IFS Film Festival - Cowboy and Indian
In an unlikely encounter in the desert, a cowboy chances upon a young Bengali bride and the two develop a dynamic where both come to realize that things should not be taken at face value.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Sujata Day
Watch Cowboy and Indian here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was inspired to make this film after visiting Joshua Tree, California, for the first time. I was there filming a friend's music video and fell in love with the dry, desolate desert location. I'm first generation Indian-American and brainstormed some random title ideas and ultimately settled on Cowboy and Indian. The characters and story developed from there.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
First and foremost, I set out to make a film that would be entertaining and something I'd want to watch myself. I'd love people to come in thinking one thing about the characters and leave thinking another. It's a slow-building thriller and delivers on suspense. My dad says, "The short film has a touch of Hitchcock!" You should listen to my dad, he's a smart guy.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As an actor, I've auditioned for many stereotypical (poorly written) roles. I wanted to take that stereotype, claim it, and turn it on its head. I strive to write the roles I want to play. I try to get as personal and specific as I can in my writing. I find that when I do that, the more universal my work gets.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script and film didn't change much from its inception. I was very confident and specific in what I was going for visually and storytelling-wise with the film and what you see is what I initially set out to achieve.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has all been been very positive so far! I love sitting in a packed theater listening to the reactions of the audience.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It's always surprising when you write something that's funny and the audience laughs, or write something shocking, and the audience gasps. I live for these moments!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We make films, not only for ourselves, but so that they can be enjoyed by others. If people are interested in the film, I'd love for them to be able to see it.
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 screen at a couple more festivals so audiences can experience it on the big screen with other viewers. Connecting with buyers, distributors, film festival directors, and journalists would be fantastic to get the film out there so as many people as possible can see it.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd love for this film to spark debates about cultural and gender perceptions, especially under the current administration.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is this film's message about white male patriarchal structures in society?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks for providing a cool platform for me to share thoughts on my film!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Sujata Day is creating various TV shows and currently shooting her recurring role of Sarah on the second season of HBO's critically-acclaimed comedy, Insecure. Cameron Fife, a writer/director who plays the Cowboy, is in post-production on his feature film, Killing Diaz.
Interview: May 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Cowboy and Indian
In an unlikely encounter in the desert, a cowboy chances upon a young Bengali bride and the two develop a dynamic where both come to realize that things should not be taken at face value.
Length: 8 minutes
Director: Sujata Day
Producer: Sujata Day
Writer: Sujata Day
About the writer, director and producer:
With her infectious personality and unique sense of humor, Pittsburgh native Sujata Day has established herself in Hollywood as a multi-talented performer, creator and writer. Sujata is known for her starring role as CeCe in Issa Rae’s The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. Recent onscreen credits include Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Life in Pieces and The Grinder. She is a 2016 Sundance | YouTube New Voices Lab fellow.
Key cast: Sujata Day, Cameron Fife
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Social media handles: @sujataday @cowboyindianflm
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CowboyAndIndianFilm
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cowboyindianflm
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cowboyindianflm/
Made in association with: none
Where can I see it in the next month?
Our upcoming screenings are Houston Asian American Pacific Film Festival (HAAPI) and Colorado Dragon Film Festival in Denver.