There are things in life you never forget. One of them, like it or not, is "The Talk".

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alain Delannoy

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! I was inspired to make the film when one of my younger relatives asked a very innocent yet very off topic question at the dinner table. The question was followed by an odd silence and my brother in-law leaning into my ear to whisper "I think it's time for 'The Talk'". When I told the anecdote to some friends, they cringed and remarked that they wouldn't want tore-experience 'The Talk'. Soon they were sharing their 'The Talk' stories. That's when it hit me that there could be a film here.

I think sexual education is very important. I find it interesting that it can be so awkward to have that first talk with your parents about sex.

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

Well, this is an animated documentary. I recorded several individuals recalling how they got 'The Talk' when they were younger. Then I animated their stories. You will hear their actual voice, but see my animated images.

I think there is something universal in the subject matter. We all had a sex talk with our parents, or we didn't. If you did get 'The Talk', you might be curious to see how much worse or better other talks went. If you didn't get 'The Talk' perhaps you might be curious as to how lucky or unlucky you actually were.

But fundamentally, I believe sex education is a very important thing. We should be able to talk to our children about sex. I find it so interesting that it can be so uncomfortable.

Stills from "THE TALK" TRUE STORIES ABOUT THE BIRDS & THE BEES (2016) - Alain Delannoy

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The subject matter is very personal. We are talking about how people got their sexual education after all. Every story that is presented is unique. What is universal is that are all human, and sex is so very natural. Then there is the uncomfortable aspect of hearing your parents talk about sex.

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

Initially I asked my friends for their 'The Talk' stories. Soon, their friends were coming over to tell me their stories. Then something interesting happened. People I didn't know started contacting me and would say that they heard about my project and that they had a good story to share. Finally I had recorded a total of 35 true stories. Over the course of the next few months, I was editing the material down. It was very difficult because there was so many good stories. But I know I wanted to make a short film and I had to make difficult decisions. In the end, there are eight stories in the film.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I love to watch it with an audience because you can hear them react to different situations that appear on screen. What I didn't expect was the amount of people that would approach me after the screenings to tell me their 'The Talk' stories. I would definitely have enough material for another film if not five.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think the feedback further confirms what I've been observing. Sex education can be uncomfortable. I like that people are talking about sex education after the film.

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

I think the main thing is to get more visibility for the film. I believe the subject is important.
When the film premiered in Rhode Island, an audience member approached me a couple of days after the screening. She told me that she and her husband really enjoyed my film and talked about it on the drive home. Eventually she looked to her husband and said "you talked to our twelve year old son already, didn't you?". Her husband replied "I thought you were going to talk to him."

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

sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists

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

I like the fact that people are talking about sex education and issues relating to sex education.

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

I guess it would be the importance of sex education. When, where, how should you talk to you children about sex? What makes it awkward and how can we maybe change that?

Photo of ALAIN DELANNOY (Director, Producer of "THE TALK" TRUE STORIES ABOUT THE BIRDS & THE BEES (2016))

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm collecting different stories at the moment. I love the process of recording people tell their true stories. I'm not sure where the project will lead as I only just started getting back to work.

Interview: April 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

_________________________________________________________________________________

"THE TALK" TRUE STORIES ABOUT THE BIRDS & THE BEES

There are things in life you never forget. One of them, like it or not, is "The Talk".

Length: 9 minutes

Director: Alain Delannoy

Producer: Alain Delannoy

Writer: Alain Delannoy

About the writer, director and producer:

Alain Delannoy is a Canadian independent animation filmmaker. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Delannoy studied at the University of Manitoba’s School of Art. He has created several short animated films, which have screened internationally. Currently, Delannoy teaches animation and video production at Université de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba, Canada.

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

film festival directors, journalists,
sales agents, buyers, distributors

Social media handles:

Facebook:@prairievideo.com

Twitter: @thetalkfilm

Other: www,prairievideo.com

Funders: Manitoba Arts Council, NFB - Filmmaker Assistance Program

Where can I see it in the next month?

Hots Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2017, Toronto, Canada

Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia, Tokyo, Japan