Florida Film Festival - Samantha's Amazing Acrocats
Self-taught animal trainer, Samantha Martin, quits her day job to create America's first traveling cat circus, The Amazing Acro-cats. But as debt mounts and success seems elusive, how long can Samantha hold out for circus stardom?
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jacob Feiring
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
There was no way I could pass up the opportunity to follow a traveling cat circus. I was immediately drawn to the idea of filming this unique story, very special cat show, and highlighting the road warrior and mastermind behind the act, Samantha Martin. Just as important, however, behind the cat circus curtain I observed a story about the cost of following one's passion and artistic pursuit in contemporary America that felt very timely.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Well, CAT CIRCUS! That being said, I believe that this is a relatable story for everyone, cat lovers and non-cat lovers alike. It follows one woman at a crossroad in her life as she starts over and pursues a new endeavor, all the while hoping to find the following for her circus that she believes is out there. It is extraordinary to me any time someone imagines and wills something new into existence. I believe that others will feel similarly and strongly connect to this story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The pursuit of happiness is complicated for almost everyone; how we define it, and how we find satisfaction in our daily lives. Our film is a portrait of the challenges that come with being honest with one's self and following a precarious path in pursuit of fulfillment. I believe that many people wrestle with the risks of following what they want in life while facing potential monetary pitfalls and/or attached social stigmas. Many imagine a different life and may not pursue that vision, whether due to fear or financial constraints, especially in a culture that often prioritizes a steady pay check and a suit. Our window into America's only traveling cat circus is a look at the complicated artist's dream in contemporary America.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This film rapidly expanded from a strictly cat circus portrait to include the relationships in Samantha's life and the costs and satisfaction that come from being true to one's voice. When we began filming, we were enamored by the circus but thought that this project might result in a short film. We knew that for the story to sustain itself for a feature-length, it would require additional narrative layers. Soon, however, we observed the immense challenges Samantha faced as her home life changed while away on the road, and her family aged and developed illnesses, further complicating how she navigated her artistic life. Our collaboration turned into a five-year process, as we followed Samantha through these tumultuous and exhilarating moments.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been extremely positive. People really seem to relate to Samantha's fervor and perseverance as she builds and wills her cat circus from her imagination into existence. Confirmation that this story is not strictly for cat lovers but for everyone is exciting as we travel with the film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We have found that our audience includes movie enthusiasts, Acro-cat fans, and cat lovers. It has been immensely gratifying to see many different demographics connect to this cat circus story. We are perpetually gaining new perspectives as we speak with different audiences at various festivals.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We feel that this film offers something for everyone and we hope to invite more audience members into the cat circus world, spread the word about Samantha's act, and reach new people who would love this film.
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 continuing our film festival run and simultaneously looking at different distribution options, so sales agents, distributors, film festival directors and journalists are all welcome at this juncture.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Hopefully audiences will thoroughly enjoy their time spent with a cat circus visionary, appreciate Samantha's undeniable craft, and be inspired to check out Samantha's show. If this film can initiate conversations pertaining to universal obstacles and challenges, passion pursuits in a contemporary economy, and dealing with loss, that would be great too.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is the cost of thoroughly committing and following one's personal and passion pursuits and is it worth it?
Would you like to add anything else?
To support Samantha and her Acro-Cats go to: https://www.facebook.com/AmazingAcrocats/
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently developing a documentary short, a feature-length documentary, and a web series. Samantha is perpetually working to make her cat circus better and better while adopting and finding homes for stray kittens.
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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Samantha's Amazing Acrocats
Self-taught animal trainer, Samantha Martin, quits her day job to create America's first traveling cat circus, The Amazing Acro-cats. But as debt mounts and success seems elusive, how long can Samantha hold out for circus stardom?
Length: 58 minutes
Director: Jacob Feiring
Producer: Jacob Feiring, Thomas William Trudeau
Writer: Jacob Feiring
About the writer, director and producer:
Jacob is a director based in Brooklyn, New York. His first feature film, Samantha's Amazing Acrocats, had its New York Premiere at DOC NYC.
Key cast: Samantha Martin, Warner Martin, Lynsi, Tuna, Pinky, Oz, Buggles, Dakota, Jax.
Looking for: Buyers, distributors, sales agents, film fest directors, or journalists looking to cover our film.
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcroCatsTheMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AcrocatsMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrocatsthemovie/
Other: Acrocatsmovie.com
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Florida Film Festival, April 8th+12th. Future dates that we can't announce yet will be posted at acrocatsmovie.com shortly.