Welcome to the great marijuana debate. Pick a side.

Interview with Writer/Director Matthew and Barnaby O'Connor

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

We feel that the issue of marijuana legalization in California is particularly important because the state has so much political, cultural and economic power and influence. It was the first state to legalize medical marijuana back in 1996 and although a number of other states have since legalized recreational marijuana, California is considered by many as the key battleground for the recreational marijuana debate. A win in California (for either the pro legalization or anti legalization side) will have a huge impact on the way the nation goes in determining national marijuana policy.

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

Almost all marijuana documentaries try to push one side or the other - either pro or anti legalization. Our documentary does its best to provide a balanced view. You, as the audience member, can hear both sides make their arguments and then decide which side of the issue you would like to be on.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

What becomes apparent, away from the political grand standing and polarized views of the traditional marijuana doc, is that legalization is an extremely complicated issue that is actually very difficult to address. The universal theme in the documentary is that this is actually true of a lot of key issues - other examples being immigration and gun control. The only choices are generally presented as polar opposites - "yes" or "no" when in reality the situation is complex and highly nuanced. All big political issue affect all manner of people across the board in all kinds of ways and this is something the documentary makes a point of highlighting.

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

Initially, the idea was to follow a single medical marijuana grower trying to clear their name after being arrested in an early morning bust in Los Angeles. Over time, the complexity of the surrounding issues began to emerge and the film changed to become an analysis of the legalization arguments for marijuana.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has played well at festivals and had some good reviews so far. People specifically make mention of the fact the documentary is balanced and looks at both sides of the issue without trying to push a particular agenda.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Some pro-legalization advocates have labelled the documentary as "propaganda". They apparently take exception to the fact the documentary includes anti legalization speakers that are allowed to make their points. They have even gone so far as to suggest the documentary is secretly funded by the government and big pharmaceutical companies which is (quite frankly) ridiculous. The documentary was made by a tiny team who feel passionately about the issue and want to do their best to raise awareness of the debate and the upcoming November vote on recreational marijuana in California.

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

We would welcome any publicity you can give the documentary. Specifically helpful are good reviews on platforms like iTunes, Google and Amazon where the documentary is available. It would also be good to drive people to the film's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ProVsAnti) so they can get involved in the debate themselves.

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

Publicists, journalists, film reviewers (preferably people who like the film though!)

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

We would like it to be considered an entertaining but also important source of information for those looking to furnish themselves with the facts ahead of the recreational marijuana vote in California this November.

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

Do you think Californians should to vote to legalize marijuana this November? Why?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We have a couple of projects on the go. Watch this space!

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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California High

Welcome to the great marijuana debate. Pick a side.

Length:
80 mins

Director:
Matthew and Barnaby O'Connor

Producer:
Matthew and Barnaby O'Connor, Steve Malone

Writer:
Matthew and Barnaby O'Connor

About the writer, director and producer:
We are a small team who like to produce documentaries on controversial subjects. We made our start in music videos and short films and are always trying to bring the sharp visual and cinematic qualities of those to the documentaries we make.

Key cast:

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

Journalists, film reviewers and anyone who can help publicize the documentary on social media and raise the profile of the film.

Funders:
Poetic Earth LLC, Gecko Interactive Ltd, Studio 9

Made in association with:
Ivy Film