Never Tear Us Apart
When James approaches a small cabin in the woods, the sweet-natured grandparents he’s looking for turn out to be crazed, backwoods cannibals.
Interview with Director Sid Zanforlin
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made the film to get funding for a feature version. I wrote the feature (and this short) because I wanted to deal with my sense of identity and all the baggage that comes with it. I am a Chilean/Canadian/Quebecois and was confused all my life. My main character is someone looking for his real family; the place and people where he fits in. Once he does, he realizes they are cannibal killers, what will he do now? Will he try and fit in there?
My thesis and what I explore more fully in the feature is that we are all a mix of different things being from our roots but also from the environment we grow up in. The sooner we accept it and integrate it in our lives the happier we will be. So, my character will at some point have to except and integrate the cannibalism from his roots.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This is fun horror with a comedic ending. If you like the balance of horror and comedy with a little of gore thrown in, this film is for you.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Over the last few years writing the feature, I realized I could strengthen my main character's feeling of displacement by having him live in a French Canadian, vegetarian, hippy town. He is a meat loving Heavy Metal dude. How could he fit in with these people?
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Feedback has been amazing. I had never done anything too elaborate VFX wise in previous films and I wanted to showcase a big, gorey VFX scene in this new one. From the hoots, hollers and scares I have witnessed at my screenings, I think I’ve been successful.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I have one very memorable head chopping scene in this short. Most of the feedback after the screenings have been about that. I am happy I have a memorable scene that people walk away with. Nothing worse then having the audience walk away with no impression at all.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Would love to get it out there so people are interested in reading the feature script and hopefully finish the financing to shoot it next year.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Would love a co-producer on board to help with financing for the feature. I would also love for the short to attract more film festivals and invite us to be a part of it. Applying to festivals is expensive so an invitation is always welcome.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to be invited to supper at John Carpenter’s house J
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
The theme of identity and where we fit in this world. On a craft level, I would love to talk about what makes a good chase sequence and how to achieve the right balance of comedy and horror.
Would you like to add anything else?
I’m good.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We are all hustling to make features here in Canada. Very few get made in English Canada per year so everyone is trying to get that mighty gov’t funded film dollar. I imagine my crew all in front of their computers writing their grant proposals.
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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
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Never Tear Us Apart
Length: 6:13
Director: Sid Zanforlin
Producer: Patricia Gomez Zlatar
Writer: Sid Zanforlin, Chris Bavota
Cast: Matt Keyes, Alex Weiner, James Rae, Leigh Ann Taylor, Mark Krupa Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Made in association with: Made for $2000 of our money.
Release date: 2016