The Card
A businesswoman loses her credit card at a café just as she is about to secure an important transaction. In her frantic search to find the card, she acts impulsively.
Interview with Writer/Director Asil Moussa
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I set out to make a universal short film about a simple but defining moment that can occur in our everyday life. It’s a story that hopefully makes you reflect on the human experience in today’s modern world. It was important to me to have a strong, complex, relatable female lead and also have a person of visible minority in the film, just because I think their stories are fascinating and should be seen more on-screen.
Most importantly though, I wanted to make a film about the messages it portrays: staying present, treating people with respect even when stressed, etc. My hope is that it allows audiences to reflect and have a conversation about it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I hope you’ll watch it for the same reason you might watch any other film: To experience a slice of life from someone else’s point of view. I hope it makes you look inward and think about how you move through life and treat others.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The Card is a film about the struggle to stay present in today’s fast-paced society. In the modern working world, the film explores how our stresses may change the way we treat people, and in turn, change ourselves. In a world that is collectively battling trust issues, The Card touches on the perils of modern-day living and missed opportunities. Each character and nuance in the story was crafted to fit the dynamic of situations that I have witnessed in my own life.
The businesswoman, Karen, stemmed as a result of my biggest fear: becoming an unhappy woman with work problems in a high-stakes job, family issues, and the world has hardened her. After a glimpse into what it might be like to be “Karen,” I wrote this script in response to my fears and overcoming them. The film discusses other universal topics and questions too, but I can't mention them here because it gives too much away. But if you’ve seen the film, reach out! I’d love to have a conversation!
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
There were few small changes in script as we went into production. The biggest change was casting the little boy (Tommy). In the script, he was two years old, but we just couldn’t find any toddler that could play the part. So we cast Liam Couvion for the role and just changed the character to be seven years old. We edited his dialogue a bit to fit his age and that was it! We also added a tiny exchange at the end of the film between my character and his, and it’s my favourite part of the whole film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People are really enjoying it, which I’m so thankful for! The feedback has been positive. People sometimes have questions about the ending, but they agree that it was the right choice, so that’s great to hear! A lot of people said it was pleasantly fast-paced and was short, sweet, and to the point.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has happily surprised me. I’m just really glad people are enjoying it, understand it, and see the message(s).
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope more people will see the film! I’m excited to have this platform for readers and audiences to know a bit more about the film, and go see it, and start a conversation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We’d love it if film festival directors, sales agents, journalists, and distributors saw this. We really want this film and it’s message to get out there. And hopefully people will want to see more work from us!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope this film stays with you after the credits roll. I hope it makes you feel something, that it moves you. And that it serves as a reminder for you to look inward and treat everyone with kindness. I also hope that more stories about complex women and people of visible minority will make their way on-screen, because those voices are an integral part of our community.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
That’s a tough one to answer without giving anything away… Let’s just say: What do you think is the reason(s) behind the businesswoman’s behaviour? People often have different opinions about that and it’s purposely not directly answered in the film (because life often doesn’t answer those questions).
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for featuring us on here! And I’d love to hear what you think after you watch the film!!
Also, I want to thank my cast and crew and everyone who supported this film and helped along the way.
Short films aren't made with money. They’re made with passion, persistence, and a LOT of hard work. And it takes a village to make a film, even a short one. So thank you to my village. This film wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m working on writing another short film to direct. I’m also producing various projects and acting.
Nuha Elalem, my producing partner on this film, is also writing a short film for her directorial debut, and she’s producing various projects as well.
Interview: October 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. 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
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Card
A businesswoman loses her credit card at a café just as she is about to secure an important transaction. In her frantic search to find the card, she acts impulsively.
Length:
6:35 mins
Director:
Asil Moussa
Producer:
Asil Moussa and Nuha Elalem
Writer:
Asil Moussa
About the writer, director and producer:
Asil Moussa (writer, director, producer, actor) has always loved telling stories. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing, and Digital Journalism from the University of Windsor, and received a Certificate of Film Studies from Ryerson University. Asil has created and worked on multiple short films and documentaries. She has also acted in short and feature films, and commercials that played across Canada.
Nuha Elalem (producer, assistant director) is passionate about bringing stories to life. She received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Windsor and has worked on making films, writing stories and photographing people for years. Nuha has produced, shot and edited multiple short films and promotional commercials for organizations.
Key cast:
Bridget Opfer, Asil Moussa, Kathy Roberts, Jeremy Burke, Liam Couvion
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
All of the above! :)
Funders:
It’s self-funded through my production company AM Stories, and grants received from Windsor Endowment for the Arts and the City of Windsor helped with funding.
Made in association with:
Release date:
September 10, 2016