LA ShortsFest - The Stradivari
Sam Holzmann, a traditional violin maker, inherits a family-owned violin shop which is facing bankruptcy. In order to save the tradition, he must fight electric violins and his innovative and progressive mother, Barbara.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Karolina Mikolajczak
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I love music and film and "The Stradivari" combines them both. It was always my desire to use a visual medium like film to show the music. So I asked myself how do I show music through colors, camera movement, lighting, production design and most importantly behavior? I based the answer to that question on my personal experience and then this film came to life. In essence, this is a film about my love of music.
Imagine I'm a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It is a very lyrical piece and an adventure. I feel I would encourage you to watch "The Stradivari" because it takes you on a short cinematic journey into the world of violin making and music which is something very unique. "The Stradivari" gives you an opportunity to explore and discover new worlds and emotions.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The main theme of the movie talks about finding a balance between tradition and modernity. For us filmmakers, film stock is a symbol of tradition and digital format is an equivalent of modernity. In "The Stradivari" we used both. We decided that at the beginning of the movie, when we see the traditional values flourish, we would film on 16mm Kodak film stock. And then once the tradition is challenged by modernity, we would switch to digital format captured by Red Epic Dragon. But it is not the only theme! "The Stradivari" also challenges family traditions and a relationship between a Mother and Son. I think those themes speak to many people.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I think we were working on the script for almost a year. Then I was always very open to suggestions since I believe filmmaking is a collaborative process, and should involve teamwork. We changed the dialogue many times in rehearsals and then a little bit on set, but the storyline was untouched while in production. And then we started editing. We re-wrote the whole script in post-production which only made it better. We changed the placement of some scenes, we decided to cut some scenes out and I feel like the film gained so much through the whole process. We basically made three movies: while writing the script, filming it and then editing it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I've heard "It moved me.", "It made me think.", or "It looks absolutely beautiful, I need to watch it again.". So far I'm very happy with the reactions to the movie. "The Stradivari" stays with the audience for longer. Since our test screening, there is always a discussion after the movie - about either film vs digital, or music in film, or artistic choices that we made. It's a pleasure to see that your film has had an influence on the audience. And just last week we won at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards Best Producer Category which I am extremely proud of and happy about. It is was a great appreciation of my work as a producer, and my co-producer, Noan Ribeiro. Thank you!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Mostly surprised, in a positive way. As I mentioned we always have a discussion after the movie, and then there are no right nor wrongs. We share our opinions. I love the audience to challenge my point of view because it means to me that the film resonates within them. It is my biggest personal success.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I love how WeAreMovingStories gives a spotlight on short films. It is a great resource for independent women filmmakers like me to share our visions with a new audience.
Who do you need to come on board to amplify this film's message?
Mostly journalists. I would love to spread the word about the movie through different media, whether it is Internet, magazines, newspapers or television, to reach many more audiences in different places around the world. I wish to share my vision and the story of "The Stradivari" with everyone. That's why "The Stradivari" has already been a little bit around the world - at Cannes Film Festival at the Short Film Corner and then at the 12th Jecheon International Film and Music Festival. It's been a tremendous success but still there are many places to be reached.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I wish the audience would embrace their traditions, roots and cultural baggage wherever they are coming from and then find the healthy balance with the modern innovative world.
What's a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is the new relation between making movies on film stock and with digital format?
What are you developing or working on now?
I am working right now on a comedy feature film "Unplanned Parenthood" as a producer. The story and characters are inspired by true events and people that know which makes absolutely excited about this project.
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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"The Stradivari"
Sam Holzmann, a traditional violin maker, inherits a family-owned violin shop which is facing bankruptcy. In order to save the tradition, he must fight electric violins and his innovative and progressive mother, Barbara.
Length: 9:33 min
Director: Karolina Mikolajczak
Producer: Karolina Mikolajczak, Noan Ribeiro
Writer: Karolina Mikolajczak
Karolina Mikolajczak (producer, writer, director) - an award-winning film producer and director coming from Poland and currently working in Los Angeles. Her movies have screened worldwide, including Cannes Film Festival.
Noan Ribeiro (producer) - a Brazilian filmmaker and visual effects artist. Worked with studios such as Render Filmes, Fly Bumbax and recently founded Guanabara Games. Works now in Los Angeles.
Key cast: Joel Pargman, Julia Silverman
Looking for: Journalists
Release date: May 2016
Where can I watch it in the next month:
- Monday, Sept 5th at 3:15pm at Regal Cinemas at LA Shorts Fest
- October at 17th Annual Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles