Whistler Film Festival 2018 - The Bus Stop
Michelle is struggling to manage family and get back into the workforce, all while dealing with her mother's advancing dementia.
Interview with Writer/Director Kama Sood
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I chose to direct this film because I've been watching my mother take care of my grandma, and I wanted to make a film about how family comes together to make the tougher decisions in life.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
We really dig deep into how family works, and anyone who's had to deal with a loved one with dementia will really hit home with this one.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Our theme is something that a lot of families deal with, elderly ones whose health isn't as strong as it once was. The Bus Stop is an incredibly personal film to me, so I knew that the universal and personal theme would come together.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The current story is very different from the original: it originally had nothing to do with buses. It was also purely a drama, we chose to add some humorous aspects throughout various script drafts to lighten the tense moments that the film carries.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far, it's been overwhelmingly positive. People really seem to like it, especially people who have dealt with similar situations. They like how we were able to incorporate some humour in the film, along with the sensitive subject matter.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really, It's been interesting to see what people like about the film. Some people really like the characters, some people really like the story, some people like the subtle humour, it's different for a lot of people.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on http://www.wearemovingstories.com?
Not only is it a struggle to get short films out there, but student films as well. So I hope that being featured on We Are Moving Stories will help draw more attention towards the film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors and film festivals is what we are currently looking for, it's a film that can connect with a lot of different groups so we're looking for any way possible to get it out there.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want people to understand the important message and story we are telling, but also have a laugh or two while watching it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What does family do when there is no easy solution?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film wouldn't have been possible without the support of Capilano University, they gave us the mentorship, gear and resources to make this film possible.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently in post-production for a PSA project I filmed in Cambodia. The producer, Aidan Kyle, is currently submitting a short film he directed "We're Fine" to various film festivals, and our DOP Emma Djwa is currently in post-production for a feature film.
Interview: December 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
The Bus Stop
Michelle is struggling to manage family and get back into the workforce, all while dealing with her mother's advancing dementia.
Length: 14:31
Director: Kama Sood
Producer: Aidan Kyle
Writer: Kama Sood and Aidan Kyle
About the writer, director and producer:
KAMA SOOD (director/co-writer) is an independent filmmaker based out of Vancouver, BC. He is currently obtaining his Bachelors Degree in Motion Picture Arts at Capilano University.
AIDAN KYLE (producer/co-writer) is a Vancouver filmmaker currently attending Capilano University. He works as a producer and director in corporate video, music and other independent fields.
Key cast: Mitra Lohrasb, Balinder Johal and David Lewis.
Looking for: Distributors, film festival directors.
Facebook: The Bust Stop film
Twitter: @kamasood77 AND@AidanKyL
Instagram: @kamasoodfilms AND @_aidan_kyle_
Funders: All funds are from the generous donators of our Indiegogo campaign.
Made in association with: Capilano University
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? The Bus Stop will screen at the North Shore International Film Series at the Park and Tilford Cinema in North Vancouver, January 16th 2019.