Wild and Scenic Film Festival - The Gnomist
True story about the mysterious appearance of fairy homes that appear in a suburban forest and the magical experience shared by three women.
Interview with Director Sharon Liese
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This film was inspired by an article I read in the local newspaper about mysterious fairy homes popping up on a walking trail near my home. I was intrigued. I thought it might be a cute and short "who done it" story, but quickly learned there was much more to the story.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film? How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I suggest people watch this film because it provides a much needed salve for humanity given the sometimes dark times we live in. It ignites our child-like wonder and desire to see the goodness in people.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
This film reflects several universal themes such as our desire to believe that there is more to this world than what meets eye. Each one of us would like to truly believe in magic and the power it holds. The film also underscores how much we all really crave deep and meaningful human connection. Moreover, the film lets us know that we are not alone and that the kindness of strangers can always make a difference.
What type of feedback have you received so far? Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The biggest challenge in telling this story was determining when to reveal the identity of the Gnomist. We fully edited the film more than 70 times before we settled on the current structure.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback from this film has been an unexpected gift. Starting with an invitation to premiere at Tribeca Film Festival to winning 15 audience and jury awards and getting distribution through CNN, it has been an unbelievably rewarding experience!
The most surprising thing about the feedback is just how many people (literally millions) have been touched by this true story.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am honored to have the film on your site because I want as many people as possible to experience the positive messages that the film conveys. It's especially appropriate to share this film at the beginning of a new year when people are thinking about how to make changes within
themselves and the world.
I would love to make this film into a feature film for theatrical release. I have had some offers, but I am looking for significant funding and a high a profile producer and/or talent to really give the
project the best possible opportunity to soar.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Many people have emailed me that this film has inspired them to start a project that spreads kindness in the world. I love that and would love for the ripple effect to continue.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I think the best question to arise from this film is "What do you believe?" It's a good question to ask yourself and to ask those around you. You can learn a lot about someone (and yourself) from the response to this. It's at our core and informs many of our actions.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am working on a film about 4 trans kids in the Midwest. I have been following them for more than 2 years. I am also Executive Producing a series for MTV that will air sometime in 2017.
Interview: January 2017
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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 Gnomist
True story about the mysterious appearance of fairy homes that appear in a suburban forest and the magical experience shared by three women.
Length: 21 minutes (festival version) 17 minutes (on line)
Director: Sharon Liese is a critically acclaimed and award-winning filmmaker who produces documentary-style television programming and documentary films that air on major television networks. She created and executive produced the award winning series High School Confidential that aired two seasons on WE tv.
Liese’s participant approach to storytelling brings audiences on a whirlwind ride of emotions and reveals to viewers the human elements of every story.
During the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, Sharon Liese premiered her film Selfie in collaboration with Academy Award winning Director Cynthia Wade and in partnership with Dove and the Sundance Institute. The short film won a 2014 CLIO Image Award for excellence in a Mass Video or Film Campaign.
Producer: Cynthia Wade
Academy Award-winning Director Cynthia Wade has a proven track record for presenting dramatically compelling and emotionally gripping documentary stories. Her short film Freeheld won an Oscar and is the subject of a feature film to be released this year starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page and Stere Carell. Her film Mondays at Racine was nominated for an Oscar in 2013.
From tender coming-of-age stories of children for Sesame Street to emotional portraits of teens for the Sundance Channel, Cynthia has an unusual talent for revealing surprising human moments – all with unparalleled craft and creativity.
Wade has won festival accolades all over the world – in the past four years alone, she’s won 33 film awards, including 2 awards at Sundance, 3 awards at Palm Springs, prizes at Aspen and the Hamptons, as well as film festival awards in Spain, Italy, Argentina and Belgium.
Made in association with: CNN films
Release date:11/15
Where will it screen in the next month?
at several festivals