A Syrian woman living under strict Sharia Law is accused of adultery, imprisoned and sentenced to death by stoning.

Interview with Writer/Director Amanda Renee Knox

Watch Rajam here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was researching another project and stumbled across the footage on YouTube of a woman and her partner being stoned to death. Seeing the video affected me on a visceral level and I knew I had to tell her story.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The film is not only about another culture but it explores the grey area within the tribal rules of that culture. It's a compelling story about one woman's unwavering desire to stay true to herself.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film has a universal theme of personal integrity and honor. This can be seen not only in the woman but in her family's decisions throughout the film.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The script went through many revisions. I do not speak Arabic so once I got the story to a place that was satisfying, I had an advisor come in and help translate it into Arabic. He was essential in getting the vernacular of the region correct but also making sure we kept the integrity of the region.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Audiences have been very responsive to the subject matter and it has started a dialogue about Islam, it has created a space in which to talk about a very sensitive subject.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has been exactly what one always wishes when making a film: invigorating and enthusiastic discussion about a topic that is extremely difficult to discuss.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Having the film on your website will allow it to have a broader platform to get the story about this woman out to a wider audience.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We would be delighted to screen at more festivals because I feel the subject matter is extremely important but would also love to generate a fair amount of press.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

If the film can inspire others to tell their stories no matter how large or small they feel they might be, I would be happy with that.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Do you think that Islam is completely black and white and why?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Most of us are working on our thesis projects at Chapman University. I am developing a feature and the producer is in the UK working on a feature as well.

Interview: August 2016

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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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Rajam

A Syrian woman living under strict Sharia Law is accused of adultery, imprisoned and sentenced to death by stoning.

Length: 13:22

Director: Amanda Renee Knox

Producer: Angelo Ford

Writer: Amanda Renee Knox

About the writer, director and producer:

Amanda Renee Knox(Writer/Director)
Amanda is currently a Directing Fellow at Chapman University. She most recently was invited to be the Shadowing Director on Chicago Med (Dick Wolf/NBC-Universal).Her first short film in graduate school, Rajam was the only American film in a block of eight to screen at Academy Qualifying, Nashville Film Festival. Rajam was an Audience Award Finalist and was nominated for Best Short Showcase film at the prestigious Soho International Film Festival in NYC. Rajam had it’s international premiere at Melbourne Indie Film Festival where it won Best Short Drama and Amanda received a nomination for Best Director. Amanda was named a Marion Knott Scholar by Chapman University where she was mentored by the filmmaker in residence, Rob Cohen.

Key cast: Najla Said, Sam Kasem, Deja Soufka

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): FF Directors, Journalists

Funders:
Patty Ingold, Judy Collins, Robert Fingerman, Angelo Ford, Amanda Renee Knox, Dodge College Film and Television

Made in association with:
Dodge College Film and Television

Release date: 4/2016

Where can I watch it in the next month?
Hollyshorts Film Festival
TCL Theater 6
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
8/18 7:30pm Student Short Category