Frameline 42 - Don't Judge Me It's Rude
An emotionally nuanced reconnection at a tree stump.
Interview with Writer/Director Taylor Whitehouse
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! So glad you reached out. I made this film because I wanted to create a reflection of my own experience and address the delicate balance of maintaining friendships with former lovers.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think it's important to see varied representations of womanhood in film. We are all different, we struggle with excess, with heartache and it's important to depict and celebrate that.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
There is a karmic twist I've experienced in my own life as a result of my choices and outlook, and that's a big personal theme. On a larger scale, we commit the acts we judge others for and that judgement comes from a place of privilege. Sometimes, we have to find ourselves where we don't want to be, on the other end of our own judgement to appreciate that.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It all happened really fast! I'd been thinking about it for a year and wrote it one day in March. I basically barricaded myself in my room for 5 hours to write the first draft. We shot it in February. Something happened in the process and I realized that it's not so much about what was written but more of what was being physically conveyed.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been all over the place. Some have thought it was a beautiful, emotionally nuanced and atmospheric film. Someone told me we have palpable chemistry on screen and that it was well photographed. Others thought it was somber, but cute. It's hard to say because a lot of the feedback has come from my peers.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has totally surprised me, and reminded me that we created the tone we hoped for. I think it's important to remember as a filmmaker that it's impossible to create something that will appeal to every single person and that should never be your goal. We are, for the most part, non-actors, but I think it's something both Nick and I have been interested in and I hope this will give us the courage to explore that in more depth.
I do feel like it has challenged my point of view. I think most women, myself included, are susceptible to imposter syndrome. That nothing we ever do is good, that we didn't work hard enough to get to where we are, or if we do get to where we want to be we don't deserve to be there. Love and encouragement and positivity build confidence. It's vital in this world.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
This film is a vignette of a larger story I'm working on presently. The more visibility, the better, and the more dynamic voices we have in film, the more positive change will occur as people catch a glimpse into the lives of others. I'm 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?
We need all the help we can get. Producers, buyers, distributors, sales agents, festival directors, journalists. I'd love to talk to everyone and anyone!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope people will see it for its tenderness and honesty. There are sweeping generalizations about what it means to be "butch." That we're supposed to be tough, that we don't end up in relationships with each other. That we aren't sensitive. I hope we are able to challenge that. Maybe it will aid others in finding the courage to live their truth, to come out. LGBTQ+ films did that for me and I want to pass that along.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What do you think of when you hear the term "butch?"
Would you like to add anything else?
I would like to tell aspiring filmmakers to just get out there and make movies, don't try to make a "good" movie because that term is subjective. Just tell stories you're passionate about.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Frazer Bradshaw our producer has a film on the festival circuit called "The Deep Sky" that he directed, wrote and produced. Our sound mixer Corryn Deegan just wrapped a feature here in SF called "The Last Black Man in San Francisco." Ian Reinhard, our executive producer, his documentary film "Pick Of The Litter" premiered at Slamdance this year and was acquired recently by IFC/Sundance.
Interview: June 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
Don't Judge Me It's Rude
An emotionally nuanced reconnection at a tree stump.
Length: 5 minutes
Director: Taylor Whitehouse
Writer: Taylor Whitehouse
Producer: Frazer Bradshaw
Executive Producer: Ian Reinhard
TAYLOE WHITEHOUSE experienced her first time directing, writing and acting in this narrative film. She is a graduate of San Francisco State University and has worked in the industry for the past 8 years.
FRAZER BRADSHAW works as a cinematographer and has shot over 150 films, he hails from Alabama originally and is now a resident of the East Bay.
IAN REINHARD has been involved with film financing for the last 20 years in the Bay Area.
Key Cast: Nick Witherow, Taylor Whitehouse
Looking for: Producers, buyers, distributors, sales agents, festival directors, journalists
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DontJudgeMeItsRude/
Instagram: @taylorwhitehouse OR @forestqueer
Funders: Ian Reinhard
Made in association with: Peculiar Pelicula
Where can I watch it in the coming month?
It will have its world premiere June 21st, 9:15pm at the Victoria Theatre (San Francisco) as part of the 42nd Frameline Film Festival. Nick is in our film as well as Dropping Penny in the same program. Our film has recently been accepted to the Barcelona LGTIB Film Festival which takes place between October 18th and 28th.