Citizen Jane Film Festival - Milk
Vicki buys milk and finds telling her grandmother is the hardest part.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Winnifred Jong
Watch Milk on Vimeo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The MILK script has had quite a journey, which is longer than the film. As an Asian-Canadian female filmmaker, I was given an opportunity to interview to potentially direct an episode of a half-hour comedy series about a Korean family. This was actually our Canadian "Fresh Off The Boat" and made huge waves in the community. Everyone of Asian descent wanted to be a part of it. So, in preparation. besides reading their scripts, I wrote a short script set in a convenience store (being the main location of the said tv series). This film uses the different tones in Chinese dialect and tells a story that had played out endlessly whilst growing up. I didn't get the job directing the tv series, but I did make this film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
MILK is a comedy. I laughed when I wrote it and I laughed when I filmed it. It has a beginning, middle and end and is over in 88 seconds!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Universal themes of identity is something I like to explore in my film work. MILK is an authentic artistic representation of many conversations I had growing up.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
MILK was an exception for me. I woke up with the idea, wrote it out in 10 minutes and it didn't go through many revisions. I'd actually applied for arts council funding, but, as a commercial comedy, it doesn't fit into an "arts" model. As such, I decided to try to make a small film with a documentary sized crew. It was an intimate way of working; just me, the actors, the DOP/camera operator and the sound recordist.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Most of the feedback has been positive! I'm overwhelmed by some of the responses from festival programmers when they've selected MILK. The audience gets the comedy and likes the simplicity of the story. One film director/teacher has requested to use it as an example in her university course!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Actually, because the dialogue is in Chinese, I was surprised how universal the comedy translated. I love that people have come to me with their own personal connection.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I actually had an impossible time finding an elderly Chinese actress to play the Grandmother. I live in Toronto where there is a large Asian community. Casting notices were sent out on various online forums. I posted on social media. I sought suggestions. I looked into theatre groups. I ended up casting my mom in her debut role.
As a female Asian filmmaker exploring identity, nothing is more disheartening than to have no authentic representation in my films. I'm hoping that by having MILK more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com, supporters can find me (producers, screenwriters, cast) and we can keep making stories with diversity at the heart.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I think I would need a social media expert to amplify this film's message. The audience builds the foundation and traction to keep diversity in the forefront. MILK is just the beginning of what exploring my authentic voice.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
MILK is a short short film, but I'd like it to make a lasting impression. It would be awesome if, in its festival run, it receives one People's Choice Award. I think the MILK team would be so proud of their little film that could.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is Vicki saying "milk" correctly?
Would you like to add anything else?
I am interested in all offers to direct. I'd say I'm a reluctant producer and procrastinating screenwriter. Directing is my passion. ALSO never stop making art no matter the obstacle.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I've created and am developing a web series called TOKENS which is a comedic look at diversity casting. The trailer can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/2DzegaD2tbU
I am trying to finance my passion short film, DISTANT COUSINS.
I would love to be able to direct a feature in the next year or so.
Interview: October 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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MILK
Vicki buys milk and finds telling her grandmother is the hardest part.
Length: 1:28 (88 seconds)
Director: Winnifred Jong
Producer: Winnifred Jong
Writer: Winnifred Jong
About the writer, director and producer:
Winnifred Jong is a Toronto-based filmmaker. Her debut film, The Offer, was crowdfunded and won the Deluxe Canada First Award and was nominated for Best Short in the 2016 Directors Guild of Canada Awards. She participated in the Women In the Director’s Chair Story and Leadership to develop her web series, Tokens. Her second short, Milk, recently world premiered at the Canadian Film Fest and US premiered at Rahway Film Festival. She was a Finalist in the 2016 Reel Asian Film Festival pitch for her upcoming short, Distant Cousins.
Key cast: Annabelle Loi and Fay Jong
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Always always looking for producers
Social media handles:
Facebook: @worldwidewinnie
Twitter: @worldwidewinnie
Instagram: @worldwidewinnie
Other: @tokensoncall
Funders: self funded
Where will the film screen in the next month?
Screens at Citizen Jane Film Festival October 28 as part of the Mix Tape Shorts Program and at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival November 11 as part of the Food for Thought: Short Eats Program