When someone you love is drifting away, do you let go or make a strong play? Upon the advice of Mama Witch, G the Incognito Witch reaches out to a loved one struggling with mental illness. Music by Ginger Anxiety. Incognito Witch inspired by Artwork by Mollie Kellogg.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Mollie Kellogg

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I’ve been telling G the Incognito Witch’s story since 2010. She first appeared as a painting, the first in a series called the Incognito Witch Project, celebrating hidden magick featuring, semi-nude “real-to-life” portraits of powerful women. Her painting is titled “G-1” -- G is short for Goddess. I shot a 3-part documentary on my painting series and the character of G made her film debut. Two years ago, Paint My Life, a musical story of self-imprisonment, screened at the Awareness Festival and G and I are thrilled to be included again this year with another music short, A Lonely Heart in the Crowd, about reaching a loved one with mental illness.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I think you should watch A Lonely Heart in the Crowd because:

1) It is a completely unexpected creative execution of a difficult topic.

2) The Sacramento Bee calls A Lonely Heart in the Crowd a “strong work” and “a quirky and compelling video that explores love, loss and mental illness.”

3) A Lonely Heart in the Crowd won “Best Musical” at the Fantasmagorical Film Fest in Kentucky, Award of Excellence at the California State Fair, and screened at the 2016 AVIFF Cannes Art Film Festival in France.

4) Mama Witch says you should!

Awareness Film Festival - Ginger Anxiety Band

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The A Lonely Heart in the Crowd storyline reflects lived experience and a message of determination. My films help me process and share complicated themes that I am passionate about. Without the help of mental health resources like NAMI and BPD Global, my story may have had a drastically different conclusion. My Incognito Witch characters help universalize important concepts, and sharing can diminish fear and stigma; education can change perceptions and save lives.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Inspiration for the lyrics came from driving my son to school during his last years of high school. He was having some challenges and was often lost in his head. The original title was “Silent Drive,” because that was what it was. I would talk to fill the air hoping something would connect with him. My mother encouraged me to not give up. One day after dropping my son off, I turned on my recorder and the lyrics just came out.

The storyline of the film was expanded to tell the backstory of G in an abusive relationship with someone blinded with hurt, unable to seek help, and the painful choices she has to make to protect herself and her family. A single loved one’s untreated mental illness can impact a family for generations.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

My multi-disciplinary Incognito Witch Project examines hidden magick that has been suppressed by society, ourselves, physical or mental illness, fear, relationships, and other barriers such as universal emotional triggers. Participants include men, women, transgender; all ages, from young adults and families with children to seniors; all races, religious beliefs, and orientations. Early on folks began to report finding it an empowering, fulfilling experience.

The Incognito Witch Dancers performing in A Lonely Heart in the Crowd were actually attendees at my art show in Phoenix. Guests were invited to adorn themselves, learn the steps and then perform for the camera. This is feedback from participants at that event:

Dancer: “Dancing in music videos is not something that people who look like me do. Being an Incognito Witch Dancer helped me break down personal barriers, and helped me realize we are all vulnerable and need friends and community to support us.” – Incognito Patricia, Phoenix, AZ.

Dancer: “Seeing the way the dance exemplified the intention of the video made me feel like I had been part of something special, and bigger than just our gathering on that night." – Incognito Sally Jo, Phoenix, AZ

Venue: “Mollie Kellogg contributes a vibrant, colorful, and creative technique in drawing the community into the participation of her work, making it 3-dimensional in a very personal, yet inclusive, way. She is able to energize her audiences so they actually become part of an ongoing dialogue.” – Beatrice Moore, Frontal Lobe Gallery, Phoenix, AZ

Videographer: “Having been involved with some of Mollie's past projects, I knew that I would be part of a unique vision that spreads a positive and meaningful message to our community and world.” – David Gonzales, Phoenix, AZ

Awareness Film Festival - The characters of Incognito Witch and Ginger Anxiety inspired by Artwork by Mollie Kellogg

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

My first surprise was that my film has brought some viewers to tears – it touches them. That means a lot to me.

The second surprise was at a festival when a composer for another film commented that he really liked the film with “the drag queen with a lovely voice” not realizing it was me. It was priceless. I think he is still blushing.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Awareness and reach – an unheard message speaks to no one.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

My film and my characters are not mainstream. If we were to find a visionary advocate, Incognito Witch and this film could possibly have niche success as a brand. My plan for A Lonely Heart in the Crowd until that fabulous person arrives is, following the festivals, to get as many eyes on the film as possible via online marketing and networking with mental health non-profits for event screenings.

I would like my film, A Lonely Heart in the Crowd, to get people feeling and thinking and talking and taking action. For victims to find strength to leave their abusers; loved ones to find the strength to hold on to hope; for all concerned to talk about mental heath challenges with family, professionals, and support organizations like NAMI. I would also like the film to receive artistic recognition.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

The chorus of the song asks:

When someone you love

Is drifting away

Do you let go, or make a strong play?

The strongest play when dealing with a loved one with mental illness is education and support.

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you and G wants me to tell you that, “You are magick!” and to please visit her sometime at www.incognitowitch.com.

Awareness Film Festival - G the Incognito Witch

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

My next film project is another music video that features all five of my Incognito Witch personalities – they each speak/sing-out on overcoming negative feedback in order to follow their dreams. This original dance song will be a self-empowerment anthem. I have self-funded all my films, but might need some help on this one to execute as I envision.

I’ve recently released a limited edition of resin art figures of the characters from A Lonely Heart in the Crowd called “Witchlings.” G is completed and I’m sculpting the Ginger Witchling now. You can see the “Kiss Me, I’m Magick” G Witchling at www.youaremagick.com

We’ve also just finished this year’s silly little Incognito Witch birthday video. I’ve created a new one each year on my daughter’s birthday then I share on Facebook with friends on their birthdays. I’ve posted all five here if you are curious: http://molliekellogg.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/five-funny-and-magickal-birthday-videos.html

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 Lonely Heart in the Crowd

Length:

6 minutes 36 seconds

Director:

Mollie Kellogg

Producer:

Mollie Kellogg and T Collins Logan

Writer and Lyrics:

Mollie Kellogg

Composer:

T Collins Logan

About Mollie Kellogg, Writer, Director, Co-Producer:

Creative Sorceress Mollie Kellogg conjures a magickal world through canvas, film, music and dance. Her award-winning Incognito Witch Project celebrates hidden magick.

About T Collins Logan, Co-Producer:

T.Collins Logan is a writer, musician, actor, photographer, practicing mystic and creator of the Integral Lifework system of transformative practice.

Key cast:

G the Incognito Witch: Mollie Kellogg

Ginger Anxiety Band: Mollie Kellogg, T Collins Logan and Mike Chiricuzio

The Man: Jack Vecchio

Mama Witch: Bonnie Stager Schwemm

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Sales agent, buyers, distributors, journalists

Made in association with:

Mollie Kellogg Creative and Toadland Productions

Release date:

2017