Cannes Short Film Corner 2018 - Oh, Dear
“Oh, Dear” is a period short film based in the early 1960's. We follow an abused and repressed housewife who finally finds solace after murdering her husband.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Raquel Fogel
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! Oh, Dear has been a huge passion project of mine, as the premise was something I have had in mind for years. Deeply interested in the 1960’s, I have always wanted to write a period piece that pulls from my personal experiences, but also challenges the still apparent idea of the “feminine mystique” and housewife culture. I was inspired not only by my favorite writers and screenwriters, but also by the ubiquitous violence of the 1960’s. I wanted to take a somber and triggering topic to create something bizarre, comedic, and uniquely me.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film to laugh, scream, and think about your place in society.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
“Oh, Dear” was written in a way that I could incorporate aspects of my personal experiences with domestic abuse and take them to a surreal place. I toyed heavily with Betty Friedan's idea of the feminine mystique during my writing process and I was inspired to challenge the mid-century housewife trope. My goal with this short was to shed light on issues that have affected both women of the past and present while highlighting their resilience and strength.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I started writing the script in the fall semester of my junior year at the School of Visual Arts and of course, like most it has been written and rewritten dozens of times. The most drastic changes over the development of this short come from the visual effects and post production. From start to finish, “Oh, Dear” is chock-full of visual effects and gags that help tell the story and bring to life a romantic nightmare.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We’ve received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. We’re so thrilled to have been a part of the Cannes Short Film Corner and other festivals world wide that range from showcasing horror, shorts, and social awareness.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’m truly humbled by the positivity surrounding “Oh, Dear” and it has only pushed me to keep creating.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We’re hoping to spread the word about this short film and to shed light on the issues surrounding domestic abuse. It’s great that We Are Moving Stories is showcasing up-and-coming filmmakers and we’re honored to be a part of it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Whoever feels they can help us get this film to a wider audience!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’m hoping that people laugh, that’s always my favorite reaction. Humor sticks with you and I hope that viewers won’t forget this film and its message.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is she justified?
Would you like to add anything else?
To the victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence, you’re not alone. I encourage everyone to check out www.thehotline.org for more resources and education about domestic abuse in the United States. In addition, a huge thank you to my cast and crew, I truly couldn’t have done it without all of your hard work.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m currently in the midst of developing short form online content, but more on that to come...I’m also working as a freelance visual effects artist and honing my craft.
Interview: May 2018
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
Oh, Dear
“Oh, Dear” is a period short film based in the early 1960's. We follow an abused and repressed housewife who finally finds solace after murdering her husband.
Length: 4 mins
Director: Raquel Fogel
Producer: Raquel Fogel & Jon Nichols
Writer: Raquel Fogel
About the writer, director and producer:
Raquel Fogel works by day as a visual effects artist for film and television in NYC. On the side, she continues to write up new ideas and has been recently inspired in her photography. As an avid feminist, Raquel hopes to strike up new ideas and conversations through her filmmaking by bending reality and challenging the norms.
Jon Nichols is a filmmaker, actor, and producer currently based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Key cast: Marina Bevilacqua, Dillon Herbig
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Anyone interested in our project!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ohdearfilm/
Instagram: @raquelfogel
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? www.vimeo.com/raquelfogel/ohdear