Citizen Jane Film Festival / Cucalorus Film Festival - Still Sophie
Four and a half years ago, young talent Sophia Salveson’s life changed forever. Doctors said she may never walk again, may never talk again...may never perform again. They were wrong. This short documentary examines the life of 24-year old Sophie who is living proof that global aphasia and loss of motor function are conditions that will not define her.
Interview with Writer/Director Caroline Knight
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film because Sophie's story was inspiring to me. But beyond inspiring, it is real. Sophie's experience with aphasia is not uncommon and I hope to bring awareness to the condition and tell a story that those with aphasia can connect to.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film because it's an incredibly human story about resilience and the nuances of living with global aphasia. It's about not being able to communicate thoughts but still fully expressing emotion.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The personal themes work throughout Sophie's individual story, "Four years ago, I got a stroke..." and throughout the archival footage of her memories. The universal themes are interwoven with moments of Sophie showing resilience in therapy, social settings, and most prominently, singing. Universal themes of Still Sophie show us that sometimes we face unexpected hardships in life, and yet we find peace in our own unique ways in order to continue growing as people.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We started with an initial formal interview with Sophie and that served more as a research/discussion and brainstorming session than it did as an interview. We used bits of that to help us form a timeline of her life. Chad came up with the idea of using the "theater of the mind" concept where we see Sophie standing alone on stage. From there we interwove certain questions from the first interview to guide her through her story (without giving away too much).
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far, I have felt a very warm and heartfelt response to the film. Many people who've themselves had a stroke and live with aphasia told us how excited they are to see their story represented on screen. It makes me feel like we did something right. Most importantly, Sophie loves film so what else could I ask for?
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I'm surprised by the amount of enthusiasm that has followed the film. When we were in the process of making the film, it was hard not to assume that it would be very difficult to get people excited about stroke survival even though they are truly an awesome and supportive demographic of people. I think i was too concerned with converting the audience into a full blown aphasia support group rather than just trying to raise awareness.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I don't have the rights to put the full film online yet, but I am excited to have the project gain more exposure through this awesome site!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would need distributors, buyers, journalists and sales agents to help amplify the film's message, if possible.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Ideally, the film would help the audience feel emotionally connected or understanding of someone they might know with aphasia, it would move them to go and learn about/get involved with stroke survivors and living with aphasia, and/or it would uplift and embolden stroke survivors to keep moving forward in their life/therapy/passions.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Brain injuries/neural conditions seldom get the spotlight when it comes to disability awareness yet it affects so many more people than some might think. Also, it's important to pay attention to the fact that more and more young people are having strokes and hopefully this film can spark a move towards research in why this trend is happening.
Would you like to add anything else?
Is there a local stroke support group in your area? Are there any ways to get involved with them? Do you know someone living with aphasia? Have you reached out to them lately? Get involved! A simple gesture can make all the difference.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I know Chad McClarnon (producer/cinematographer of Still Sophie) and his brother, Trey, of Best Part Productions are sitting on some fantastic scripts that are just waiting to be greenlit. I recently moved and began working entry level at Final Cut, a post production house in New York City. So I'm calling this one "Project: Getting My Feet on the Ground" in the mean time, ha.
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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Still Sophie
Four and a half years ago, young talent Sophia Salveson’s life changed forever. Doctors said she may never walk again, may never talk again...may never perform again. They were wrong. This short documentary examines the life of 24-year old Sophie who is living proof that global aphasia and loss of motor function are conditions that will not define her.
Length: 6:44
Director: Caroline Knight
Producer: Chad McClarnon
Writer: Caroline Knight, Chad McClarnon
About the writer, director and producer:
Caroline is a recent grad from the University of Tennessee working as an assistant editor and receptionist for Final Cut and is based in New York City.
Chad is a multihyphenate filmmaker who specializes in making narrative films, music videos, and commercials. Chad is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Key cast: Sophia Salveson, Trista McClarnon, Marabeth Quin, Jane Knight, Rae Hering, Kat Klockenkemper.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): journalists, festival directors, sales agents, buyers, and distributors.
Social media handles:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stillsophie
Twitter: @caroliineknight, @chadmcclarnon
Instagram: @chadmcclarnon, @caronigh
Other: www.stillsophie.com
Funders: Reemprise Fund, National Aphasia Association
Made in association with: Best Part Productions
Where will the film screen in the next month?
- Citizen Jane Film Festival (10/26-1029) Columbia, MO
- SCAD Savanna Film Festival (10/28-11/04) Savanna, GA
- St. Louis International Film Festival (11/02-11/12) St. Louis, MO
- Rome International Film Festival
- Cucalorus Film Festival