Cannes Short Film Corner 2018 - Angel and Alien
Lili has nothing to do with her family: that numb sister and that mother who thinks she's crazy. She will meet The Martian, a maladaptive teenager. Their complicity will grow around their imaginary worlds.
Interview with Writer/Director Sandrine Béchade
Watch Angel and Alien here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
First because I like the short format! I compare it to the short story versus the novel. Then I made this film in the idea of returning to the Cannes Film Festival! And luckily, Angel & Alien was selected as part of the Not Short on Talent program, a Telefilm Canada initiative that brings together a few Canadian short films to be presented at the Short Film Corner that takes place during the Cannes Film Festival. And finally because my daughter asked me to play in a film (a 14-year-old actress who has potential) and I did not resist writing her a role!
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The story is touching, the actors play with truth and the image is beautiful. Ambitious, this 19-minute film brings together stunts and various filming locations in a picturesque village in Quebec (Canada). The distribution of the film is a match of renown actors in Quebec with rising young actors. It is therefore 19 minutes that pass quickly and leaves an impression!!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I wanted to talk about the power of imagination. So I created characters of young teenagers who “do not fit in the boxes” and who take refuge in their imagination to build a world to the best of their needs. The film universe wobbles between the realistic tone and the personal point of view of a 13-year-old teenager, thus multiplying the imaginary aspect of the work. The effects of bullying and of the poorly accepted difference are themes in the background with a lot of sensitivity.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I worked with childhood memories; when I was a teenager myself, but also as a teenager mother. The two young main actors unknowingly helped me to create their characters, because I wrote on what they inspired me. So, when it came time to lead them, I knew they could play in the areas I expected from them. I also wanted to place the action in a world that I rub daily: the nature and the village where I live and which offers a singular architecture, perfect for the purpose. Finally, I worked on the idea that a short film must plunge the viewer into a marked universe and create an impact with his proposal.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The film is recently finished and just started its career in Cannes. However, we did a private screening with, among others, several movie artisans and I was told a few times that the film was touching and passed very quickly: some almost thought of seeing a feature film but then ... it was already the end!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The thing you do not want when you make a short film is that the public feels a length in the movie.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Movies are made to be seen!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Festival Directors, Journalists, Buyers.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I wish a long career to the film in festivals. I would like the performance of the actors, especially the young people who trusted me, to be honored.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Some young people are disturbed when they are not submissive and they do not agree to enter a structure that restricts them. They are not easy to live with, but life is not easy for them either. Should we then teach them to accept, for their own happiness?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for giving importance and a voice to shorts and their creators. If I had one last wish: access to shorts made easier to the general public.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
A feature documentary about six young people who are neither rebels nor ultra-talented, but who have a lot to teach us. The project is spread over several years. I must believe that youth inspires my movies!
Interview: May 2018
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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
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ANGEL & ALIEN
Lili has nothing to do with her family: that numb sister and that mother who thinks she's crazy. She will meet The Martian, a maladaptive teenager. Their complicity will grow around their imaginary worlds.
Length: 19:46
Director: Sandrine Béchade
Producer: Serge Desrosiers
Writer: Sandrine Béchade
About the writer, director and producer:
Sandrine Béchade (author and director):
Content producer, director and author, Sandrine Béchade is co-founder of Vital Productions.
Serge Desrosiers (producer):
Renowned cinematographer (csc member/asc nominee), Serge Desrosiers is a producer and co-founder of Vital Productions.
Key cast:
Key cast : Lénie B. Desrosiers (13 ans), Loka Pelletier (14 ans), Marcel Sabourin, Charles Lafortune, Hélène Florent.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Other: www.angeetovni.com
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Short Film Corner Cannes
Write to Serge Desrosiers at serge@vitalproductions.ca for a private link (access to local professionals)