High Falls Film Festival - Alan
An animated interview with a little brother about his experiences as a trans youth.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Isabella Iampieri
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film for my little brother. He deserves to know just how much he’s accomplished, and I hope that other transgender youth that see my film can relate and see hope for the future.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film was made with love. I think it shows a very personal side of the transgender experience that isn’t often looked at in film, and rarely in animation.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I used a lot of aquatic imagery in my film. My brother and I grew up maybe 15 minutes from the ocean, and it was a huge part of our childhood. I think depression also feels a lot like drowning, so that also made its way into my film.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Well, this film didn’t have a script. Alan and I wrote up some questions together and we recorded a candid interview with those questions as a guideline. The animation formed from the interview itself
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I’ve gotten a lot of really positive feedback! It’s been really nice.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I was afraid that people wouldn’t like my film, as I guess I don’t really have a lot of confidence in my work. I thought it was forgettable and could have been so much better. I still think it could be a lot better, but I’m glad that people seem to like it.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m not sure exactly. I’d be happy just for people to see it. Maybe someone will like my film enough to want to look at the other work I’ve done.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I’m not sure. I never set out to make any money or much of anything from this film. I made it for my brother.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope people like it! I hope they like my work. And I hope that maybe it gives some other transgender youth some hope for the future. Maybe it will change some minds as well, who knows.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
After watching my film, do you feel differently about transgender people? Do transgender individuals feel more human to you?
Would you like to add anything else?
Alan did get top surgery this past summer! It was a total success and he’s recovered really well. I know it doesn’t seem important, but he was able to buy his first white shirts and go swimming.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’ve been working mostly on little personal projects. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a job in the animation industry soon and work with other creatives again.
Interview: November 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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Alan
An animated interview with a little brother about his experiences as a trans youth.
Length: 4:23
Producer: Isabella Iampieri
About the writer, director and producer:
Animator and illustrator from Ocean City, MD. Loves pizza and her cat. Recent graduate from RIT’s School of Film and Animation.
Key cast:
voices of Alan and Isabella Iampieri
Instagram: izbusiness
Tumblr - izbusiness
Made in association with: The Rochester Institute of Technology (for my BFA in Animation)
Where will the film screen in the next month?
High Falls Film Fest