Only on stage does an old actor realize that he is ironically living the same tragic life of his character "Firs," from “The Cherry Orchard” by Anton Chekhov.

Interview with Writer/Director Anya Elnikova

Watch Solo here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! Well, you can call this film "art therapy." I was experiencing the loss of a loved one: my grandfather. It was a profound and new emotion for me and I didn’t know how to cope with it. The need to do this film came naturally as an expression of this void and the regret I was feeling, but also from the desire to infuse love and tenderness into the story.

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

Well, we spent a lot of money on this film, so somebody has to watch it! :)

Honestly, I’m not sure how to answer this question correctly. I will tell you what the film is about and then you will be able decide for yourself.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

“Solo” is a tribute to my grandfather, to whom I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to before he passed away. And why? Because I was in a different country, because I was “busy”, because I was late for a movie. Of course, I couldn’t know what was to come, but that’s the whole point. It’s important to understand that you should not postpone certain things because there might be no possibility “to do it later”. I think a lot of people can relate to that.

Also it is a statistically proven fact that seniors who are alone or estranged from their family, lacking in any deep, engaging communication, tend to fall into mental and physical decline faster than others with those meaningful connections. It's really something to think about as our aging population swells.

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

It started as a writing exercise in film school in New York and ended up as a confession to and a nostalgia for my family. I carried it for over 4 years. The script fed on my personal experience, insight and research and only grew bigger over time.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback I’m getting is fair and heartfelt. One of my colleagues said she had a “lump in her throat” after watching it. These “lumps” make me very satisfied as a director.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It doesn’t challenge my point of view by any means, but it does challenge my way of expressing it.

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

I’m looking to share this story with people. If I am also able to sell my work to industry professionals, then I’m a happy, fed artist.

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

This film needs exposure, distribution and your attention, so everyone is welcome!

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

I would like it to be the motivation for some little acts of love. Your phone calls, hugs or kind words might mean the world to someone else.

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

What drives human evolution: selfishness or altruism?

Would you like to add anything else?

On a more personal level the starting question for a conversation about this film is: When you get old, who will take care of you and can you be sure he/she will?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am now researching a theme for a new script that I plan to write in French and then film in France next year.

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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Solo

Only on stage does an old actor realize that he is ironically living the same tragic life of his character "Firs," from “The Cherry Orchard” by Anton Chekhov.

Length: 18m 55s

Director: Anya Elnikova

Writer: Anya Elnikova

(Russian-American director, writer and producer currently living and working in Paris. Directed 2 short films: “The Tea party” (2013) and “Solo” (2016) as well as few music videos that placed in regional film festivals.

Producer: Viacheslav Kopturevskiy

(Russian born American director and producer whose main focus is to bring attention to untold stories. His debut feature film “Siberia and him” highlights gay violence in modern Russia. )

Key cast: Stan Buturla, Hope Belmont, Bruce Fuller, Jake Lipman, Peter Trojgaard

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