We Are the Daughters
Scientists. Welders. Mothers. Daughters. A vignette of stories following seven modern women as they navigate their lives in 2018, centuries away from 1693 and far from Salem...or is it so far? Celebrating the unity and strength of WOMEN.
Interview with Co-Directors Austin Ray and Westin Ray
Watch We Are the Daughters here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
As sisters and co-directors, we’ve long been inspired by the real, intelligent and complex women around us, but it was in the current galvanizing climate of today, that the idea for this film started brewing. “We Are the Daughters” is our way of paying homage to the women who, through both subtle and strong actions, are paving the way for a more equal future, for their daughters and their mothers.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film will pull you into the captivating lives of 7 modern-day women, some in roles which you expect – and some not. The film asks you to figure out the creative and mysterious metaphor that binds them together.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Many of the women in “We Are the Daughters”, from scientists to welders to mothers, are both feminine and feminist. These two qualities can easily be symbiotic. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice our identifies nor conform to stereotypes. Women are powerful when they support one another. As female co-directors & cinematographers in a male-dominated industry, this issue hits close to home. The mystical theme of the film is tongue-in-cheek, symbolizing both the magical power of sisterhood and also alluding to the real-life persecution of women in the past.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The concept for this short film/PSA was sparked over the course of 1 brainstorming afternoon, and we immediately jumped into pre-production to plan and shoot the film within 3 weeks! We were unsure if we would be able to obtain a Eurasian Eagle Owl, Surinam Toad, black cat, and baby in time, but luckily it came together. The filming was produced by an all-female cast & crew, plus our awesome drone operator and honorary dude. The atmosphere of working with so many women on set was incredibly creative, energizing, and supportive. The only downside was trying to separate the cast and crew into carpool vehicles when we drove to the desert location. Everyone wanted to sit with everyone, so finally our co-director Westin had to just yell out “You, Car #1….you, Car #2!!”, and so on.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We’ve been humbled by the sincere, emotional reactions the film has garnered. It’s also exciting to us whenever people mention how the music also moves the story, because I (Austin) composed it!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Truthfully, we held a bit of trepidation toward whether we would receive ignorant, sexist comments – which are unfortunately commonplace in this world of online trolling and anonymous criticism. But instead, the feedback we’ve gotten has been wholly positive from men and women viewers who remark how intrigued they were with the animal tie-ins; how individual scenes affected them in an inspirational manner; and how emotionally moved they felt by watching this film.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The ethos behind We Are Moving Stories is the exact same sentiment that inspired “We Are the Daughters”, so we’re happy it’s reaching this community.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We’d love to share “We Are the Daughters” with a larger audience. So, anyone who is moved by the film and would like to amplify its impact—whether that’s a journalist, festival director, brand, or distributor, they are welcome to reach out.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The other day, we read a quote from film director Julie Dash, that really resonated with us: “Whenever I do a film, it has to take us one step further to making the world safe for everyone”. Although entertainment is often a driving force, this quote forces you to think about the impact of your film, and how awareness – whether that’s in representation or looking beyond harmful stereotypes, can benefit the world. We hope that “We Are the Daughters” inspires others to stand tall and persevere. We also hope films and advertising will continue to feature more diverse actors & characters – so that a variety of human experiences and identities can be seen.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Witches and magic obviously don’t exist, yet the violence towards those women who were senselessly persecuted, tortured, and killed around the globe, both before, during, and after the Salem witch trials symbolizes a larger, insidious fact that permeates society. The vast majority of women on our planet do not have an equal voice in their own lives. Why are women today still put in the position where their societal worth and livelihood is dictated either by the benevolence or malevolence of men who wield physical or financial power? Modern women have to continually prove their intelligence and skills simply for the sake of equal say and equal pay…. someday.
Would you like to add anything else?
The film’s ending quote carries an emotional weight because of all the women we know who went against the grain, just to make it easier for the next generation. There are so many things women can do today, that would not have been possible even 60 years ago. We believe there’s a balance, between feeling extremely grateful for these advancements in equality and also accepting our responsibility in continuing their legacies – not taking backward steps. Go vote!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We’ve got several projects in the pipeline. Watch www.raysisters.com for new projects!
Interview: November 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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
We Are the Daughters
Scientists. Welders. Mothers. Daughters. A vignette of stories following seven modern women as they navigate their lives in 2018, centuries away from 1693 and far from Salem...or is it so far? Celebrating the unity and strength of WOMEN.
Length: 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Co-Directors: Ray Sisters
Producer: Ray Sisters
Writer: Ray Sisters
About the writer, director and producer:
Co-directors and sisters, AUSTIN & WESTIN RAY grew up on a fish farm on the Californian/Mexican border. Drawn to character-driven stories and visuals, the Ray Sisters are currently working as commercial/film co-directors/cinematographers. Their films have won the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival and Savannah Film Festival, and the DGA Student Film Award and Student Academy Award Semi-Finalist.
Key cast: Katie Anne Mitchell, Catherine Mersereau, Priya Saha, Keji Kubari
Looking for: PR, journalists, film festival directors
Instagram: @raysistersfilm
Other: www.raysisters.com/film#/we-are-the-daughters
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? “We Are the Daughters” is now out publicly online. Watch at www.raysisters.com or www.vimeo.com/austinray/wearethedaughters