In every attempt for normality, 18-year-old James is perpetually confronted by his demon. Can James fit into a society that’s been taught to hate who he is?

Interview with Writer/Director Amy Wang

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I read an article written by a 19 year old pedophile many years ago, which stuck with me for a long time. I had never contemplated the concept of a teenage pedophile before but after reading the article, it dawned on me that pedophilia starts not when you’re a middle aged man, but when you’re young. I was moved by what this young man said in this article – that inherently, it is never anybody’s dream to grow up having thoughts of pedophilia. He hated who he was and wished he were someone different. That core struck me and was something I could relate to in my own life. Growing up in Australia and going to school in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood often caused me to hate who I was and my ethnicity. I drew on those feelings and wrote this script about an 18 year-old- pedophile struggling with his identity.

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

You should watch this film to shatter your expectations of what pedophilia is and who suffers from it. Most people imagine pedophiles to be in their mid 50s, white and creepy looking. Here, I have written a story about a young man who is played by an actor who is attractive and likeable. It’s something that I believe people are not used to seeing and are uncomfortable accepting. There is so little research in the field of pedophilia because people instantly turn the other way. What people don’t realize is that these people need help and only through confronting the issue, can we affect change.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

As I mentioned before, the core of the film is about hating who you are. I believe that is a theme that many people feel on a daily basis. People hate the way they look, they want to change their skin color, their nose, their height, who their parents are etc. The list goes on. Some of these things you can change, and some you cannot. I explore a teenager who might not be able to change his thoughts. So then what? Is he doomed forever?

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

Earlier versions of the script had a lot more self-mutilation and self-harm. But then I swerved away from that because I felt that took away from his internal struggles. Also, it’s always more powerful to hint to something rather than show it.

I am someone who likes improvising and some of the scenes changed a lot on the day. There is a bike scene in the original script that was completely silent. On the day, I wanted it to be comedic and had my actors improv some lines. It’s turned out to b a lot of peoples’ favorite scenes now!

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I have been overwhelmed with positive feedback. I’m not gonna lie…I was terrified when I first screened it to an audience because it is such a provocative story and I take a very empathetic stance on a difficult character. But I’ve been surprised. The first time I showed it, people lined up to talk to me and find out more about the themes in the film.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It has definitely surprised me because I expected more people to be confused or offended by the piece. Of course, if you were offended, you most likely wouldn’t come up and talk to me about it. But the feedback has been really good.

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

I would just like to start the conversation regarding the stereotype of pedophiles. I believe pedophilia is a horrendous and unforgivable act but for those people who are young and have not acted on their thoughts, should they not be given hope? Right now, they have very little help in regards to treatment and therapy and I believe there should be more research in this field to help those with pedophilic thoughts seek help and guidance. Currently, they are met with disgust and instant hatred.

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

I would love for sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists to help amply this film’s message. All of them have the power to get more people in chairs and to spread this film internationally.

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

There have been very little films about pedophilia and even less that are from the perspective of such an individual. This film is here to create a bridge between people who do not know how to deal with the matter. I have created a person who struggles with pedophilia but is also a human being and wants to be better. It’s a fine line I am balancing and I am certain some people will find it confronting and uncomfortable. However, I also believe many will open their minds to this subject matter and lead to further their understanding.

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

The key question is – should a pedophile be treated the same as a criminal if he/she has only thought about pedophilia but has never acted on it? Do those people deserve help or is it just hopeless?

Would you like to add anything else?

Please contact me if you want to know more about it! And come check it out at Ashland, Oregon where it will be playing next from April 12-16!

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

I am currently writing a TV show for BBH London, finishing up two features that I will be packaging with my manager and also hoping to shooting a short film in China later this year!

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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Unnatural

In every attempt for normality, 18-year-old James is perpetually confronted by his demon. Can James fit into a society that’s been taught to hate who he is?

Length: 29min

Director: Amy Wang

Producer: Autumn Watlington

Writer: Amy Wang

About the writer, director and producer:

Writer/Director – Amy Wang is an AFI directing graduate who is writing a TV show for BBH London as well as working on her first feature.

Producer: Autumn Watlington is a producer who interned at Sony Pictures and is currently freelancing.

Key cast: Blaine Maye, Anna Maiche, Jack Noonan, Simone-Élise Girard, Elle Paris Legaspi

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

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unnaturalfilm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amywangster/

Other: https://unnaturalfilm.com/

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

Ashland Independent Film Festival – April 12-14, Manhattan Film Festival April 18-19th.