Hollyshorts - Ambi
Another ordinary night for Deno and Sara, going through their usual routine. Only this time, as tension grows, a decision which may bring their future into question is born.
Interview with Writer/Director Marija Apcevska
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
First of all, thank you for your interest in Ambi. My attention has been focused on coming of age stories and working with children for a while now. My previous short film was about a little girl facing the meaning of death, now in Ambi, a teenager struggles with ambivalence. My main interests are in not so light-hearted themes and those are the types of stories I like to explore and share, so that's how I wrote the script.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think the main virtue of the film is that it is a type of film that takes the audience on an emotional journey. It offers a glimpse in darkness but in strength, compassion and love at the same time.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film depicts a very personal, claustrophobic universe of its main characters but the message itself is very universal. Everyone has experienced moments when life seemed unbearable, when you are pushed to the very edge, and finding the strength to cope in those very moments and never losing hope is what makes us keep going. This is ultimately what Ambi is talking about, about outside pressure and inner demons and trying to overcome them.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
They didn't go through huge changes from the original idea, but once we had the cast locked in, I adjusted some parts to make them fit to who the kids really are in life, and to make it more genuine to the way they would react if faced with this type of situation.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback so far has been very positive, and what makes me really happy is that the story works and is equally read within audiences with very different backgrounds.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I think each time the feedback on any film is the best gift a filmmaker can get, whether positive or negative, surprising or challenging, it always offers a space to grow.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Hopefully, more people being interested in the film and in these type of films in general.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
The production company behind the film is Quasar Film, and they have been extremely supportive and stand behind the idea, even when it meant to go through each possible school and high school to look for the cast. Later on, there have been several selectors who liked the film and invited it to different festivals, two of which are happening this autumn, and two more for which we are still waiting confirmation.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As I stated before, ideally the impact would be influencing audience to be interested in the themes it explores, as well as being interested in character driven films and films which are emotionally challenging.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I would not like for me to ask the questions but to hear what the audience has to say. We just started our film festival's journey and I am looking forward to find out which questions will spark a debate.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am getting ready for a feature, and the same creative team which made Ambi will be on board, so all of us we'll work together once again. It will make our third collaboration, since the previous short, Bardo, was also made by the same team.
interview: August 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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Ambi
Another ordinary night for Deno and Sara, going through their usual routine. Only this time, as tension grows, a decision which may bring their future into question is born.
Length: 18' 37""
Director: Marija Apchevska
Producer: Blazhe Dulev
Writer: Marija Apcevska
About the writer, director and producer:
Marija Apcevska is a Macedonian born director whose films have been part of many international festivals and have won several prizes.
Blazhe Dulev is a Macedonian born producer whose works has been internationally acclaimed and whose production company Quasar Film works in film, TV and advertising.
Key cast: Dimitrija Markovski, Antonija Belazelkoska, Vladimir Tuliev
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Sales agents, Buyers, Distributors, Film Festival Directors
Social media handles:
Facebook: AMBI @ambifilm
Other: www.imdb.com/title/tt5865854/?ref_=m_nm_knf_i2
Funders: Macedonian Film Agency