CUTS Escape and Punishment
Human traffickers get what they deserve.
Interview with Director/Producer Antonio Weiss
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
CUTS was a response to growth in the human trafficking world. As a filmmaker I felt the need to add to the voices addressing this issue, and to find a way to amplify the conversation.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch the CUTS as an audience member, because you will be entertained, will have learned something timely and important, and probably want to add your voice to the plight. Why entertained? Because the traffickers really get what they deserve in this film. It’s harsh but you may get some satisfaction knowing it’s coming to them.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The most universal them in CUTS is the struggle for freedom. Freedom from actual bondage, and metaphorically, freedom from our own inner demons. It is very apparent from the start of the film that enslavement is unacceptable and here, the answer to this is defiance, and rage which culminates in revenge. This film really hints at the search for hope in this whole sad development: human enslavement. Love and hate are at the core of CUTS. Both sides of the same coin.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script for CUTS follows the story and character of Ingrid. Initially the main character acted with premeditation. But, in order make the heroine different from the traffickers she falls into what she does because of her own history. She deals with the traffickers her way, fueled by years of anger.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback in general toward CUTS has been: 1. Before watching: lack of interest and avoidance. 2. After watching: praise to standing ovation.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback toward CUTS has intensified my belief that if we do something about this evil, eventually we will cut into the profit of the perpetrators. Just doing something because it is good does not seem to be enough. How can we engage people to be more active in this? That is precisely what CUTS tries to do, by being exciting and going over the top at the expense of the perpetrator.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
If CUTS becomes more visible, more noticed, it will inspire other people to take active part in fighting human trafficking or slavery, when it comes their way. It is all around us, and we think it happens in Singapore or Thailand, far away. No, it is everywhere and people we would not suspect are the perpetrators.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Any and all of the above, (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) are needed to fight this, and to grow this message. From my vantage point, perhaps there is a bigger story based on CUTS. There are many kinds of films being made out there. The kind of film I need to make are the ones that takes a stand in order to help, to correct a wrong, to leave the world a better place, or to give hope.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like for CUTS to keep having the strong reception it has been receiving after moviegoers decided to give it a try. It received a standing ovation at its opening night at the Santa Fe Film Festival 2016.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What punishment is fair?
Is educating better than punishing?
Can possible human traffickers be educated or is greed too powerful?
Would you like to add anything else?
CUTS takes place in a world of sex and violence without any violence, sex nor nudity in the entire film.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I continue to write and own an art gallery in Santa Fe.
Interview: June 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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CUTS Escape and Punishment
Human traffickers get what they deserve.
Length: 34 mins
Director: Antonio Weiss
Producers: Antonio Weiss, Carrie Clark, Lauri Hakola
About the writer, director and producer:
ANTONIO WEISS is originally from Asuncion, Paraguay. He has won prizes at Chicago and Houston International in Live Action Shorts, Short Documentary and Feature Screenplay-Writing.
CARRIE CLARK is an award winning photographer and filmmaker in New York. She has lectured in all aspects of photography.
LAURI HAKOLA is an award winning filmmaker in Santa Fe, NM. His interest in computers and cameras brought him to video and audio production.
Key cast: Sheila Eden, Jonathan Richards, Evan Galpert, Scot Scurlock, Rosala Sanchez
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutstheshortfilm/
IMDB: CUTS Escape and Punishment http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6223372/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Where can I see it in the next month?
CUTS is awaiting Film festival submission reports.