CANNES SHORT FILM CORNER - Rosetta's Blues
Logline: ‘Rosetta’s Blues’ is the story of a young woman who finds it difficult to come to terms with her father’s passing. Acting out in theatrical and amusing ways as methods of coping, this is a coming of age tale of how Rosetta is inspired to move forward in life rather than being weighed down by her loss.
Length: 28 minutes
Director: Rabia Sultana
Producer: Rabia Sultana and Anthony James Faure
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders: Self Funded/Indigogo
Made in association with: Les Films de l’Ours and New York Film Academy
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Loss is inevitable; life brings with it a series of ups and downs. ‘Rosetta’s Blues’ is centered around this experience - a girl's journey of coming to terms with losses and what it takes to move forward. Naturally people deal with grievances differently, Rosetta is a bit dramatic, but that is a characteristic that makes her endearing.
For me personally, ‘Rosetta’s Blues’ is a film that explores family, love, life and death. The story itself is something everyone can all identify with, life after losing someone we love and the struggle it takes to 'Live, Not just Exist'.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Grief is universal. Rosetta is stuck mourning her father and often we fixate on what we no longer have with in our lives, be it a person, material gains, jobs, etc.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Locations have been adapted, scenes have been cut.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People enjoy the film overall, it is relateable without being too complicated. Ive been told that it is heartfelt and honest when I really appreciate and that there is a good sense of humor present to lighten the load.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I believe artists are their biggest critics; there is always room for improvement and at the crucial beginning on my career I have to be as analytical, objective and open to suggestions from others no doubt.
Rosetta’s Blues came to life in a matter of short months, those times constraints themselves and financial limitations capped what could be done with the story. Filmmaking is working as successfully as you can within some limitations, so the critiques I have received do not surprise me.
One thing I have taken from this film, is that the script would have probably been better fit for a feature. But overall, the feedback has been so overwhelming and promising. I am so ecstatic that the film has been so well received by a general audience of filmmakers, artists and people alike. This is my first film and I am happy to learn and know what to improve on; I have made mistakes but so long as I learn from them, they will only make me a better filmmaker.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure, we want Rosetta’s Blues to be seen on a large scale. First of all for entertainment's sake but also the chance that the film could provide some comfort for those who can relate to the sentiments discussed.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Everyone and anyone willing to help get Rosetta’s Blues out in the open. My objective is for it to be seen universally so we need a wide range of help; Festival Directors who would like to screen Rosetta’s Blues, buyers and distributors who would commit to getting Rosetta’s Blues seen by an audience, press and journalists to also spread word about our journey making the film and its final result. Also any financiers willing to work with us on future projects would be greatly appreciated.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want people to first of all enjoy what my crew and I have made but also show how human we are with the inability to rise above all occasions immediate, and the struggle it takes to accept hardship.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is there life after loss? In the pursuit of survival do we forget to live?
Would you like to add anything else?
Rabia Sultana is a British Archaeology graduate turned Filmmaker. Born and raised in London to a middle class family, Rabia attended school in East London where she was encouraged by her teachers to pursue the Arts. Rabia acted on stage throughout her teen years before pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology at the University of Sheffield.
She realized how much she loved being behind the camera on an Roman Archaeological Excavation in Sanisera, Menorca, when she began filming the finds on the site and interviewing specialists.
Pursuing filmmaking began as a way to merge her interest in media and storytelling. Rabia believes that visual media is one of the most powerful tools we have to entertain, teach and use as a platform to explore social issues, and everyday extraordinary lives. She is interested in both fiction and non-fiction storytelling.
Rosetta’s Blues is her directorial debut with other projects lined up. She also works heavily within Production as she continues to write screenplays whenever possible.
What are you working on now?
Rabia is currently writing her first feature script as well as maintaining working on short films. She is always happy to hear from potential supporters and collaborators.