Slamdance 2019 – Users
One night. A woman and a man try to wrench some feelings from each other on a video chat site that connects random strangers.
Interview with Writer/Director Jakub Piątek
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to tell a very intimate story but to limit myself just to two characters, two rooms and two screens. And if you cut away ornaments you have a space to dig deeper into relationship even in a limited by short film status screen time.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's an emotional rollercoaster with two strong, young actors. We really wanted to make a romantic comedy, but we failed completely.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
On a personal level we tell a story of a game between two people. An emotional game a little bit like in "The Hitchhiking Game" by Milan Kundera - a short story from 1965. In the wider context it is set in an Internet working in various ways: as a prop, a set design and a form of communication and it changes everything we tell and do to each other.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Writing the film was very strongly connected with the actors' rehearsals. We tried different script versions, and it was possible mainly because the setting of a film is so restricted. We believe in their intuition and that in some point they better know how to behave or respond in specific circumstances because they are familiar to characters.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Audience members are loving or hating this film. Not so many tones in the grey scale. The film has its life in Poland for a couple of months – it gathered a couple of festival awards, it has been shown in arthouse cinemas across the country at the end of 2018. Now we are waiting for the international premiere at Slamdance and to check if it is corresponding with international audiences.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was a little bit surprised when Kate McCullough (our DP) told me during grading that it is a controversial film. So far (and still) I don't consider myself a controversial filmmaker. Looking at the feedback, she was right. But it leads to some very important talks after screenings so far and that is the best you can get after telling a story. So I'm grateful.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
It's great to be part of it! So many great short stories! And it is crucial that you are spreading the word. Maybe it will lead to another screening and other important talks afterwards.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Independent filmmakers are always looking for ways to distribute our work. It is important right now 'cause we are in this transition process: with "Users" out there and simultaneously working on something new.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'm really happy that the film has a life of its own and it is raising questions and emotional reaction on the other side of the screen. Even if sometimes people get angry or sad. Those are emotions as well; we need them too.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I want to feel something, can something be felt out here?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Maja Pankiewicz and Dobromir Dymecki ("Users" cast) are very busy working in theater, film and TV series in Poland. Kate McCullough (DP) is always busy, at the moment I lost track on which continent she is right now. With Lukasz Czapski (co-screenwriter) and Kuba Razowski (producer) we are developing our feature debut ("Prime Time"), to be shot at the end of 2019 or beginning of 2020. Hopefully.
Interview: January 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
Users
One night. A woman and a man try to wrench some feelings from each other on a video chat site that connects random strangers.
Length: 29:13
Director: Jakub Piątek
Producer: Jakub Razowski
Writer: Łukasz Czapski, Dobromir Dymecki, Jakub Piątek
About the writer, director and producer:
JAKUB PIATEK was born in 1985. He has made a couple of documentaries after graduating from the Lodz Film School and is now working on his feature film debut.
JAKUB RAZOWSKI was born in 1986 and graduated from Warsaw School of Economics and Lodz Film School. He has been working in film industry for over 10 years as a Unit Production Manager, Production Coordinator and lately Producer.
Key cast: Maja Pankiewicz (Woman), Dobromir Dymecki (Man)
Looking for: film festival directors, journalists
Facebook: Jakub Piatek
Other: Vimeo
Funders: Munk Studio
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance/Park City, Utah - 01/27, 01/30