DC Shorts / Santa Cruz Film Festival - Washed Away
An artist finds his salvation in the sand even as the tide threatens to wash it all away.
Interview with Director/Writer/Producer Dana Nachman
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you so much. I saw an article on Brandon when I was on Twitter one night and the image of one of his Brandon’s sand mandalas just immediately caught my eye. I read the article and was completely taken with his story. I found it very inspiring and visually compelling and felt like it would make a great film!
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think anyone who comes in contact with Brandon can’t help but be inspired by him, no matter what their struggles are, whether they are big or small. To me, Brandon’s art is breathtaking and the thought to me that he makes these masterpieces that are washed away by the sand hours later is so profound. Many of us like to live by the motto, “It’s not the product it’s the process.” Brandon’s art is the epitome of this concept.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think Brandon’s personal struggles are all pretty universal. He was backed up against a wall in his life. His life, as it existed, couldn’t continue. He was forced with a decision. He could have wallowed in all that he lost or he could start a new life. And this is what he did, and that transformation was through his art.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
When I first met Brandon we met several times so that I could get to know him in a deeper way than just reading the articles that were out there about him. Through our meetings I learned that Brandon worked on many different types of art, not just the sand mandalas. I went with him and shot at an artist's studio that he went to with many other disabled artists. I struggled with how to include all of his art in the film. Then one day I realized I was overthinking it and that the best way to tell Brandon’s story was through one mandala. So we set out to shoot the creation of one piece and that piece would be the visual story that would accompany his telling of his life and circumstance.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been wonderful. We’ve played about 20 festivals so far and have won a few awards. I hear a lot of sniffling in the audience when I have attended the festivals and people come up to Brandon after and want to seep in his inspiration. I couldn’t ask for more from the audiences, they have been great!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has not surprised me because what I am hearing from people is the same way I felt when I first heard Brandon’s story! It makes me feel grateful that I was able to tell his story and make his story available to more people!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love more people to see the film, for it to go to more festivals and be picked up by more screening series and on line in many places! I usually make feature length films. Washed Away is my first short. I am still learning all of the ways to get the film out there.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We would love for more distributors to come on board with the film. The more people that hear Brandon’s story the better!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I believe the more people that know Brandon’s story and the therapeutic benefits from Art Therapy the better! I didn’t know much about Art Therapy before I met Brandon but can relate to it being an artist myself. I hope that people harness this through our movie. As Brandon says in the film, “creativity is infectious.”
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What tools do you use to get you out of a dark place?
Would you like to add anything else?
Nope, this was great! Thank you!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently finishing up a feature length documentary called Pick of the Litter. It’s about a litter of puppies that we follow from the day they were born, for two years, until they either make the cut to be guide dogs for the blind or get cut. It’s a fascinating story about the human canine connection.
Interview: September 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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Washed Away
An artist finds his salvation in the sand even as the tide threatens to wash it all away.
Director/Writer/Producer – Dana Nachman
Dana Nachman’s 2015 film “Batkid Begins” was bought and distributed by Warner Brothers. Previously she wrote, directed and co-produced the documentaries “Witch Hunt,” which premiered at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival; “Love Hate Love,” which premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival; and “The Human Experiment,” which screened at the Mill Valley and IDFA Film Festivals. She has won three Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Award, Heartland Film Truly Moving Picture Award, Common Sense Media Seal, Certified Fresh Award: Rotten Tomatoes, the Dove Foundation Seal and more than a dozen Jury and Audience Awards at film festivals.
Key Cast: Brandon Anderton
Looking for non exclusive distributors
Facebook: @ktffilms.com
Twitter: @dananachman
Instagram: @danaalyiah
Where can I see it in the next month?
Santa Cruz Film Festival
Carmel Film Festival
Napa Valley Film Festival