For every seed we plant in our way, no matter how small or trivial, we grow something for someone else to find.

Interview with Writer, Director, Producer: Aida Mestour

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This movie was my college thesis and I had to make it in order to graduate. It was my first short film, and prior to that I always knew I wanted to direct and get behind the camera. I was so nervous and scared to fail and come to a realization that I wasn't made for this, that I postponed directing until I had to. Upon doing so, I realized I was madly in love with it and knew that I am on the truest path to fulfill my destiny.

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

We are all connected and participating in each other's lives whether we may see it or not. We are so focused on our own person that we forget that we are part of a larger whole. Each action we take has a consequence, whether we like or not, or see it or not, it exists. And I think this movie is a small reminder of that.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

My film has a variety of characters from complete different social backgrounds, religions, races, colors, ages and all go through different experience. However we can relate to each and everyone of them because they go through human emotions. We can all relate to pain and anger, love, happiness, embarrassment, relief, betrayal. We may not know a particular situation in the movie but we can all imagine how it would feel if we were involved. And that's what makes the personal and universal themes work together, Carmela,

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

They have evolved dramatically. It originally started as a feature script. Then it turned into a short. Then I had to cut the stories of the characters and remove some altogether from the script. And finally I had to adapt to the budget, locations and resources available.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

For a first film, I would say the feedback is more positive than I anticipated. However I would not entirely consider it good. But that is also because I am my own harshest critic. There isn't a negative feedback I received that I hadn't told myself already.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really. The most surprising feedback was usually positive. And the negative feedback was welcomed and agreed with. I learned a lot from making this film, especially during post production.

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

I'm hoping to grow my network and reach out to my peers. Bring awareness to my work and hopefully spark some great collaborations. Hear critic and feedback about things I may not have seen can only shape me to become a better director.

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

I would love for my short to enter as many festivals as possible. I don't have too many hopes for distribution. However I would love for an agent or producer to see the potential of its message and get me a way to make a feature based off of it.

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

I would like it to push people to think more about the 'us' than the 'me'. I want it to make people reflect on their actions good or bad. I also want to help diminish the preconceived ideas we have about each other.

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

I want people to start to question the decisions they make in life and try to oversee the effect in can have outside of themselves. No matter the decision. From the bottle of shampoo you decide to buy to the act of kindness you wish you had done if it weren't for a lame excuse.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am writting a feature dramatic comedy script as well as a trilogy fantasy book.

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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The Circle

For every seed we plant in our way, no matter how small or trivial, we grow something for someone else to find.

Length: 18 mins

Director, Producer, Writer: Aida Mestour

About the writer, director and producer: Born and raised in Morocco. Studied film for 4 years in NYC where I now reside.

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

Social media handles:
Facebook: TheCircle

Instagram: aidamestour

Where can I see it in the next month? The film is not available online yet. It will be once sent to all festivals possible, however you can contact me to request a copy.