Inheriting a farm in rural New England after her grandfather's sudden death, Emma travels north to say goodbye to a man she barely knew and sell the land. Farmhand Pedro hopes to change her mind.

Interview with Director Laina Barakat

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I had been producing for about 10 years and wanted my opportunity to direct. I had worked with some fabulous directors and in companies where they didn't need another director, so I decided to do it myself and make my own film.

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

It's a story about loss and how we deal with change, which is something universally relatable. I think simple but honest stories are important and speak to us at our core. Celebrating these kind of stories is important as we try to find each other in this large and at times lonely world.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The story is specific - a girl in her 20s inherits a large farm in New Hampshire - but the themes are universal. Death, loss, grief, fear, empowerment, friendship these are themes my story plays with.

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

It was a very quick turnaround, actually. I decided to make the film and was shooting 6 weeks later, so the script was written within that time. It didn't evolve much during shooting, but a few things changed in the edit as it reveals itself to you in new ways.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Wonderful so far! I think it is a simple piece but I had a wonderful team so people respond really well to how lovely and peaceful it looks, the score, the cinematography etc.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think there is always a challenge that some people want to be entertained. They want to tune in and tune out. My piece is not that kind of piece. But so far we have not encountered anyone not appreciating it yet.

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

Like with any effort, it is about connecting with audiences. Trying to build your community. I self-distribute at the moment so online avenues are everything when it comes to trying to share my work with the world.

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

Distributors would be key. It is a short film, so I have no expectation of getting distribution, but it would be a major victory if it came knocking! Otherwise, film festivals and journalists are definitely what will keep my film alive.

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

I would like people to realize small stories are important and worth telling, that New Hampshire is a beautiful and welcoming place to make film and live as a filmmaker, and for my small community of filmmakers in New Hampshire, and beginner indie filmmakers everywhere to realize the importance of just doing it - get it done, put something out there. And keep going!

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

I think there is a really interesting practical conversation about how it was made in the cold winter of New Hampshire. On a story level, I think identity is an intriguing topic.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I have a short film I will shoot in less than two weeks, and a feature I have shot half of in Iceland already and will shoot the other half of in New Hampshire this spring.

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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Glowworm

Inheriting a farm in rural New England after her grandfather's sudden death, Emma travels north to say goodbye to a man she barely knew and sell the land. Farmhand Pedro hopes to change her mind.

Length: 25 min

Director: Laina Barakat

Producer: Laina Barakat & Charles Francis Kinnane

Writer: Laina Barakat & Brandon Bedaw

About the writer, director and producer:

Laina Barakat is an independent filmmaker hailing from the backwoods of southern New Hampshire. She is dedicated to telling stories that matter with whatever means surround her.

Key cast: Emma Barakat & Pedro Aijon Torres

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

Funders: Funders, Distributors, Sales Agents and Buyers

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/glowwormfilm/

Made in association with: Wayward Ark Productions & Kinnane Films