Penny is dead. She can't really remember how it happened. All she does know is that she must save 1000 people on the verge of suicide before she gets her wings and becomes a fully fledged angel.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Marlek al-Habib

Watch Penny From Heaven here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made the film out of an idea I had for a TV series. It's about an angel who has to save 1000 people on the verge of suicide before she gets her wings. My short was a way to see how the character and idea worked on screen.

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

Because it's a fun black comedy that tackles some serious issues but not in an intrusive or in your face kind of way. And the main character Penny is just a cool chick.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think they work as the themes are very relevant to all of us. Suicide can and does effect everyone.... Any age. Any background. Any ethnicity. Any sexuality. It shouldn't be a taboo topic. It's just how we talk about it behind closed doors that is the problem.

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

The first draft of the script remained pretty much the same to the shooting script. In my original idea the suicide victim was standing by a bridge..... But due to various issues with securing the location and various permits needed we decided to change the location to a car in a garage.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

So far the feedback has been great. People seem to click with the main character and get behind her and want to see her helping more people. I've already written several TV episodes based on the character and her situation so hopefully it will become a reality in the future.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I guess suicide is still something we don't really like to talk about. There's an endless debate there. My only surprise has been the positive response from people, who've all said it's a great theme to have as the main backbone of a film or TV show.

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

Just getting the film seen by as many people as possible is all I could have hoped for.

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

It would be nice to get a distributor on board and other film festival directors.

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

As long as it makes people laugh, smile and think then I'd settle for that. Everyone who has seen it has commented that they didn't want the film to end... That they wanted to see more... So guess I'll just have to keep writing more ideas for Penny to deal with!

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

Can you truly save someone or is it up to the individual to save themselves?

Would you like to add anything else?

My website is www.marlekalhabib.com

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

A producer for the BBC is currently helping me develop a TV series.

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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Penny from Heaven

Penny is dead. She can't really remember how it happened. All she does know is that she must save 1000 people on the verge of suicide before she gets her wings and becomes a fully fledged angel.

Length:
8 minutes

Director:

Marlek al-Habib
Producer:

Marlek al-Habib
Writer:

Marlek al-Habib

About the writer, director and producer:

Marlek is currently working on his third short and a feature length screenplay. A TV series based on Penny from Heaven is in development.

Key cast:

Niamh McGrady, Sunetra Sarker, Mark Letheren and Derek Thompson.

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

All of the above.

Funders:

Made in association with:

Petty Thief Productions
Release date:

Summer 2016
Where can I watch it in the next month?

On the DC Shorts website.