The Yellowknife International Film Festival - Beat Around the Bush
A 75 year old widow with Alzheimers decides it’s time to have her very first orgasm ever. (It takes a few tries).
Interview with Writer/Director Brianne Nord-Stewart
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Because I thought it was a great idea that I hadn’t seen before. Something that balanced comedy and the vulnerability of the human spirit. That and I’m just really interested in human sexuality and the stories we don’t tell.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because it will make you laugh at something you likely never wanted to see or hadn’t even thought about. And you’ll probably get the warm fuzzier just long enough to laugh again.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I make a lot of comedies about sex where the protagonist, no matter what age, goes through a comic-of-age moment. Everyone on the planet has some kind of sexual identity, and some kind of sexual insecurity, and those ideas are largely left undiscussed in most modern cultures. I just want to make people laugh about something that is taboo, something that they're ashamed or embarrassed about, so that maybe we can just talk about it a little and people can lighten up.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The first idea was about a senior heterosexual couple trying to spice up their dusty sex life with a little exhibitionism in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Then it became one women’s journey when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but was simply one long bench scene where the ladies discussed sexuality. And then I realized that if I really wanted to make a point and not just write in some laughs, but actually show the vulnerability of Una’s journey, I needed to show her really getting into it. (The masturbation I mean).
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Excellent. We won Best Short Comedy at the Arizona International Film Festival, and have been getting huge laughs at every screening (at least the ones I’ve attended).
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No really. I am surprised that so many southern United States festival have accepted it as I thought it might be too risqué but on the other hand progressive Canada has been slow to get on board. The Audience feedback has been amazing, though. People love to share their stories, their experiences with Alzheimer’s in their lives or in their community. And hopefully people will open their minds to seniors still wanting companionship and new experiences in many forms.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I don’t know! More awareness of the film, the topic, and perhaps I’ve answered the question well enough to give insight on my motivations and really interest your readers in seeing the film or supporting it in the future (with the feature film in development!).
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival programmers, journalists! Why not! Let’s chat films, sex, and the elderly. Cut why freaking not, eh?
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
A positive one that encourages people to have an open mind, and open dialogue.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I’m interested in further discussion about consent and dementia patients. That’s veering away from the comedy of this film, but is really important for many people who are suffering from degenerative cognitive diseases. How to give people freedom to make their own choices, while also making sure that they are able to give consent. Let’s discuss?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you so much for taking an interest in Beat Around the Bush and my work!
Please head to http://www.canadiancomedyawards.org/vote.php?cat=66 and click “nominate” to nominate the film for a Canadian Comedy Award. All it takes is two clicks and you’ve voted!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have a web series that I directed and produced coming out Oct 7th called YOUNG & RECKLESS, and a web series THE DANGERS OF ONLINE DATING coming out in the new year. I also just did a music video for Eurovision finalist, RYKKA. We’ve got another coming out in the new year. There is a feature film of BEAT AROUND THE BUSH in development, and I have numerous other projects in my back pocket. It’s always a hustle and you never know what is going to get financed so it’s best to have a bunch!
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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Beat Around the Bush
A 75 year old widow with Alzheimers decides it’s time to have her very first orgasm ever. (It takes a few tries).
Length: 12:24
Director: Brianne Nord-Stewart
Producer: Brianne Nord-Stewart, Kate Mann, Arielle Boisvert
Writer: Brianne Nord-Stewart
About the writer, director and producer:
Brianne loves comedy, and is writing and directing and producing and in about to break into feature film and TV directing. Kate Mann works at a producer’s assistant on Network TV in Vancouver, BC, and Arielle is a co-producer on the new Anne Hathaway feature COLOSSAL which is premiering at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.
Key cast: Brenda Matthews, Mary Black, Gina Stockdale, Kacey Rohal
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival programmers, journalists!
Funders: The Harold Greenberg Fund, Movie Central, The Movie Network
Made in association with: Brightlight Pictures
Release date: March 2016
Where can I watch it in the next month?
The Yellowknife International Film Festival, Yellowknife, NWT, Canada, and the Sedicicorto Film Festival in Forli, Italy.