Beverly Hills Film Festival - Photovoltaic
An exploration of how the adoption of large-scale solar power can combat climate change and bring social good to people all around the world. We follow women solar engineers from developing countries, a stand-up economist, and the Dean of the College of the Environment at the University of Washington to learn about how this technology connects with other social issues.
Interview with filmmaker Audrey Seda
Watch Photovoltaic here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to make this film as an exploration to a question I had. My roommates and I were getting a really high electric bill and I wondered besides my bank account what else is getting affected by our choices. I started my search on finding that answer and one day my co worker at that time told me about this Non-Profit she learned about in class (Barefoot College) and I couldn't help but become more and more curious about what they are doing.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
As an audience member I would want everyone to come out feeling inspired by these women. They are grandmothers with no school education yet they are impacting their community in drastic ways. I would also love for the audience to come out learning more about Solar Energy and the reasons why we need to start looking out for our world.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I believe the universal theme of the film is that global warming is real; it’s something that impacts us all. It doesn't matter what your religion, skin color, political party, or your birthplace; we are all impacted by these changes in the earth. For me, the personal connection for this film is the fact that these women are inspirational to me due to the fact that they don't go to school. I am finishing my last year in University and while we were interviewing these amazing ladies all I could think is “I can’t believe they know how to build these things”. I feel like in the world we tend to put ourselves in a box of “we can only do this because we have a BA or Masters in this”. These ladies defied the box.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script and planning of this film took about a half a year. When we landed in India, we quickly learned more about the organization and started to change our film into what it is today. We still hope to make this into Feature Documentary if we can find funding to make it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
A lot of people really love this short. They have been inspired by what Barefoot College is doing by taking these women from their homes and giving them an opportunity to impact their community.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I haven’t been surprised by the feedback! Its just great to see people loving the film.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m hoping to have more people watch, spread this film, and get inspired that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Hopefully we will get enough traction that we can get more funding to make the full film we want to about solar energy and incorporate other USA companies here.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We would love to have more Documentary Producers come on board to help as we try and find ways to make this film into a Feature Documentary. It wouldn't hurt to also get as much press as we can out there! We want people to see the importance of Clean Energy especially in this time where Clean Energy here in the USA is starting to be looked as a joke in the political aspect. We would love to have more Film Festival Directors to see our film and help spread it by screening it at several festivals.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love for people to be able to finish seeing the film and be challenged to go out and do something for our earth. Not letting limitations of education, gender, or anything stop them from doing something.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are we doing everyday to help the earth?
Would you like to add anything else?
I want to thank you guys for giving us a platform to talk about what we are doing here.
What are the key creative developing or working on now?
I am currently working on a couple of different projects, some I can't release yet. One of the projects that I am excited about is a Web Series called Phoenix Run! I am really excited for what’s going to happen with this. I am working with my friend TJ Walker (director), to put together (Produce) the first Season of the show. We have been winning a couple awards and are working on getting funding to film 6 more episodes of the show.
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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Photovoltaic
Power can come from anywhere.
Length: 8:34
Director: Tommy Tang and Audrey Seda
About the writer, director and producer:
Tommy Tang is a filmmaker based in the Seattle area. His works have been featured in Slamdance, Fusion TV, and PBS.
Audrey Seda is an actress and filmmaker. Her films and scripts have been featured at the Beverly Hills Film Festival.
Key cast: Dr. Lisa Graumlich, Dr. Yoram Bauman, Siliva Sele, Lynett Chirwa, Margaret Hove
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Looking for agents, producers, and investors
Made in association with: University of Washington