Hollyshorts - It Happened Again Last Night
Paige must choose between love and fear before she has no choices left to make.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Gabrielle Stone & Roze
Watch It Happened Again Last Night here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Gabrielle- I wanted to make something that showed the realness of human beings. So many times in cinema we see 'the gay couple' or 'the lesbian moms'. I wanted to show someone who was just simply a human who fell in love with another human. I think in our society today we label people way too much and try to fit them into boxes. I also wanted to shed light on what an awful thing domestic violence is. Unfortunately it happens every day, to many people, who feel they have no way out.
Roze- I made this film because of Candace. She survived something that I can only depict in a movie. She and many other woman have lived through abuse in their own homes. The one place that is supposed to be safe. I wanted to tell the truth for her sake. I could see how angry she got when we didn't get it right. It was so real.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Gabrielle- Like in any art form, I feel that you should go in with an open mind with the hopes to have some type of inspiration or thought provoking experience. I'm an actress first and foremost and I love what I do because I can make people feel. Stepping into producing and directing this I wanted to do the same. Make people feel, make them think, make them open their eyes to something they may have not been open to before.
Roze- We made this film for that exact reason. We knew there would be someone in the audience who is going through something very similar in their own lives. We wanted to make a film that let them know they had the power to get out of whatever situation they have found themselves in.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Gabrielle- I think with all that is going on in our world now it is more important than ever to have hope. This film is dark, and shows the grim side of certain situations. But it definitely holds on to hope. Which is something we all need to do.
Roze- There is always a personal thread in my work. I have to start there and hope that whatever I am going through can be relatable to people in the world. As divided the world is today - we believe that people are not all that different from one another. We all hurt and we all love. We also know the difference between right and wrong. But, all stories must come from a personal place or you are just making a movie from today's headlines.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Gabrielle- Roze and I did many re-writes before shooting. When doing a short you have to make sure the length isn't too long but still have a strong beginning/middle/end structure. Once we decided the focus was on the domestic violence and the LGBTQ themes it came together much more quickly.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Gabrielle- It's been unbelievable. From a festival success standpoint the film has won 6 awards thus far: 3 Best Actress (Gabrielle Stone) (Pasadena International Film Festival, Beverly Hills International Film Festival, California Women's Film Festival) 2 best short awards (North Hollywood CineFest, Beverly Hills International Film Festival) and 1 Best Actor (Randy Wayne) (California Women's Film Festival)
On a personal standpoint at each screening we've had there have been survivors of domestic violence come up to us and tell us how real and authentic everything was pretrade, and that is the real win.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has been wonderful and supportive. More so than we ever expected.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We hope that the word can get out for more people to see the film and in turn start the dialogue around domestic violence, and acceptance in the LGBTQ community.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this time it would only be if we were moving forward to develop a future version. Everyone involved is open to that possibility.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
This film is a secret letter written to people who are currently in an abusive relationship and are looking for the strength to leave. We intentionally told a story of a woman who found the power to leave within herself. It is also a letter to the survivors, honoring the strength it took to leave. Lastly, it is a message that you should authentically and proudly be yourself in every way in this life.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do people find the courage to leave something unhealthy?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Gabrielle- I have three films releasing later this year: A horror film called 'Rock Paper Dead' starring Luke McFarlane, Tatum O'Neal, & Michael Madsen directed by legend Tom Holland. A comedy called 'The Competition' staring Chris Klein & Thora Birch directed by Harvey Lowry.. And a festival drama called 'Swell' starring myself and Summer Spiro directed by Justin Lee.
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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It Happened Again Last Night
Length: 13:54
Director: Gabrielle Stone & Roze
Producer: Gabrielle Stone & Roze
Writer: Gabrielle Stone & Roze
Key cast: Gabrielle Stone, Randy Wayne, Alex Lynn Ward, Amanda Wyss, Chris Mulkey, Sydney Sweeney, MQ Tran, Adalgiza Chermont
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: It Happened Again Last Night
Twitter: @staymovie
Instagram: @ithappenedagainlastnight
Other: @gabriellestone
Made in association with: Javelina 98 Productions
Where can I watch it in the next month?
Next fests
Louisville International Film Festival, Sutter Creek Film Festival