FRAMELINE40 - Virgin Territory
a queer, questioning coming-of-age story about a teenage girl’s sexual awakening and exploration.
Interview with Writer/Director Emily Robinson
Watch Virgin Territory on Vimeo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Virgin Territory was made as a response to the lack of sex-positive coming-of-age stories from the female perspective.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film to understand and relate with a young girl who knows a lot more than she realizes about herself simply because she is able to acknowledge the great ambiguities and contradictions of life, attraction, and love.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The biggest takeaways from the movie are that you don’t have to know everything and it’s okay to revel in the unknowns of this world, as that’s where life’s real moments seem to actually happen. Also, it’s okay to be unapologetically yourself, no matter what anyone tells you.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script greatly evolved throughout the development process. Through table reads and improvisation we were able to focus on the main beats of the story while still finding new and honest moments.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I feel privileged that it seems to have, so far, helped start or continue a conversation regarding feminism, queerness, and mostly all-encompassing questioning.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It honestly hasn’t. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and generous and has impressed us with the general acceptance and appreciation of queer, female-led films.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We hope to find even just one person that can relate to our story and can see themselves represented in media.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, and journalists would all be welcome.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Honestly, if it could help open up any kind of discussion about the spectrum that is sexuality, we would be thrilled. Ideally, teens going through similar mental journeys as Cassie would see this short and know they’re not alone.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Emily is currently performing in Big Sky at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, CA and working on her next script.
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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
Length: 14 minutes 50 seconds
Director: Emily Robinson
Producer: Debbie von Ahrens and Emily Robinson
Writer: Emily Robinson
Key Cast: Emily Robinson, Mell Shimkovitz, Michelle Clunie
Looking for: film festival directors and journalists.
Funders: Gregory Rae, Tyrus Emory, Lori Wheat, Will and Maddie Stewart, Cheryl Cox, Rob Lind,
and all of our incredible Kickstarter backers.
Release Date: June 2, 2016 at the Arclight Cinema in Culver City in association with LA Film Festival.
Where can I watch it? You can see Virgin Territory in San Francisco at Frameline40 playing in the "Fun in Girls Shorts" lineup on June 18th at 1:30p and June 26th at 11a at The Castro Theatre and in Los Angeles at Outfest playing in the “Girls Shorts” lineup on July 15th at 9:30p and July 17th at 3:30p at the DGA.