Cannes Short Film Corner - My Name is Somebody
Bruno is living the American dream along with his wife, Linda. Complications arise when a long lost family member reappears after twenty years of exile. Facing the very thing he has been running from, Bruno must make amends with his past, before he can carry on with his future.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Orges Bakalli
Main photo: Artan Telqiu stars as Bruno (left) and Tony Naumovski stars as Saimir in a tense scene in My Name is Somebody.
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film because its what I've always wanted to do. Ever since I was a kid, it's all I've ever dreamed of doing.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film because it puts a different spin on a classic story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think they mesh together pretty well. The main theme of the past coming back to haunt you is as old as cinema itself, but it is subsided by personal themes of identity that is developed well outside the confines of its running time.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Once the script was finished, it did not change much, apart from small adjustments to dialogue.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Feedback has been generally positive. It is being considered for a grant and it is up for an award right now. I could not be happier.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Some has, but I think it is important to hold on to the original intention of the work and judge it based on that.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would hope to spread the word and share the film with someone who may not hear about it under other circumstances.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It would be great to get the film in other festivals where it can be viewed by a larger audience. Distribution is also always great, weather it be on an online platform, or any other.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I have not thought much about the impact, but if it has any at all, I would be more absolutely thrilled.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I guess the question would be if you could ever truly know a person? If there is such thing as a truly objective, unchanging, self. We are constantly pretending to be other people depending on who we talk to. Is there something that exists within us that is unchanging? I'm not sure.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently in development of my first feature. My DP is constantly shooting cool stuff and my Producer is always busy. I couldn't have had a better team on this, and I thank them so much for everything.
Interview: May 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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My Name is Somebody
Bruno is living the American dream along with his wife, Linda. Complications arise when a long lost family member reappears after twenty years of exile. Facing the very thing he has been running from, Bruno must make amends with his past, before he can carry on with his future.
Length: 13:55
Director: Orges Bakalli
Producer: Orges Bakalli
Writer: Orges Bakalli
About the writer, director and producer:
Originally born in Shkodër, Albania, Orges moved to the U.S when he was only a child and began making movies at a very young age.
Key cast: Artan Telqiu, Christina Vinsick, Tony Naumovski
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Sales Agents, Buyers, Distributors, Film Festival Directors
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/My-Name-is-Somebody-1878964072386314/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Funders: Independent
Made in association with: Brooklyn College
Where can I see it in the next month? Will be screening at BAM in New York City.