DC Shorts - Strongest I'll Ever Be
After being handed a heartbreaking diagnosis of ALS, award-winning photographer Anthony Carbajal confronts the disease that robs him of his abilities and his future, in order to create a meaningful life during what time he has left.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Phil Ebiner
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Anthony, the subject of the film, has an incredibly inspirational story to share. We were friends in college, and I've watched him transition to his new lifestyle since being diagnosed with ALS. As a documentary filmmaker, I'm always looking for ways to use my skills to make the world a better place, and I thought this is one of those stories.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
A few years ago, the 'ice bucket challenge' went viral across the internet. While this brought much needed attention to ALS, the lives of those with the disease and their families continue. This is just one of those stories, which needs continued support and not just one viral summer.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Strongest I'll Ever Be is about one person's struggle with an unfair situation, and their ultimate success in following their passion - something most of us deal with in some way or other.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Initially, I did think that the ALS ice bucket challenge was going to be a big part of the story. In fact, I thought ALS itself was going to be the main topic. But in the end, the story is about Anthony's photography. It's about him and his wife. It's about more than just ALS, because ALS doesn't define him.
We shot the entire documentary in one day. We covered a lot in the interview that never came to light in the film. But that's the beauty of post-production, right?
What type of feedback have you received so far?
As this was my first 'passion project' for a number of years, I really was able to direct it and make it with my own vision. I didn't have any clients telling me what to do or film school instructors giving their critiques. This made it all the more rewarding as it's been accepted to a number of film festivals around the world and even won some awards at these festivals.
The best feedback has come from Anthony's followers. He has a lot of people interested in his story, and they see glimpses through his photography and social media posts. Sharing his story with our documentary has provided a more in-depth glimpse into his life, which many people have loved.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
My goal with the film is just to have as many people hear Anthony's story as possible. If they see the film and want to support him by purchasing his photography or photography course (https://www.videoschoolonline.com/VSOPHOTOANTHONY), that would be amazing.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
This film has been completely grassroots with no budget. Anyone willing to share the film in their festival, blog, or social media channel is more than welcome to!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We just hope that people enjoy and share the film! That's how even more support for research into a cure for ALS can really happen.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are you doing to live a meaningful life? In the face of this devastating disease that has literally taken the ability for Anthony to use his hands - and eventually all of his muscles, he still manages to find meaning every day.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Most of my time is spent teaching others the skills that I used to create Strongest I'll Ever Be. I teach online courses at VideoSchoolOnline.com to help others make their own videos. And I'm always on the lookout for a story to capture with my next documentary.
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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Strongest I'll Ever Be
After being handed a heartbreaking diagnosis of ALS, award-winning photographer Anthony Carbajal confronts the disease that robs him of his abilities and his future, in order to create a meaningful life during what time he has left.
Length: 15 min
Director: Phil Ebiner
Producer: Phil Ebiner, Will Call Cinematic
Writer: Phil Ebiner
About the writer, director and producer:
Phil Ebiner is a creator and teacher. He grew up in San Dimas, CA, graduated from Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television in 2011, and has been using his skills to share people's stories ever since.
Key cast: Anthony Carbajal, subject
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
All of the above
Social media handles: @PhilEbiner @CarbajalPhoto
Facebook: http://facebook.com/videoschoolonline
Twitter: http://twitter.com/philebiner
Instagram: http://twitter.com/philebiner
Other: Will Carnahan, Sam Shimizu-Jones, Nick Benavides, Zach Miley
Funders: Video School Online
Made in association with: Will Call Cinematic
Where can I see it in the next month?
You can see it at the SF Shorts Festival, Sacramento Film and Music Festival, Bend Film Festival, DC Shorts Festival, and online at AnthonyDoc.com