Joshua Tree International Film Festival - (Im)moral
It’s hard to do right when you're wrong.
Interview with Writer/Director Rachel Breitag
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you. I made my film in an attempt to spark a conversation because the idea came from a conversation. A friend of mine and I were talking after an audition. He told me he had just gone on a diversity audition but, the clause was for actors with disabilities. He is diverse but not disabled. He originally turned the audition but when his representation prompted him to go for he felt obligated and went. Needless to say he had a guilt complex and bombed the audition. That story led to a conversation about how far is too far and is it worth your morals to be successful.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
As a viewer, my hope is that you will open a conversation with yourself and others about life and not taking it so seriously. I think there are a lot of judgements made without reflection on one’s self. We are all just trying to survive and I think it’s important to recognize that in your counterparts.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personal themes are present in my film because of the storyline being a conversation I had. Universally, I think success is a driving force we share in humanity. In that strive for success some of us cross lines of morality but those lines are easily blurred so it’s fun to watch the reaction and hear the thoughts of our audience.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Patience is not one of my virtues so when I start on a project I tend to get restless and hurry things along. Thankfully outside forces continued to sit me down and reevaluate certain aspects that worked out for the best. We had to rewrite based on location availability and other factors like casting. In the end I appreciate the grievances that added to the nuances of the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been amazing. We have had really positive feedback. We’ve been accepted into 15 film festivals and returned a 50% win record which is very rare especially as first time filmmakers. I’m thrilled and it’s pushing me to my next project.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It’s always surprising because naturally you guard yourself to expect the worst. On the flip there are some encouraging constructive comments to make it better. I’ve soaked them all in and agree. So for the next film I am taking away some great tips to make the next even better.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible onwww.wearemovingstories.com?
I am looking for partnerships in the film industry. From distribution experts to producing partnerships. I love collaborations and this medium of wearemovingstories.com is a beautiful way to invite more collaborations for future projects.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I have some interests in distribution but keeping an open mind until we decide to release (IM)MORAL publicly after vetting out the best options. All of the above are needed to amplify (IM)MORAL's message.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My hopes would be to have this film received in a positive light but I want it to hit you and maybe shock you.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is the cost of your success? Where do the lines blur in relation to your morals?
Would you like to add anything else?
As a new filmmaker any feedback is appreciated. Connection and collaborations are how we survive, so the door is always open to new partnerships here at Breit Films LLC.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Breit Films is in post production for a documentary about sex trafficking and transgender prostitution. That’s all I am able to say about that very special project right now. Aside from that we are in pre production for a faith based feature as well as another dramatic short. I am holding out for some guidance, investors and collaborations interested in the market.
Interview September 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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(IM)MORAL
It’s hard to do right when you're wrong.
Length:
9:30 mins
Director:
Rachel Breitag
Producer:
Rachel Breitag
Mads Black
Nirav Bhakta
Soffeah Sanell
Writer:
Rachel Breitag
Mads Black
About the writer, director and producer:
Rachel Breitag: "My love affair with film spans the spectrum from acting to directing to producing and writing. Since navigating the acting world, I have began the mission of putting a positive voice into the world through Breit Films LLC. We look forward to the future and many more collaborations bringing our art to life."
Key cast:
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Looking for producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, so all of the above.
Funders:
personal investments
Made in association with:
Breit Films LLC
Release date:
waiting on distribution
Where can I watch it in the next month?
East coast please join us at The Harrisburg-Hershey Film Festival Sept 16th and west coasters please join us at The Joshua Tree International Film Festival Sept 16-19th.