Two girls on the run get a ride from a dangerous man.

Interview with Writer/Director Aviva Neuman

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The decision to shoot My Cousin Klara (Min Kusin Klara) on the summer island of my childhood was meaningful. It was important for me to tell a story about an idyll, where beneath the perfection of this Swedish paradise, lurks a slightly unsavory undercurrent that is an excellent metaphor for today’s society. The “apparent” compassionate quality of human nature speaks to the questions I have regarding how we work as individuals in situations, and when darker instincts come to life.

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

It’s a suspenseful and interesting short film highlighting the power of young girls.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Thematically, you are always told growing not to talk, let alone accept a ride from a stranger. This of course, contradicts all of our natural instincts, where words are taken at face value and adults are to be relied upon. The notion that we live in a society where “others” cannot be trusted, and suspicion is one of the first tools that we must learn as children, can unfortunately be the exact thing that rescues an otherwise dangerous situation.

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

Attending Columbia University I co-wrote the short with Eric Salmon, a fellow student during our 1st year. The idea was to be more dramatic at first but as I worked with the two young actresses Freddie Mosten-Jacob and Anastasia Leppist, I understood they could master a subtlety and we improvise with Johan Jonason thoughout the shoot.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I’ve received a great response. People think the actresses are so talented.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

No, I’ve gotten the question whether or not the girls understood what the film is about. I always reply, yes. They are very intelligent and we rehearsed in a way that would keep their surprise/anxiousness at the same time knowing Johan (the male actor) is only acting.

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

I’m excited to introduce people to who I am as a director and writer. Having the opportunity to let people know where and when they can see “My Cousin Klara”. I think it’s fantastic and crucial that women in film work and support each other, a site like this highlights many directors/films that I’d never seen unless reading about them.

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

All above!

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

I’d very much like for the film to be viewed on television.

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

At what point does empathy enter into our consciousness? And when is violence justified, if ever?

Would you like to add anything else?

Please check out my website at avivaneuman.com

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am in postproduction on my second short film “Aaron”, about a young man struggling with depression. I am also writing a feature screenplay.

Interview: March 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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Min Kusin Klara (My Cousin Klara)

Two girls on the run get a ride from a dangerous man.

Length: 7min 30 seconds

Director: Aviva Neuman

Producer: Jorge A. Alfaro

Writer: Aviva Neuman and Eric Salmon

About the writer, director and producer:

Writer/Director: Aviva Neuman, born in the US, grew up in Stockholm, Sweden. She is currently studying for MFA in screenwriting and directing at Columbia University in New York City.

Producer: Jorge A. Alfaro graduated Columbia University MFA producing program. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Writer: Eric Salmon is currently studying for his MFA in screenwriting and directing at Columbia University.

Key cast:

Freddie Mosten – Jacob

Anastasia Leppist

Johan Jonason

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

All above.

Funders: self-funded.

Made in association with:

Columbia University.

Where can I see it in the next month?

My Cousin Klara has played at Williamsburg International Film Festival in 2016. It will be playing at POWFest, Portland Women’s Film Festival on March 2-5th, Manchester International Film Festival on March 2-5th march, New Filmmakers LA on April 15th and Vail Film Festival March 30th – 2nd April.