Junction
For generations the Face Changers have made the clay tokens that change the winds and faces of their kin. This month the youngest is tasked to take the ten thousand footsteps to the top of the mountain and engulf the town in the winds of change.
Interview with Writer/Director Nathan Jurevicius
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! The film was based on a kids graphic novel I wrote/illustrated for Koyama Press in Canada. It felt to me as I was laying out the pages that the flow of the story worked well as an animated short film. I was able to show extra things in the film that don’t appear in the book.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It’s a very beautiful looking short with a wonderful atmospheric soundtrack and a simple but unusual coming of age storyline.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Layers of subtle themes are woven into this tale that gently suggest the pressures of a young person coming of age and the importance placed on tradition. We are also presented with thoughts on how we react to regular change in our lives and the positive/negative aspects of personal growth.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
It was an international three party production and there were technical issues to solve along the way. The film had a few scenes edited to work with budget and time. The script visually was pretty close but the narration was significantly reduced from the original work as it felt that it was competing with the gentle soundtrack and quieter moments in the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It’s been extremely positive and the reviews mirror what we intended for the audience to take away from it. I get a lot of parents telling me how much their child enjoyed it and adults feeling a longing to experience a similar journey in Junction’s world.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not so much surprised but confirmed my view that children are far more accepting of the unusual and fantastical.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I think it provides a platform to let new audience see my film - possibly viewers that wouldn’t normally go to a screening program containing this type of work.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Possibly more reviews from audience members (particularly teachers/lecturers) keen to discuss the themes my film explores.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Viewers go away feeling like that have witnesses a beautiful little artistic film that encourages discussion amongst adults and kids.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is constant change a good thing in our lives?
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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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Junction
Director: Nathan Jurevicius
Producers: Nathan Jurevicius, Luke Jurevicius, Migle Pelakauske, Vito Zukas.
Exec Producer: Brent. Maloney
Art director: Nathan Jurevicius
Production house: OKTA and Vishus Productions