CANNES SHORT FILM CORNER - Medic
Logline: Sentenced to community service, a privileged and self-consumed young woman encounters a war veteran at a soup kitchen and realizes that she has the potential to support him on his road to wellness, while doing the same for herself.
Length: 12:32
Director: Kelly-Ruth Mercier
Producer: Adam Lolacher and Mike Mazur
About the Director:
Kelly-Ruth Mercier is a multi-talented director, actor and mother. She is from the east coast of Canada and has directed numerous plays and films in Vancouver.
Producer:
Adam Lolacher is a first time writer, producer and creator of MEDIC. An actor in Vancouver, Adam performs in Theatre and Film/TV with a passion for writing and creative challenges. Adam won a 2013 LEO award for Best Actor in a Short Film.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Half Indiegogo/ Half private funding
Made in association with: Special Lil Angel Productions and Mazur Films
Release date: Completed 2015. Has not been released yet but 2016
Congratulations! Why did you make a film called MEDIC?
Thank-You. I created and wrote MEDIC because I have a few people, who are close to me, who have served in the Military. I wanted to give back by writing a story that I thought could wake up the system and help bring attention to PTSD and Mental Awareness.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You'll connect with it in someway. It's a very humane film full of raw emotion and intensity. It deals with lost people in search of something, a connection. We all want that or have been able to relate in some form.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Well I definitely found myself lost and alone at times but persevered through many personal battles so I can relate. The idea of two strangers helping each other and making each other realize life is tough but important is a big one. Togetherness and compassion and unity are big themes.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script, at first, was more of a series of vignettes. It evolved over time with Kelly-Ruth and I doing re-writes. She has a ton of experience with writing and shaping a story. We just wrote and wrote until the story was solid.
The film has been an eye opener for me. To see it bloom and grow from filming to the editing room to post production. What an experience.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been positive so far. We have been nominated for 6 Leo Awards out here in Vancouver so that in a way is solid feedback.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has. Some friends, close to me, voiced some opinions and concerns about the film and that's a part of the process. Not everyone is going to like what you do, so you got to take the good with the bad. I'm definitely a lot more patient these days and willing to hear people out. I want to know what they like, what they don't like, so I can get better.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I think as a new filmmaker, any exposure is a good thing. I'm hoping some people will watch it and connect with it. I also may see someone else's film and be moved. I think it's all about community and supporting so I'm happy to take part.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I do have a publicist working on the project but I think having a sales agent, buyer and/or distributor would be cool. I'd definitely like to get a writing agent. Since the film is still being submitted to film festivals, I'll have to wait to upload the entire film on-line and look into selling eventually. Festivals first.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd love to get MEDIC into the government/military's hands. I want to wake people up and continue the discussion of war vets and PTSD.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Where are we at with PTSD? Mental Awareness?
When are people going to start waking up and paying attention?
What else can the government and military do?
Would you like to add anything else?
If you get a chance, watch either POSTER GIRL or WAR IN THE MIND. These are two great documentaries about soldiers dealing with the effects of war. Powerful stuff.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I just finished performing in a play called ITHAKA in Vancouver BC Canada and I am currently writing a Feature-Film that takes place in the southern USA. A character driven, intense, slice of life story.