Academy Award Nominated Animation 2017 - Pear Cider and Cigarettes
The brutally honest story of Robert's turbulent relationship with a self-destructive, yet charismatic friend from childhood, who cries out for help from a military hospital in China and sets Rob on a wild ride to get him home to Vancouver.
Interview with Writer/Director Robert Valley
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you, my film... I reached a point in my career where I needed to do my own thing. We all want to get paid to do our own thing, no one was going to pay me to work on my film but I did it anyways.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Well... this is a true story, and sometimes true stories can be the most interesting stories to tell. This particular story is about a friend of mine named Techno, the highs and lows that he went through over the course of our friendship which lasted over 30 years. Plus it has a cool soundtrack. I showed this film to my own son, but it's not really a film for kids.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I have a tendency to draw upon actual events and stories from my life in my work. I like that kind of stuff.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I never wavered away from the script during the course of this production. The script was written as accurately as I could recall the events. I really needed to resist the urge to change the script in order to make a better film because that would take it away from its historical accuracy.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Most of us know or grew up with a fellow like Techno, (the main character in my film), the people who can relate to it often come up to me and share the story of their own version of Techno. This is always fascinating to me.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really, not all the feedback is in but I feel I told the story as accurately as I was able to. At the end of the day it's my point of view.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would simply like to get more eyes viewing my film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Man... I don't know, this film is a tough fit for animation audiences, it's definitely not the type of content you would expect to see in an animated film. It plays out a bit more like a documentary, I am not sure if the animation community is prepared to stomach that kind of content, likewise I am not sure if the documentary community has any appetite for animation. It could go either way, If I could get both camps on board that would be great. At this point it's about just getting the film in front of viewers.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I decided a while ago that I would only concern myself with things I have control over.
Interview: December 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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Pear Cider and Cigarettes
The brutally honest story of Robert's turbulent relationship with a self-destructive, yet charismatic friend from childhood, who cries out for help from a military hospital in China and sets Rob on a wild ride to get him home to Vancouver.
Length: 34:55 minutes
Director: Robert Valley
Producer: Cara Speller
Writer: Robert Valley
Funders: This film was funded in part by Kickstarter
Made in association with: Passion Pictures Animation
Where can I see it in the next month?
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/pearciderandcigarettes