The face of an unknown young woman influenced history after her death.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Bethanie Montano

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

'Seine's Breath' was made as my graduation film for my Master of Design in Advanced Animation, at the University of Technology Sydney.

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

To experience a metaphorical and slightly surrealistic take on a documentary, in a way only animation can allow.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The overarching theme of 'Seine's Breath' is influence. It is about life after death in the form of your impact on the world, and how your presence on the earth influences everything you come into contact with, whether you know it or not. This is a strong personal belief of mine, and I wanted to explore it though animation while telling a fascinating true story.

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

The character of the protagonist evolved as the film was made, as I wanted her to have a role in the events despite having died - it is her story after all. She died unfulfilled and violently, her spirit in turmoil! But through the subsequent decades as people interacted with her memory on a human level, she regains herself and in the end is able to pass on, satisfied.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I am thrilled at the positive feedback so far. I am especially delighted with the great response to the music in 'Seine's Breath', which I feel perfectly matches the mood and brings a lot of soul to the film.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not particularly; I view the audience's opinion as as valid as the artist's, and therefore I'm always very open to hear how people interpret my films and in what manner they emotionally connected to them. However I was a happily surprised that people have said they felt moved by my film, as I am just beginning my career and it is very thrilling to have made film that elicits such a response from audience members.

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

I hope that people will be interested to see my film at any of the festivals it is showcased in!

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 love for 'Seine's Breath' to be part of more film festivals.

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

I love the idea of someone watching my film and being intrigued enough by it that they google the story of 'the Unknown Woman of the Seine' for themselves!

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

Is the influence we leave behind after we die a satisfying answer to the question of life after death?

Would you like to add anything else?

I hope more people will recognise the strength of animation in telling intriguing and powerful stories.

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

I am currently working as a Motion Graphics Designer, and thinking up ideas for my next film!

Interview: December 2017

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________________________________

Seine's Breath

The face of an unknown young woman influenced history after her death.

Length: 3:19

Director: Bethanie Montano

Producer: Bethanie Montano

Writer: Bethanie Montano

About the writer, director and producer:

Bethanie Montano is a director, designer and animator. She graduated in 2016 with a Master of Design in Advanced Animation.

Key cast: Composer - Helena Czajka

Where will the film screen in the next month?

2017 Anchorage International Film Festival