Fantasia Film Festival - Man Underground
A reclusive conspiracy theorist enlists people from his small town to help him make a low-budget movie about his experience encountering aliens while working as a geologist for the US government.
Interview with Co-Director Michael Borowiec
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
We made Man Underground because we’re both fascinated by the world of conspiracy theorists – people who often come off as crazy, paranoid or misunderstood. We wondered what their lives might be like day-to-day, how they interact with the people around them, and how they could be treated for their beliefs.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
There are a lot of movies out there that are big-budget spectacles with impressive VFX, but not as many that you can really connect with in a meaningful way - through the depth of the characters, or the heartfelt quality of the performances. Man Underground seeks to imbue every scene with moments from life – emotional ups and downs, love and fear, moments of humor and moments of loss. At the same time, we try to anchor the film with the entertaining premise of aliens living in underground tunnels. If for no other reason, watch the movie to see some incredibly endearing acting by George Basil, Andy Rocco, Pamela Fila and Felix Hagen.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As writers we’ve always been more interested in stories that deal with existential questions, like one’s purpose in life, or how we fit in with the rest of society. With Man Underground, which is a movie about making a movie, we drew from our personal experiences and struggles as filmmakers. Our main character, Willem, is making his first movie while we, as directors, are making our first movie, and we follow him through the fun and frustration that comes along with it.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The film really evolved for us once we saw the audition of George Basil, who became our lead actor. We always imagined Willem to be a very loud and bombastic character, but George brought a quiet intensity to the role that made us reconsider how Willem would interact with the people around him. Also, most of the actors we cast come from strong comedic improv backgrounds, which allowed us to play with the dialogue in each scene and made each character feel more alive.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far the feedback for the film has been overwhelmingly positive. It means a lot to us that people have been responding so strongly to the characters and feel genuinely invested in them.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback was definitely a pleasant surprise. When you make a film, you spend years not knowing if you are succeeding in what you are trying to do. Man Underground leaves a lot to the imagination of the viewer, and it’s been exciting to talk to people, read reviews, and see how people perceive the film differently and the conclusions they’re able to draw from our story.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
As a micro-budget, independent film, any way we can get our movie out there to connect with audiences is important.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Man Underground currently has a domestic sales agent and we are actively seeking distribution, as well as an international sales agent.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We want people to spend 90 minutes thinking about someone they might never have thought about before, and in the process maybe learn something about themselves. We hope people will watch it, enjoy it, and realize that a movie doesn’t need to be dressed up with special FX to be entertaining.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Do you think the government has made contact with aliens and is lying about it? (We do.)
Would you like to add anything else?
Support independent film!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Sam Marine is writing a comedy series called I ADORE DOLORES with Emily Wilson, an editor at Vice, and comedian Jo Roueiheb, who will star in it. It’s Adult Swim meets I Love Lucy. Michael Borowiec just completed a horror script he is currently working on getting in development. Man Underground is continuing the festival circuit, with FrightFest UK coming up next, which we are very excited about.
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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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Man Underground
A reclusive conspiracy theorist enlists people from his small town to help him make a low-budget movie about his experience encountering aliens while working as a geologist for the US government.
Length: 95 minutes
Director: Sam Marine & Michael Borowiec
Producer: Sam Marine, Michael Borowiec, Mohit Jaswal
Writer: Michael Borowiec & Sam Marine
About the writer, director and producer: Sam Marine and Michael Borowiec both graduated film school at SUNY Purchase and are currently based in Queens, NY where they have their production company, Millennium Blonde.
Key cast: George Basil. Andy Rocco, Pameia Fila, Felix Hagen
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): International sales agent, distributors, buyers, journalists.
Funders: Self funded, Kickstarter, Generous friends and family
Made in association with: Millennium Blonde
Release date: 22 July 2016 (Fantasia Premiere)