DC Shorts - Arrested (Again)
A San Francisco activist puts her body on the line for what she believes in.
Interview with Director/Producer Dan Goldes
Watch Arrested (Again) here:
Main image: Activist Karen Topakian was one of seven people arrested for hanging a 70' "RESIST" banner near the White House on January 25, 2017. Photo credit: Greenpeace
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The idea for this film came about just after the 2016 presidential election. I, and everyone I knew, was in a funk. Karen's dedication to nonviolent civil disobedience seemed like the perfect antidote.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
American politics are overwhelmingly glum right now. "Arrested (Again)" shines a light on someone who fights through that darkness, and has for 35 years, to make a difference in the world.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film amplifies the theme that one person can make a difference, and that dissent - even against one's government - is not only patriotic, it's protected by one of the country's founding documents.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This film came together very quickly, and the final product is very much in line with what I envisioned before shooting. Karen is such a dynamic activist that it was clear from the start that her words, rather than lots of b-roll, would be the central part of the project.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Most of the feedback has been positive, with viewers taking hope from Karen's experiences and her attitude. She is completely committed to nonviolent civil disobedience as one of the rights defined and protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback hasn't surprised me. It was clear that Karen's story was one that needed to be heard and seen at this point in our national discourse. What has pleasantly surprised me is hearing from viewers how the film has inspired them to "fight on", either in national politics or in other causes that are important to them.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd like people to see that it's possible to make a difference despite the political climate.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festival directors, journalists
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd like people to take inspiration from Karen's dedication, and then to take one step into activism, in any way that's comfortable to them. Resources regarding nonviolent civil disobedience are posted at https://www.arrestedagain-film.com/resources.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do you make your voice heard on issues that are important to you?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film was shot on an iPhone SE using the Filmic Pro app.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Dan is working on a "5 Blocks", long-form documentary about a San Francisco neighborhood undergoing its most dramatic change in 50 years. He has just received a San Francisco Arts Commission Individual Artist Commission to work on the rough-cut of the film.
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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Arrested (Again)
A San Francisco activist puts her body on the line for what she believes in.
Length: 5 minutes
Director: Dan Goldes
Producer: Dan Goldes
Dan's first film, ub2, about language related to HIV, was an official selection of 37 U.S. and international film festivals, while his second, Equal Justice Under Law, about the U.S. Supreme Court's marriage equality decision, played at 20 festivals around the world. Dan is a graduate of the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking and has served on the screening committees of the San Francisco Green Film Festival and the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival. He is currently in the incubator program at San Francisco's Ninth Street Independent Film Center.
Key cast: Karen Topakian
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Film festival directors, journalists
Social media handles:
Twitter: @SFO_Dan
Website: arrestedagain-film.com
Made in association with: San Francisco Green Film Festival
Where can I see it in the next month? Long Beach Indie International Film Festival, Benicia Film Festival, DC Shorts, DocuWest (Denver)