Meet the Hitlers is a feature documentary that examines the relationship between names and identity, by exploring the lives of people who are linked by the name "Hitler." The film raises important questions about the meaning of names, and explores complex issues like immigration, racism, and tolerance. Yet it's ultimately a character-driven story, offering an intimate portrait of its subjects, whose reactions to their name span the spectrum of human experience, from tragedy to comedy, and heartbreak to hope.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Matt Ogens

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

As a storyteller, it’s my job to find interesting characters and subjects to tackle. In this particular case, I have a friend who married someone with the last name Hitler. The incident stuck in my mind and got me thinking about a question Shakespeare posed 400 years ago – What's in a name? If you're a Tim Smith or a Janet Martens, you probably think "Not much."

But if you're born a Rockefeller, a Capone, or a Disney, you've probably encountered the assumptions and prejudices invoked by your famous forebears, whether you're actually related or not. I couldn’t help but think about my own name and wonder… Would I be a different person if I were born with a different name? Of course, some names have more weight than others. And in our world today, there's one name that carries an utterly inescapable connotation: Adolf Hitler.

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

It’s a valid but tough question. I tell stories that I connect with and want to capture and share with audiences. I think it’s more intuition than consciously considering why an audience member would want to see this film. Naively, I think I just assume if I think it’s interesting, others will as well.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film explores the notion of identity in the modern world. It subtly brings up issues that affect our sense of self, like immigration and racism and tolerance. It can even be seen as a film about Americana, examining our national identity through the lens of the least American name of all time, and contrasting our sense of who we are against the legacy of a genocidal tyrant. Yet the film faces these heavy issues with a focus on humanity.

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

Since this is a documentary, we did not have a script per se. But the story evolved in real time. Meaning as the lives of our characters evolved, we would go back and film more. So the story developed during filming in terms of character arcs, both emotionally and physically.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The title of the film intrigues people. They want to know what this film is about.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It hasn’t. We’ve sold out most screenings at film festivals. And it’s invoked spirited conversations about identity and names.

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

Like any filmmaker, I want as many people to see this film as possible.

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

This subject matter of this film isn’t life changing. We are not saving the world. We’re merely asking people to consider their own names and identity.

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

Do names influence identity?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I directed my debut narrative feature “North” which we are currently in post-production on. Look out for it by end of 2016/early 2017. More information at www.gonorthordie.com
In addition, I regularly direct commercials, branded content, and virtual/augmented reality projects.

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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Meet the Hitlers

www.meetthehitlers.com

Length:

1 hour, 23 minutes

Director:

Matt Ogens

Producer:

Matt Ogens
***Executive Producers: Morgan Spurlock, Bryn Mooser, Joshua Evan Greenberg

About the writer, director and producer:

www.mattogens.com/about

Production Company: Mother + Father