A short film about loneliness, obsession and delusion.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Barney Cokeliss

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The film expresses a number of issues and themes I’ve very interested in, including loneliness, mental health, delusion, longing. It also has a strong element of contemporary dance, which is something I’m fascinated by.

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

People say it takes them out of themselves for a while, and they find it moving. I’m very gratified by both responses.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think everyone can relate to issues of loneliness, isolation and longing. Fortunately, not everyone suffers from the same issues of delusion as the protagonist in the film. But, as they say, we only ever rent our sanity. So these issues and themes can affect anyone.

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

I wrote the film quite quickly, but the issues and themes had been percolating in my mind for years.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film’s reception has been hugely gratifying. It was one of the highest-rated shorts on the TIFF 2016 app, and it’s been very clear at screenings that people respond emotionally to it.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has made me so happy that I took the plunge and made the film, entirely off my own bat.

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

I’m delighted to help anyone who admires the film get the word out.

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

I’d like the film to have an extensive festival run, so that as many people as possible can see it on the big screen, where it looks its best.

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

More of the same would be wonderful! It’s a great feeling when you really connect with an audience.

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

Is the ending hopeful or just a temporary moment of uplift in an otherwise downward trajectory?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks!

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Barney Cokeliss has two features in development.

Interview: November 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

_______________________________________________________________________________

Night Dancing

A short film about loneliness, obsession and delusion.

Length:
6.5mins

Director:
Barney Cokeliss

Producer:
Barney Cokeliss

Writer:
Barney Cokeliss

About the writer, director and producer:
Barney Cokeliss has written and directed short films which have played at festivals such as TIFF, Sundance, Venice and Palm Springs ShortsFest.

He is an international commercials director, and has two features in development. He lives in London, was educated at Oxford and Princeton and trained at the BBC.

Key cast:
Jason Thorpe
Louise Tanoto
Jacob Ingram-Dodd
Alister Cameron

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

Release date:
Sept 2016 was the world premiere at TIFF 2016

Where will it be screened in the next month?
Whistler Film Festival 2016