Flickerfest - One Shot
One boy. One dream. One shot.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jo-Anne Brechin
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
When I heard about a boy who had qualified for the state athletics carnival while competing in his black school shoes, I knew it was time to ready my camera. His story speaks not only to personal triumph, but to unbreakable community spirit. This is a story close to my heart and one that had to be told.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Watch this film to discover a local Australian story about one boy with a big dream, and the community who helped make it possible.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
In Australia and around the world we so often hear harrowing stories of journeys made by refugees only to face further hardships once in Australia. But this is not one of those stories.
One Shot reminds us that in communities and classrooms all across the country, people are welcomed with open arms and kind hearts, no matter their background, language or skin colour. This is a film about new beginnings and the power of the human spirit. It is a story with big heart, big hopes and the spirit of a truly multicultural Australia.
As Muhumuza’s father reminds us “This is a blessed country”.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This film took shape over 12months, with sporadic days of filming carnivals and events. Because of this, I was fortunate to be able to assemble the story in pieces - shooting then editing, then shooting some more - which allowed time for review and reflection, unlike the usual and horribly rushed, 2-week edit. This allowed me to share drafts with friends and colleagues as I went, testing the story on audiences and gaining feedback and creative input along the way. Ultimately, this process strengthened the story. I think the more you share a film, especially at draft stage, and the more open you are to feedback, the stronger your story will be.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
One Shot will have its world premiere this week, so without having held a screening to date, we haven’t had a lot feedback. Of those who have seen it though, everyone has loved this little story and most have admitted to shedding a tear or two.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not as yet, but we are looking forward to hearing the audience’s response after our world premiere at Flickerfest this week.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We hope to spread our story further, and to share a positive message with a wider audience.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It will be wonderful to team with sales agents, distributors, buyers, film festival directors and journalists to amplify the film’s message.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My hope is that One Shot makes people think, feel and talk. Talk more about the positive outcomes of immigration and the spirit of Australians to welcome people from all walks of life with open arms.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Imagine what is possible when we forget our differences, and band together.
Would you like to add anything else?
A huge thanks to the small, but amazing group of people who gave their time and talents to share this story with the world.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Last year I released my debut drama feature, Zelos, and I am currently developing my first feature documentary with Screen Australia.
Interview: January 2018
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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
_______________________________________________________________________________
One Shot
One boy. One dream. One shot.
Length: 10mins
Director: Jo-Anne Brechin
Producer: Jo-Anne Brechin
Writer: Jo-Anne Brechin
About the writer, director and producer:
Jo-Anne is a rising filmmaker who just released her debut feature drama, Zelos, and is currently developing her first feature documentary with Screen Australia. She tells nuanced stories, full of heart.
Key cast: Muhumuza Guma, Guma Omehereza, Jason Duss, Julie Brechin, Keri Farkas
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): It will be wonderful to team with sales agents, distributors, buyers, film festival directors and journalists to amplify the film’s message.
Social media handles:
Website: https://www.jo-annebrechinfilm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.brechin.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanne_brechin/
Zelos website: http://www.zelosthemovie.com
Zelos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zelosmovie/
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
One Shot has its world premiere Tuesday 16th January 2018 at Flickerfest.