Chicago Feminist Film Festival - Mocha
A voicemail brought to life.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Kirstie Mattheis
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made “Mocha” because my best friend called me and left me a ridiculously long voicemail asking about making some brownies, and I laughed so much when I heard it that I felt it needed to be shared. Animating it seemed like the best way to do that.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It’s short and it’ll make you laugh.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Admittedly, I wasn’t thinking in themes when I made the film. In retrospect, I would say it’s about friendship. My best friend (since the 7th grade, so, almost 18 years now) was the one who called and left the voicemail, and I did this as a gift to her, to show her how much personality she has and how funny she is, only after my boyfriend saw it did I realize it was something other people might like to see.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
No script! This is a real genuine voicemail. I did cut out a few words where she repeated herself, only because I had no idea what I was going to do for that bit and I thought it was funnier without it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It’s short, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, so the feedback has been pretty supportive and a lot of people have suggested making a series of it.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was absolutely surprised. My friend and I are kind of dorky, so I did this to give her a laugh. When other people watched it and laughed with us it was a really great feeling.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure is always wonderful, but also I think pieces like this can help inspire other people who have ideas but don’t think they draw well enough or know enough about film to pursue them.
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 by itself is a wonderful little standalone piece. If we were to do a series, I think we’d need help with distribution and the business end of it.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As long as people laugh at least once, we’re happy.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“What is going on?” I think sometimes it takes the length of the piece to realize what it actually is.
Would you like to add anything else?
I am still deeply grateful that something created so organically out of fun and love became something that other people see worthy of their time to enjoy. Whether it is a minute long animation or a feature film, I always hope that anything it retains this same level of authenticity and that the experience of making it always as fun as this was.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Fun fact, Lauren, who left the voicemail is actually an art teacher in Cincinnati Ohio. I have to admit that now I let all of her calls roll to voicemail before I’ll call her back just in case it’s another bit of magic.
Interview: February 2018
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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
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Film Title: Mocha
A voicemail brought to life.
Length: 0:50
Director: Kirstie Mattheis
Producer: Kirstie Mattheis
Writer: Kirstie Mattheis and Lauren Decker
About the writer, director and producer:
Kirstie Mattheis is currently a VFX Editor in Los Angeles working on “The Good Doctor.”
Lauren Decker is an art teacher in Cincinnati and is a long time best friend of the director.
Key cast: Lauren Decker
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Yes
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
“Mocha” will be screening in Chicago at the Chicago Feminist Film Festival on Thursday March 8th at 1:30pm. It will also Screen in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival on Tuesday Feb 27th at 3:30 pm.