An intimate confessional from Nick, who learned through puberty the imaginary friend in his head was real, and violent.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Claire Randall

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! I was spurred into action after my own experiences with the public mental health system. I'd been close friends with Nick for several years, and with his honesty and captivating story he was the perfect person to make a documentary about.

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

Watching the film makes you feel what Nick feels. It's not easy, and it's certainly not a fun watch, but the raw emotion and candid insight is a surreal experience.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Wolfe really encompasses the universal theme of loneliness, and not knowing your place in the world. As a child, Nick didn't have any friends, and so his brain created one.

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

The film was never meant to be partially animated - it was a compromise we haphazardly came to when we realised our footage didn't suit a retrospective story. The animation was a vastly different style choice, but I'm so happy it evolved that way.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been incredibly humbling - having people tell us their own stories has been amazing. Some people have even told us watching the film pushed them to seek help. Overall, having my first film World Premiere at the Berlinale and win a Crystal Bear has been an incredible, surreal experience.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not yet! I'm anticipating it though.

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

My goal is to have as many people as possible see Wolfe. The more people it has the potential to help, or provide insight to, the better.

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

I'd love to talk to as many journalists and festival directors/programmers as possible while I'm here in Cannes!

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

I'd love for Wolfe to have any impact at all on the lives of the people who watch it. Whether it encourages someone to take action in their own lives, or just provides some insight. I believe everyone will take away something different - but as long as it was a positive experience, I'm happy.

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

Without giving too much away - I've had a lot of people question whether or not a film of this topic needs a happy ending. It's a very, very dark film - and it's a cause for debate whether a mental health story being centric around recovery is a positive or negative experience for people watching with similar struggles. I've also been asked "Is Nick's story real?" Yes, it is. I've seen enough to know that it is.

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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Wolfe

An intimate confessional from Nick, who learned through puberty the imaginary friend in his head was real, and violent.

Length: 15:51 (16 mins)

Director: Claire Randall

Producer: Shannen Tunnicliffe, Claire Randall

Writer: Claire Randall

About the writer, director and producer:

After studying Film and Screen Media at Griffith University Claire found herself drawn to documentary production. Her passion is for mental health and social awareness documentary subjects. Claire's recently finished documentary, Wolfe, explores a young man's experiences with schizophrenic symptoms from childhood until his diagnosis in his early twenties.

Key cast: Nick

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

Social media handles:

Facebook: facebook.com/wolfedocumentary

Instagram: wolfe_documentary

Other: wolfedocumentary.com

Made in association with: Griffith Film School

Where can I see it in the next month? Cannes Short Film Corner, Sydney Film Festival, and the Sheffield Doc/Fest. Screening times and locations can be found on our Facebook.