own lives. I couldn't be happier that Opening Night elicits different responses from different people.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Hm. I don't know. I'm too close to the film to think of any additional ways to spark conversation about it. But if anyone wants to ask me about something, I'm open!
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for reaching out and watching "Opening Night!"
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently working on two music videos while (hopefully) building up my freelance clientele as I'm finishing up my contract work with Scientific Games.
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
Opening Night
Look within. Then dance it out. A man reflects on formative conflicts from his past with optimism, gratitude, and a musical twist.
Length: 4:55
Director: Margaret Bialis
Producer: Margaret Bialis
Writer: Margaret Bialis
About the writer, director and producer:
Drawing inspiration from her interests in philosophy and pop art, MARGARET BIALIS artfully utilize hand drawn animation with an experimental twist. MARGARET's zany subject matter as well as her use of color and line work ultimately attracts audiences of all ages. MARGARET is currently an independent filmmaker working in Chicago, IL
Key cast: Sound Designer: Joey DeFabio, Voiceover Recordist: Brett Rossiter, Singers: Roy Curiale, Nicholas Kiepura, Jasmin Ralph, Nathan Herbst, Megan Luckett, Andrea Torres, Voice Actors: John Bialis, Tyler Merideth, Becky Keeshin
Looking for: film festival directors, distributors, journalists
Instagram: @mbialis
Website: margaretbialis.com
Other: Vimeo