WOW FILM FESTIVAL FOCUS - FIGHTER
FIGHTER is not just a story about the entertainment industry and a rising pop star but about a woman’s journey to find and give love, acceptance, joy and freedom.
Watch Fighter on AudPop
Current Status: Premiering
Length: 10 min
Writer: Collective
Director: Kelly Rozell
Producer: Samantha Hearn
About the director: Kelly Rozell has received numerous awards for projects such as “Best Direction” and “Best Documentary”. Her films cover a range of genres.
Where can I watch it at WOW?
1. Congratulations! Why did you decide to make this film?
This film came as a study abroad opportunity for film majors at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. Once accepted, our team of 3 woman set out to find an artist to serve as our subject for our documentary class. We came across an undiscovered music talent, Jara Ezo, in the heart of Paris, and that is where our journey began.
2. Why is it called FIGHTER?
It’s called FIGHTER because Jara’s story is a story about fighting for your dreams. Coincidentally, her single is called Dangerous Fighter. From the beginning, Jara has the persona of someone who has had to endure struggle to get where she is at.
3. How did you find the main character?
Craigslist! While prepping for our trip to Paris, we needed to, firstly, have an artist. We went to Craigslist to find her. Luckily, her best friend/fan, Sissi Johnson, contacted us with her amazing talent.
4. What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received great feedback from colleagues, filmmakers, and from the festivals we have submitted to. We have been accepted into a handful of festivals across the country. Early on, we received a large grant from the Women of Film & Television (Nashville, TN). This grant largely had to do with our ability to submit FIGHTER to so many festivals.
5. Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I would say that the feedback has encouraged me and shown me that people connect on a human level.
6. What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on this platform?
I’m looking to achieve what I always try to achieve as a filmmaker, and that is to show audiences that each of us are human. We may experience things on a different level, but there is something we can all relate to. I hope that this film can connect with people who are fighting for something - a dream, a job or even a reason to keep going.
8. What type of impact would you like this film to have?
I would like for it to spark conversation between viewers and to change the way the viewer’s view people of different cultures and ethnicity’s.
9. What’s a key question that will help spark a debate about this film?
Does the music industry treat and provide equal opportunities for everybody?
10. What is director working on now?
The director is currently pursuing freelance opportunities in Chattanooga, TN. Her latest project includes a documentary on a famous abandoned prison in Tennessee.
11. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am very honored and grateful to have the opportunity to share something so special to me with others. I create art to share with others. Thank you for this amazing and wonderful platform.