A financial analyst steps out of her comfort zone to join her best friend in a pole dance competition.

Interview with Writer/Producer Stefanie Woodburn and Director Natasha Kermani

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

To show women can be business professionals and own their femininity. I’ve been wanting to create a dance film about pole dance since I started taking classes. On a personal note, pole has empowered and strengthened me physically and emotionally through foot surgery, breakups, moves, job changes, and depression. I wanted to show pole as the beautiful art form it is and to tell the story of a woman’s journey through pole, depicting its positive impact from a female perspective.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

It's visually beautiful, and is the first film to explore pole dancing from a feminine perspective. Our team is comprised of female director, writers, and producer.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Women owning their femininity as well as their strength is a theme we continue to evolve today. Especially in the current climate of harassment emerging in Hollywood, government, and business.

Until women are at the top of these industries, this will continue to be an issue.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The film emerged from an idea to a reality in a beautiful journey. Fundraising through Twitch with an incredibly supportive community was a new experience, as was co-writing, co-producing, shopping for swimsuits and rhinestoning them to create costumes, learning the choreography. There’s a lot to learn that, as an actor, I hadn’t previously been in charge of, such as where everyone is going to park, how much that will cost per day, make-up, locations, how many days, scheduling for everyone’s availability. It’s terrific to work with a talented and dedicated team on this project.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We are currently the official selection in 17 festivals, and we've won several awards. Very excited for the reception!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I was afraid people wouldn't understand the dance, and I consistently have to separate "stripper" from "pole." Not that there isn't a correlation, and I've no problem with women owning their bodies and what they want to do with them - however, this film is focused on dance.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Awareness and interest in developing my feature film.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Investors, producers, and distributors for the feature film.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want it to make waves and show women can be empowered through their femininity as well as their intellect, power, and leadership qualities. I would like mini "Cleopatras" to emerge and take ownership of their power around the world. I want more girls to be leaders in government, business, tech, and film - and still feel like it's ok to cherish their feminine qualities too.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Can women be considered sexy AND be a business professional? Can we have 'bosses' like Cleopatra, who grew an empire and spoke 9+ languages and owned her femininity, or do you need to exhibit 'manly' qualities in order to be at the top?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I just directed my first short film, "Making A Macaron" - it's a mockumentary baking demonstration that's a cross between "Making A Murderer" and Giada.

Interview: December 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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POLE

A financial analyst steps out of her comfort zone to join her best friend in a pole dance competition.

Length: 9:58 min

Director: Natasha Kermani

Producer: Stefanie Woodburn, Charlie Hicks

Writer: Stefanie Woodburn, Jeane Wong

Key cast: Stefanie Woodburn, Heather West

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Producers, Agents, Buyers Distributors, Film Festival Directors, Journalists, All :)

Social media handles: @stefwoodburn

Tumblr: https://poleshortfilm.tumblr.com/

Articles: https://blog.wrapal.com/artist-focus-stefanie-woodburn

http://www.global-shorts.net/honorable-mention-pole-usa/

Funders: Steflings (@Steflings), from my Twitch channel www.twitch.tv/stefwoodburn

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Distribution TBD, follow me @stefwoodburn on Twitter & Instagram for updates