A black male burn-survivor and amputee goes on a date with a regularly-abled man.

Interview with Director Sherren Lee

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

When Jesse came to me with the script, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. This is such a unique yet universal story, and has the power to bring people closer together. I knew I didn't want to tell a story where a person with a disability was struggling -- I wanted to see them strive instead.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I've had audience members tell me that they found themselves uncomfortable watching this very simple story, and then reflected on why that was so... because after a few moments, that discomfort goes away and you realise that you're watching a very simple and universal story unfold -- and that the character that Prince plays is just like any of us.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This is a perfect example of a story that is unique to our protagonist but universal to all of us. We all have demons, but while most of us can hide ours, Sean is a burn-survivor and amputee who has to face the world with his demons right at the surface, for everyone to witness. He cannot run away from his insecurities... but just because our demons cannot be seen, it doesn't mean that they don't exist.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Jesse and I spent about a year in development before we went into production. We were really tough on the script and it certainly evolved quite a bit from its first draft.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has been incredibly well-received and it's been humbling to hear about people's very personal connections to the story.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

So far, the response has been really heart-warming. I was really nervous the first time I met Prince, not knowing how to act or afraid to say or do the wrong thing. But after you spend any time with him, you realize that your fears are completely unfounded. I'm so glad to see that this is the experience that most audience members have gone through as well.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

It's important for us to have more stories of people who are differently abled, that are not just about their struggle, but also about their triumph. I think this short can play a part in normalizing physical disability and I really hope more of the world can be exposed to it.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We are currently looking for distributors and journalists to get this film seen by more people!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

If every one who watches this film can reflect on their own demons and have a bit more empathy toward the people around us, that's all I can ask for.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What assumptions do we make about each other, and how much of that is merely a projection of our own fears?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently working towards my first feature film, With Might and Grace.

Interview: March 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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The Things You Think I'm Thinking

A black male burn-survivor and amputee goes on a date with a regularly-abled man.

Length: 14:17

Director: Sherren Lee

Producer: Charlie Hidalgo

Writer: Jesse LaVercombe

Key cast: Jesse LaVercombe, Prince Amponsah

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Distributors, Journalists

Social media handles:

Twitter: @SundayAfterProd

Instagram: sherrenlee

Funders: Toronto Arts Council

Made in association with:

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

We will be screening at the Canadian Film Festival, BFI Flare and Athens International Film + Video Film Festival. Stay tuned for more announcements!