DC Shorts / Toronto Shorts Film Festival - Oil Men
OIL MEN is the first film to share the story of Canada’s controversial oil sands through the lens of female characters.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Samuel Larson and Actor/Producer Julie Nolke
Watch Oil Men on Vimeo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
S: I’ve always thought there are interesting parts of Canadian culture that are often not addressed in art. The relationship between the economy and the environment is always at the forefront of our political discourse. Having grown up in Alberta, amongst the people who make their living in oil and gas, I have developed a complex view of these issues. When Julie told me about her family's story I was inspired to create a film that contrasted the personal battle of a struggling family and the difficult questions we ask ourselves as a society.
J: I’ve always been inspired by my family and by the landscape of Alberta. I believe it’s an incredible story worth exploring. It’s rare to see behind the curtain of Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry never mind through the lens of the women who work in it. The events were also loosely based on my family’s experience working in the industry as long haul truckers.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
J: It’s beautiful, and important. At the heart of it, the movie it is about family. Regardless of your knowledge of small town Alberta, Canada you can inevitably relate to the necessity and unyielding love that is to provide for your family.
S: The Cinematographer, Jesse McCracken, found a way to capture the rugged beauty of Northern Alberta on camera, and the performances by Julie, and fellow actor, Janice Ryan, are both worth the price of admission.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
S: All of the challenges that the characters face reflect some of the main social and environmental issues facing Alberta and Canada. The political dichotomy that exists between the environment and the economy becomes much more complicated when human stories are injected into the equation.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
J: I actually started writing a much longer script for this project years ago, but I found I was too close to the material. Sam ended up taking the idea in a different direction by creating a short form concept for the same characters.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
S: So far the reception has been positive at the screenings. We are looking forward to the reaction when the film screens in Alberta in front of people who are closely connected to the story.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
J: We’re always excited to have the chance to get our movie out to the public. Wearemovingstories is a wonderful chance to share our work with people who are interested in wicked short films.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
S: Whether the next step is expanding the film to feature length or exhibiting the film at more festivals, we are always excited to work with interesting and talented people.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
S: First and foremost I hope this film succeeds with audiences as a story. We don’t expect this film to change any opinions but perhaps it will open minds to the complexity of the issue.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
The “book club” analysis question, so to speak, would be: how much can we take from the land before the land takes back?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
S: I’m currently working on a short documentary about an indigenous chef in Toronto.
J: We have an ongoing successful youtube channel which we continue to grow and maintain on a weekly basis.
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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Oil Men
OIL MEN is the first film to share the story of Canada’s controversial oil sands through the lens of female characters.
Length: 6:36
Director: Samuel Larson
Producer: Samuel Larson & Julie Nolke
Writer: Samuel Larson
About the writer, director and producer:
Samuel Larson is a Toronto based filmmaker with a passion for telling uniquely Canadian stories.
Produced By/Starring: Julie Nolke
Also Starring Janice Ryan
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oilmenfilm/
Other: http://oleanderfilms.com/
Funders: Indiegogo
Where can I see it in the next month?
DC Shorts - Thursday September 14 at 7:00pm
Toronto Shorts Film Festival Sep 21-24
Edmonton International Film Festival - Sep 30 at 4:00pm