DOLLFACE tackles the web-like topic of the institution of marriage. Examining both the good and the bad, the film endeavors to explore everything from the societal, religious, and racial pressures surrounding the mystery of marriage to those that are self-inflicted, imagined, and even truly desired, through the characters of Dot and Max, a contemporary interracial couple faced with the curse of ultimate incompatibility.

Interview with Writer/Director Layne Marie Williams

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made my film because I felt an insatiable need to create work that starred a female protagonist struggling with the concept of marriage. I am originally from the deep South and there is this prioritization of couples tying a knot, promising each other forever, surrendering their self ownership. DollFace does not seek to demonize marriage, but to question the amount of pressure society places on women to find a cis-gendered male mate.

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

You should watch this film because I feel deeply in my heart it will take you on some sort of journey. It will remind you of moments you too, have experienced. Whether that was through your own dreams, hopes, or fears with romance.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I'm a poet, so I often start my films by writing from a place of total subconscious. It allows me to really explore, play, and create worlds that previously did not exist. So by being always aware of everything around me--from something funny that happened to my friend last night, to what's currently going on in the news, or a photo I added to my vision board..it all comes to be in a very organic and authentic place.

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

We utilized a lot of structured improvisation which was an incredibly beautiful experience but also made post very challenging. The whole film from promo material to gain fundraising, to the official trailer, to the final film, to its themed premiere allowed for a total and complete evolution. I'm still growing and changing from it every time I watch it or discuss it.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

A lot of feedback! A film critic (Pamela Powell) I really respect so much told me during a panel discussion that my film work is "Avant-Garde." And that just made me beam so hard. I've had some folks challenge me and just eager to know more about the surrealistic qualities. And I love that. That's exactly what the audience should be doing.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not necessarily. I think this film is clearly more of a statement piece than a question and sometimes cis-gendered older white man don't like that statement. And that's okay. I didn't make it for them!

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

I'm always so happy to talk about the work, to think about things, to share. I'm hoping DollFace can get as much traction as its worth and while that's happening, I'm very much already deeply invested in my next projects.

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

DF finishes running the gauntlet with the film festival circuit by August. Its a long short film (18 min) and that's made things difficult to convince fests to program it with a lot of short shorts. it really is a stand alone piece, or a piece meant to screen with a feature. I've been talking to an online streaming service promoted through Instagram about it living and breathing there once the fest circuit is done.

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

I hope that young women or those that identify as femme find some real solace in it. I hope it opens them up, reminds them they have such value, and self possession in this world. We aren't dolls, we are fully formed thinking and brilliant humans.

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

Have you ever thought that you could achieve forever in another human being?

Would you like to add anything else?

I hope DollFace makes you feel all the things and I'm so excited to keep sharing and learning from it.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently in post for my short with filmmaker Lonnie Edwards on our film "An Atramentous Mind" and in preproduction for my upcoming very stylized & aesthetically heightened "Scutly".

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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DollFace

What if marriage has lost its touch?

Are there human beings in this world who are fundamentally just not meant to be each other's forever? And are Dot and Max two such people?

Length: 18 min

Director: Layne Marie Williams

Producer: Luke Allen, Moran Beasley, Uchenna Agwuncha

Writer: Layne Marie Williams

About the writer, director and producer:

Layne Marie Williams is an award winning director/filmmaker currently located in Chicago, IL. She is the President/Founder/Creative Director of Women Of The Now. Layne Marie is the CoFounder of The Women's Film Festival originating in Philadelphia, PA set to embark on its 3rd annual year this coming March 2017. Layne Marie's most recent film entitled DollFace has been selected into six film festivals and honored with the Award of Recognition: "Women Filmmakers" by The IndieFEST. She is currently in post production for her short film An Atramentous Mind CoDirected with NewCity's "Film 50" Lonnie Edwards. Layne Marie believes in truth, grit, and an unwavering fantasy that movies and art can change the world. www.LayneMarieWilliams.com

Key cast: Hannah Kopen & Jabowen Dixon

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dollfacefilm/

Instagram: dollface_film_

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

Distributors, Journalists, Film Festival Directors, Buyers, Sales Agents

Funders: Luke Allen Productions & Indiegogo

Made in association with: Women Of The Now

Where can I see it in the next month?

The Women's Film Festival, Comfort Station Inn Chicago, Dreams Do Come True Film Festival