Cannes Short Film Corner - It Gets Better?
An older gay man is inspired to record a testimonial after watching a bisexual teenager’s video, assuring him that ‘it gets better.”
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Stephen Riscica
Watch It Gets Better? on Dekkoo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I began writing this piece a little over 5 years ago. It’s inspired by Dan Savage’s It Gets Better YouTube campaign, a campaign that features a series of video testimonials for GLBTQ youth offering words of hope and inspiration to those who may be facing harassment or contemplating suicide.
There was one video in particular made by Jamie Rodemeyer, a 15 year-old boy from Buffalo, NY who made one of these videos and tragically took his own life months later. I then started reading about other GLBTQ youth that made these videos only to tragically take their own lives. I also was dealing with my own issues of loneliness and depression at the time and used writing as a form of therapy. It helped get me out of a dark place.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
See it for Gys De Villiers' performance alone! It is one of the most haunting and powerful performances you will see in a short film this year. When Gys came to read for me, he had me in tears in the casting room. It was as if I was hearing the words that I had written for the very first time. See it for Tyler Stone’s minimal, genre-bending yet identifiable score, or the beautiful cinematography by Z Meyer. See it for the subtle, but equally moving performances of Luka Fric and Adam Davenport. Sam Ashkenazy’s performance as Jonathan lends an authentic voice to todays GLBTQ youth and also helps sent the tone for the piece. The film is a unique approach to aging and loneliness in our current YouTube obsessed climate.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This is very much a gay themed short film, but the feelings of melancholy and isolation transcend on a relatable, human level.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I always wanted it to be a very quiet and subtle film when I first began writing five years ago. Working with the amazing production team and bouncing ideas back and forth it has since become much bigger than I had originally anticipated.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Everybody who has seen the film has been really touched on a personal level. I think it’s a film that lingers with you long after being seen.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The amount of genuine, positive comments has been truly humbling. I’ve been truly touched by everyone’s response.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am looking to bring this film to a larger and more diverse audience. I also would like to highlight the amazing talents of the cast and crew.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
What I care most is making sure that this film is seen. It is currently on the festival circuit, but I am also seeking distribution opportunities. I would like to see more write ups and reviews for the film as well.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The power of this film lies in its simplicity. This is one man’s struggle with his own inner demons, but his struggle is one we can all relate to. I wasn’t trying to make a huge statement with this film, but it is a film that encourages the audience to ask questions.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I wanted to explore the relationship between the older generation and younger generation. On one hand, there has been a lot of progress, like the legalization of gay marriage for example. There is more GLBTQ visibility in the media than ever before. Youth is coming out at an earlier age and there are many resources available for support. So if there has been all this “progress,” why is there still an overbearing feeling of hopelessness that exists among certain GLBTQ people?
Would you like to add anything else?
I would just like to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to promote my film!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Everyone involved in the film has been keeping really busy! I’m currently developing a new short with feature potential. After moving to the US from South Africa, Gys De Villiers has worked on 80 shoots in the span of two years. He was recently featured on Difficult People on Hulu and just wrapped on a The Beautiful Ones Are All Mad shot in Texas. Executive Producer Gregg Prosser’s brilliant dark feature Second Chance will be available on all VOD platforms at the end of the month. Actor Luka Fric is currently featured in The Illumanati Ball, an immersive theatrical experience in New York City. Not only is actor Adam Davenport constantly working on various film/TV/theater projects, his new EP My Return Address Is You is out next month on ILS/Universal Music Group. Actor Sam Ashkanazy is graduating from Northport High School in June and is currently writing and directing his first short film, Euphoria. Composer Tyler Stone is currently writing the original score for The Killer Unicorn, which was just showcased at Rupaul’s Drag Con in LA. and is in pre-production for a new horror film. Editor Brian Michael Finn is finishing up his steampunk feature A Trip to the Moon.
Interview: June 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
_________________________________________________________________________________
It Gets Better?
An older gay man is inspired to record a testimonial after watching a bisexual teenager’s video, assuring him that ‘it gets better.”
Length: 11:20
Director: Stephen Riscica
Producer: Gregg Prosser, Stephen Riscica, Delia Kelly, Zach Meyer
Writer: Stephen Riscica
About the writer, director and producer:
Director/Writer/Producer: Stephen Riscica is a NY based director. This is his first film and is currently in development on a new short.
Gregg Prosser is a NY based producer and actor. His award winning film Second Chance will be available on all VOD platforms next month.
Zach Mayor is a director and producer based out of Brooklyn, NY. He is currently developing a Japanese rockabilly action feature.
Delia Kelly is a NY based producer and editor currently developing a feature documentary.
Key cast:
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: facebook.com/itgetsbetterthefilm
Made in association with: Rusted Kitchen Sink Productions
Where can I see it in the next month?
Toronto LGBT Film Festival, Madrid International Filmmakers Festival, SBE's Hamilton NY International Film Festival, Action on Film International Film Festival and Buffalo Niagara International Film Festival, Kew Gardens Festival of World Cinema/