Awareness Film Festival - When Strangers Touch Your Hair
A little bit of Romance. A whole lot of Reality.
Interview with Writer/Producer Samantha Neyland
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Making this film was my way of talking about the insecurities that I've always lived with but only recently chose to acknowledge. With one white parent and one black parent I grew up very confused. The black kids would always tell me I was white and the white kids would always tell me I was black. To me, being biracial comes with its own struggle that is almost never talked about. I made this film because I want to talk about it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film offers a new and interesting perspective that has the potential to be eye opening if given the chance. It opens the door to a conversation that we as a society desperately need to have.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I'm really happy with the way this film takes universal issues and makes them relatable on a personal level. Regardless of what it is, we all have a relationship with race. This film explores that theme while on a deeper level highlights issues that we all deal with: self-doubt, insecurities and the desire to fit in.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The final result is far different than what I had originally imagined. Most of this, I credit to the actors. I wanted the film to be real and grounded so I asked everyone to just play themselves. While I don't know if I'd ever do that again I think in this situation it changed the story for the better.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback so far has been amazing. People are laughing at the jokes, relating to the characters, and asking questions at the end.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
If anything, it has reassured my point of view. Race is an awkward conversation because there is always the fear that you might say something incorrectly and offend someone else. Many people, after watching the film, feel awkward and don't know what to say; this is where the conversation begins.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The goal would be to get more people talking. The first step in solving a problem is acknowledging that there is one. At this point, I more than anything want this discussion to be opened.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festival directors and journalists. The more people see the film, the more the conversation will spread.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
This film was intended to be thought provoking. My hope is that after watching it and seeing life through a different lens that people might think differently when presented with similar situations in the future.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“Does that really happen?” I’ve gotten that question multiple times already and my answer is always: “That’s almost word for word what happened.”
Would you like to add anything else?
Full cast and crew bios along with screening information can be found at www.whenstrangerstouchyourhair.com
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We have a few rough ideas for our next project but we're very much still in the brainstorming stage.
Interview: October 2016
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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
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When Strangers Touch Your Hair
A little bit of Romance. A whole lot of Reality.
Length: 7:07
Director: Anisha Adusumilli
Producer: Samantha Neyland
Writer: Samantha Neyland
About the writer, director and producer:
Anisha Adusumilli is a first generation East Indian. She is a successful actress, producer, and director.
Samantha Neyland is an actress, model, and former Miss Hawaii Teen USA. She is the writer, producer, co-director and lead actress of this film.
Key cast:
Samantha Neyland – Sam
Cameron Gellman- Daniel
Alexandria Filer- Courtney
Jamaal Hepburn- Marco
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Film Festival Directors, Journalists
Funders: Self-funded
Release date: Summer 2017