Nestled in the rice fields of the Philippines, a family faces the life-inhibiting consequences of blindness until a doctor visits the village and gives the gift of sight in under five minutes.

Interview with Director Cole Sax

Watch Second Sight here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

“The eyes are the windows to the soul” often describes the connection one feels when looking into another’s eyes. However, like windows, the eyes work both ways. They are not only valuable in seeing into another person’s soul, but they are also vital in how we view the world around us. When you lose this aspect of your life, you lose your identity. This is the harsh reality for Joanaly who is burdened by unfair, and unnecessary, cataract blindness. We wanted to bring one story of the 18 million, who suffer from cataract blindness, to light.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

If you need a good "happy cry".

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Despite the hardships Virgilio, Joanaly and their family faced, one thing shined through from the first moment I heard Virgillo speak about Joanaly, and that was his undying love for her. You could tell how much he missed her, and how he would sacrifice anything to ensure that she was okay and that their family was okay.

That love carried them through the journey they went on. That love provided them with the hope to persevere. That love to me was a universal truth… that we all do what we can for the people, we most deeply love. In its essence, the film is meant to bring to light the love and compassion in the world.

From Joanaly and Virigllo’s relationship to the relationship they share with the doctors… the gift of love is something we should all share.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The film came to life once we honed in on a clinic location and began to meet potential patients through the pre-screening. We started with about 60 options and then narrowed it down to three. Upon arriving in the Philippines we met all three potential candidates and instantly fell in love with the Virgilio family.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been extremely positive. More often than not we are hearing how people walk away in tears and appreciation for the little things they sometimes take for granted.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has solidified our process in making the film and gives truth to the importance of what we created.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Our goal is to bring to light one of 18 million stories of people suffering from unnecessary blindness. We hope you can join us in the fight against cataract blindness by visiting secondsight.seeintl.org

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Buyers for VOD platforms

Film Festival Directors

Journalists to help bring exposure to the film

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Cataract blindness is a growing epidemic. There are 18 million needlessly blind cataract patients worldwide, but their lives can be transformed through a 10-minute sight-restoring surgery for as little as $25. We hope people will join us and give the gift of sight by visiting secondsight.seeintl.org

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What are the consequences of keeping medical solutions out of reach from the people who need them most?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently in the process of developing various docu-series and feature-length documentary films. One of which is a feature-length version of this issue.

Interview: September 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

Second Sight

Nestled in the rice fields of the Philippines, a family faces the life-inhibiting consequences of blindness until a doctor visits the village and gives the gift of sight in under five minutes.

Length: 27:46

Director: Cole Sax

Producer: Phil Hessler

Looking for: film festival directors, journalists, distributors

Hashtags used: #sightisfreedom #secondsightfilm

Website: www.secondsight.seeintl.org/teaser/3; www.colesax.com

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: SEE International, Manifesto Films & WZRD Media

Funders: Sponsor: SEE International

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? www.secondsight.seeintl.org/teaser/3