Awareness Film Festival - A Favor
A Favor is a dark comedy dealing with the sensitive topic of aided death. Diane, a quirky older woman, asks to meet with Lauren, a young 20-something working a dead end job. When Diane's true intentions are revealed Lauren is left with a life altering decision.
Interview with Writer/Producer Morgan Dixon
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Why thank you! As an actor, you go through so much of your career with very little control. You just show up, do the work, and hope for the best, right? I’ve been too angsty for too long to be that chill about the way my life turns out. With that angst comes an urge to fight for what’s so obviously right.
After leaving for the evening from a day job I didn’t care for, I turned on an episode of The Diane Rehm Show that dealt with the topic of aided death. I sat in my car for what seemed like hours after I had pulled into my driveway to listen to painful story after painful story of people having to exit this world in the most horrific ways simply because they had no other choice. I thought of my grandmother who, toward the end of her life, looked me in the eye and simply said, “I don’t want to live anymore.” I thought of the life that I was currently living. Waiting. Hoping. Wishing someone would come in, sweep me off my feet, and give me the film I’ve been waiting for.
A feisty pill such as myself doesn’t wait. I needed to make a change right then and there. A couple days and one sleepless night later, draft one was complete.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
If you like to be challenged with a quiet humor and strong sense of reality, this film is for you. This film will challenge you to look at something that many of us in western society avoid at all costs: death.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Lauren provides the ever relatable theme to not take life for granted. It’s easy to get caught up in how small we all are and how pointless it all feels, but that shouldn’t take away from our own exploration toward self-discovery and happiness. Diane provides a more unique theme. She’s a very real (almost too real) example of doing what’s best for yourself. The more time I invest in this film the more I realize that I want to be Diane. I want to be that brave.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
You might want to sit down and pour yourself a scotch. First it was just a scene I wrote at 3am. Then maybe a play? Then Maybe a super short film? The maybe a 10 minute play? No, a sketch? Ok ok ok a film. But just this scene? No, add more? Ok. Wait, does this make sense? Is this possible? She works at a grocery so- she’s a waitress! Wait. What. Monologue? Two monologues?! Do you need more scotch? Oh, ok this DOES make sense. Right? Right. :)
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I’ve heard everything from “I wanted it to be longer” to “It’s depressing, but in a good way”. Other than that most people are shocked and excited that someone in their 20's is concerned about something that often effects a more mature generation.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’m honestly surprised and down right pumped at how open minded people have been about this topic. Complete strangers come up to me after showings to tell me about their deceased loved ones and how they wish they had an option, ANY option to make their passing easier. By the end of the conversation we both embrace with tears in our eyes like we’ve known each other for years. It’s reconnected me with society in a way I never thought possible.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
At the very least, I want to start a conversation about dying with dignity. That’s how underrepresented this topic is. I especially want that conversation to focus on those dealing with a “hopeless” illness such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. The few nationally recognized stories that deal with aided death focus around terminally ill cancer patients and the few states who do cater to their wishes. While I don’t wish to focus less on them, I do want hopeless illnesses to be included.
At most, I’d love it if this led to more film festival acceptances and, if I’m really reaching for those stars, a potential deal for a feature to reach a larger audience.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
If we could get Diane Rehm and her show to take note of us, that would be utterly amazing. She’s a huge reason this film even exists and I greatly admire the work she’s already done in the fight for our right to die. Also, if any independent film production companies wanted to take us under their wing and make this into a feature, by all means I am here and ready to party.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Again, I’d love to just expand the dialogue surrounding aided death and support those who have dedicated their lives to this cause. Final Exit Network has been such a monumental piece in us getting this film off the ground. Their support groups nationwide help provide those in need with the right information on the laws this country has in regards to aided death and so much more. If organizations such as theirs received more attention and funding from this, I would be ecstatic.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Should you have a choice in how you die? If no, why?
Would you like to add anything else?
I’ve probably typed too much already. ;)
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m currently writing another short film dealing with depression. I just can’t keep away from dark comedies. Our cinematographer, Brian Whitney, has recently released a short film he wrote and directed called Making the Nature Scene that’s currently hitting the indie film fest circuit and features little ole me. Midge Mamatas, who plays Diane, is a force in the Tampa Bay theater and film scene. Elias Rios, who plays Jordan, just wrapped a show called Thee Trinity at The Royal George Theatre in Chicago.
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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A Favor
A Favor is a dark comedy dealing with the sensitive topic of aided death. Diane, a quirky older woman, asks to meet with Lauren, a young 20-something working a dead end job. When Diane's true intentions are revealed Lauren is left with a life altering decision.
Length: 23:53
Director: Ross Magyar
Producer: Morgan Dixon
Writer: Morgan Dixon
About the writer, director and producer:
Ross Magyar: Actor and director. Based in Chicago. Graduate of Florida State University and The Second City Conservatory.
Morgan Dixon: Actor, writer, and producer. Based in Chicago. Graduate of Columbia College and The Second City Conservatory.
Key cast: Midge Mamatas (Diane), Elias Rios (Jordan), and Morgan Dixon (Lauren)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Diane Rehm, Producers, Film Festival Directors, and Distributors
Funders: Final Exit Network, BB’s Dance and Circus Arts of Tampa Bay, Stash- A Place for Yarn, Casa Tina’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, Jordan Douglas, Our amazing Indiegogo backers
Made in association with: Final Exit Network
Release date: Fall 2016