Millstone
Featuring an entirely Deaf cast and shot exclusively in American Sign Language, this is the story of a desperate, grieving couple who think they have found the only therapist who can help them - but his methods might be worse than anyone imagined.
Interview with Writer/Director Peter Hoffman Kimball
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! This film is a twisty, dark emotional thriller and I was really drawn to exploring some of my deepest fears on the screen. I think when we put our deepest fears in films, we then don’t have to carry the burden of them on our own anymore. I was drawn to making the film in ASL with an all-Deaf cast because I’m the father of a deaf child and I want there to be more films out there in sign language. I also want those films to represent a wide range of genres and styles, and I hope this film can be part of that.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Millstone is in many ways like nothing you’ve seen before. It is entirely in sign language with an all-Deaf cast, but has nothing to do with deafness and that plays no role in the plot. This is a tight, twisty, unexpected story that just happens to be entirely in American Sign Language with English subtitles.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is in many ways about grief and the lengths that people will go to rid themselves of it. Relationships fall apart, good people do terrible things – all these things can happen when people are pushed to their limits.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Shooting the film in sign language has a major impact on the camera framing and editing. It was essential that the signs always be visible, which means the shot can’t cut away while one person is talking; it has to stay on them until they’re done. This is a major part of the distinctive visual style of the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The film has received very positive feedback. Many people go into the film not knowing what to expect or having pre-conceived notions of what a “sign language” movie would look like – and they almost all come away from it saying they ended up not even paying attention to the fact it was in sign language because they got so caught up in the story.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Some people have said they didn’t expect the film to be so dark in tone or they expected it to be uplifting and inspirational somehow. The film is definitely not uplifting and inspirational – it’s entertaining and engaging but it is taking a look at the darker side of humanity.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love more people to be interested in seeing films in sign language – and to understand that those films could come in any genre with any subject matter. I hope audiences get more used to that and I hope more filmmakers make films in sign language.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I certainly would love the film to play as many film festivals as possible and I’m always looking for great producers to collaborate with on future projects. I think this film is just the beginning.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope that people watch this film and can have two different conversations. One: “I didn’t even notice the sign language after a while; let’s talk about all the fascinating things that happened in the story.” And Two: “Look at how much the sign language and the performance of the actors give to the film. I want to see more of that.”
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Whose side are you on?
And here's a question that only makes sense after seeing the film: The ninth time?
Would you like to add anything else?
I’m really proud of the work that everyone did on it, from the amazingly talented crew to the grounded, emotionally true performances of the cast. Daniel Durant is, of course, a born movie star, and his charisma could launch a thousand ships.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Director Peter Hoffman Kimball has a feature film coming out later in 2023 called I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead which is a dark comedy revenge film entirely in American Sign Language (and co-starring Millstone’s Eddie Buck).
Producer Alan Cameron has a feature film he directed called Frannie also coming out later in 2023.
Interview: January 2023
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
Millstone
Featuring an entirely Deaf cast and shot exclusively in American Sign Language, this is the story of a desperate, grieving couple who think they have found the only therapist who can help them - but his methods might be worse than anyone imagined.
Length: 16:00
Director: Peter Hoffman Kimball
Producer: Alan Cameron
Writer: Peter Hoffman Kimball
About the writer, director and producer:
PETER HOFFMAN KIMBALL is an award-winning writer and director and, as the father of a deaf child, an advocate for d/Deaf representation. His films have been screened at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and such film festivals as Slamdance, Festival REGARD, Vancouver, Calgary, and Show Me Shorts (NZ). He is the husband of an ER doctor, a graduate of Brown University, and is currently based in Washington, DC.
ALAN CAMERON is a 29-year-old Writer/ Director from Fountain, Colorado. After serving six years in the United States Air Force, Alan attended American University in Washington, DC. He became reunited with a passion for films he had as a young kid with a camcorder, making backyard movies every day with his friends. Alan currently resides in NYC where he works as a graphic designer.
Key cast: Daniel Durant (Mike), Bellamie Bachleda (Julia), Eddie Buck (Dr. Prince)
Looking for: journalists
Twitter: @KimballPeter
Website: www.millstonethemovie.com
Made in association with: Don't Matter Media
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance Film Festival (Park City/Salt Lake City) - Jan 20-26
DC Independent Film Festival (Washington, DC) - Mar 3-5