Ensouled
Deep within the enigmatic Eternia facility, Clara carries a heavy burden of concealed grief. But within these mysterious walls, her life is about to transform in ways she never imagined.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor Moe Najati
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I've always found the interplay between technology, human emotions, and psychology fascinating—a common theme in sci-fi. Growing up, I was drawn to sci-fi films, like The Matrix, which left a lasting impression on me, even when I didn’t grasp most of its symbolism back then.
The rapid development of AI and its integration into our lives make me a bit nervous, and I've always questioned the need to make it resemble us. I think these concerns stem from our most existential question: ‘Who created us?’ I wonder if our pursuit of creating technology in our image reflects our curiosity about this question. All of which eventually led me to explore the potential consequences and moral dilemmas of such a world in this film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I wanted the film to invite viewers to actively engage with its themes, encouraging personal reflection rather than providing easy answers. If you like films that don't spoon-feed every detail, appreciate narratives leaving room for interpretation, and enjoy the works of Tarkovsky, Lynch, or Jodorowski, then I hope this little film might be an experience you'd enjoy.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I was in Japan for a work trip back in 2014, and that's where Asimo, the most advanced robot of the time, triggered an unexpected unease that made me realise my sensitivity to the Uncanny Valley. That moment became the turning point for my deep dive into the intersection of human emotions and technology, ultimately inspiring me to explore such themes in the film.
Collaborating with Fabrizio (co-writer) enriched our exploration. We wanted the film to be a journey in a mysterious realm blurring the lines between the organic and the artificial.
We hope to ignite a conversation about how our humanity, complete with all its flaws, shapes and influences what we create. Additionally, we want to question what it means to be truly alive, prompting reflection on loss, grief, and the evolving concept of identity in a thought-provoking sci-fi setting.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This journey has been quite a ride! I met Fabrizio (co-writer) at a workshop at the London Film School around 2016. That's where he shared the foundation of what would later become the basis of our current film. Initially driven by our shared passion, we started off with the ambitious dream of building a world for a feature-length film.
The world we were constructing expanded with every revision, but the reality check came when financial considerations kicked in, prompting us to scale down many scenes to make a short film that is more contained and production-friendly.
The film continued to transform during post-production, where I found myself experimenting extensively in the cutting room. This phase allowed the story to reach new depths due to the symbolism I was able to incorporate, and the film kept evolving right up until our first screening.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
After wrapping up the film, I felt genuinely anxious about how audiences would interpret its themes and symbolism. The positive feedback, especially after premiering and being nominated for Best Short Sci-Fi at FilmQuest, was a relief! What surprised me the most was not just the positive reception but also the fact that the film sparked discussions after screening.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback and audience reception certainly challenged my assumptions and fears about the limits of interpretation—something that will undoubtedly help me explore and experiment more freely in future projects.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope for the film to reach as many viewers as possible, allowing them to discover its essence and engage with the themes it explores.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'm on the lookout for distributors to come aboard and help us expand the film to new platforms, broadening its reach. Equally important is having journalists join the journey, as their support is vital in increasing awareness among a wider audience.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I believe art should start conversations. The film's themes are intentionally open to interpretation, and I always get excited to hear different perspectives. If, in the end, the film makes everyone ponder its central question, that's a successful fulfilment of its purpose.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are you as nervous about the rapid development of AI as I am?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently developing two feature films, a sci-fi, and a drama/mystery based on true events.
Interview: January 2024
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
Ensouled
Deep within the enigmatic Eternia facility, Clara carries a heavy burden of concealed grief. But within these mysterious walls, her life is about to transform in ways she never imagined.
Length: 14:42
Director: Moe Najati
Producer: Moe Najati and Asif Limbada
Writer: Moe Najati and Fabrizio Faillace
About the writer, director and producer:
MOE NAJATI, a versatile filmmaker with over a decade of experience in documentaries, fiction films, and commercials, brings a unique perspective shaped by his multicultural background. Hailing from a blend of British, Syrian, and Lebanese heritage, and having grown up in Dubai with his current residence in London, Moe possesses a profound understanding of diverse cultures and human emotions. His works have been featured at prestigious festivals, qualifying for the Academy, BAFTA, and BIFA. The latest short film, Ensouled, earned a nomination for Best Short Sci-Fi at FilmQuest 2023 and is set to continue its festival journey throughout the 2023/2024 season. Moe's filmography includes Stealing Kind, which premiered at the Manchester Film Festival, and the acclaimed Uproar, recognized at Sheffield Doc/Fest. In addition to independent cinema success, Moe has demonstrated his directorial prowess through collaborations with global brands such as Cadillac, Alfa Romeo, Red Bull, Canon, and Lenovo. Moe is in development of two feature films, driven by his passion for bringing compelling stories to the big screen.
Key cast: Joanna Saul, Christian K. Miller, Rachelle Lauzon, Linda McLachlan, Darrell Crawford
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists
Instagram: @moenajati
Hashtags used: #Ensouled
Website: www.moenajati.com
Other: IMDb
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Boston SciFi Film Festival: February 14 – 19, 2024