Cannes Short Film Corner - Hostage
Logline: Alex steals a car from a Parisian suburb. To his surprise, in the back seat there’s Lola, a 10 year-old Russian girl. Alex finds it difficult to get rid of Lola because she outsmarts him every time and thus the hunter becomes the pray.
Length: 14 min
Director: Laura Melange
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists.
Made in association with: Alien Film
Release date: May 2016
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This was my first film so it was all about getting my feet wet. Exploring and finding myself as a director.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
With all that’s happening in Europe in respect to immigration issues. I wanted to create a story reminding us not to judge a book by its cover.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film takes place in Paris a couple of months before the horrific terror attacks. This specific topic is very current and on everyone’s mind. The movie touches on what’s happening currently but is ultimately a story about friendship.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The story in the original script takes place in United States between two Americans. But since we decided to do a European co-production, I wanted to change the story to be about two immigrants from different backgrounds.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I am pleasantly surprised of the love and support I have gotten. It has mostly been very positive.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No! The feedback that I received, I already considered. I am my own worst critic when it comes to my work and I overanalyze everything. I am very aware. Every single frame, movement, color, noise or blink has been viewed by me endless times.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Any platform or recognition as a young director is exciting. I’m curious to see how it is going to play out myself.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I want to make movies to be seen and get the message across. It is all about teamwork. At this stage, for “Hostage” I think sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, and/or journalists would bring the most to the table to be able to spark the conversation.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I welcome everything. That’s the beauty of filmmaking. Every single individual looks at the story with different eyes. There is no right or wrong. It’s all about perception and I think that is the most exciting part of it all. You touch some and infuriate others.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What would you do if you were placed in the same situation?”
Would you like to add anything else?
I want to thank wearemovingstories.com for showing interest. It is much appreciated.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
My producers and I are working on another short film that deals with women’s issues. As a female storyteller I think it is important to show what women go through from our eyes for it to be as authentic and as raw as possible. The story is loosely based on myself and the struggles I encountered in my teenage years.
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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