Cannes Short Film Corner 2018 - The Middle
A victim of rape begins working at an intimate retailer where she runs into an old high school classmate who helps her to face intimacy issues through using ecstasy - but all the happy pills in the world can't change the fact that somewhere along the line, life ended in the middle for these two troubled young adults.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alexandria Rose Rizik
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film for the same reason I make all of my films... I was going through something and writing about it was my therapy. We all have found ourselves in situations that feel like they've ended in the "middle". That is what this is about - whether that be in regard to a relationship, a dream, loss, etc.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film because I think everyone will be able to relate to it. Film is about telling a story people can connect with... this film does that. It’s reassurance that people are not that different from one another. We go through similar things, maybe it is just circumstances that separates us.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film explores a lot of self vs. self themes within the characters. They are dealing with things from their pasts that have paralyzed them in a sense and this film shows them working through it and accepting the conditions the universe has thrown at them.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
So, this was actually, originally written as a feature film. It was in the hands of a production company that decided not to go with it, so I decided to turn it into a short! It really has evolved a lot since then, both with the characters and the story itself. The end goal is to eventually be able to shoot the feature length version...
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I've received tons of positive reviews! But I've also received negative ones too. Everyone has an opinion and it’s interesting to see how some people really love it and understand how the end ties everything together, but others don't understand it as much because it is a very experimental film that does not follow a normal cinematic formula/structure. I would say it's both. The first screening I held in Arizona was so packed that the theater brought in extra chairs. People really felt for these characters and that made me feel accomplished as a writer. There were people that were confused by certain themes though too, which challenged my point of view as a writer but also bettered my ability as a storyteller.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I just want others to know about this movie because not only is it very relatable, but it also raises awareness about rape. With so many modern movements raising awareness about sexual assault, I thought it was important to include that aspect in the film to contribute in one of the only ways I know how: storytelling.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above, please! The more people I can get on board with this film, the better. Like I mentioned before, the end goal is to film the feature length version. I would love to option it out to a company that may want to do that.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I like to create films that make people think… think about their lives and how they are able to connect with others. In the end, my characters are just people going through things that everyday people go through. This film is a metaphor for so many things - grief, breakups, or really anything that can make a person feel like their world has ended yet they have to keep moving forward, because time will keep moving with or without them.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve lost something, or even a part of yourself, yet you are still alive and breathing and have to keep pushing forward when it doesn’t feel possible?
Would you like to add anything else?
I’m very excited for this film and its characters to be out in the world and hopefully making people feel, think, and connect. The trailer is available on Vimeo at vimeo.com/princessroseproductions.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We are currently in pre-production for another short film, "Synchronicity" and potentially filming a feature titled, "Cut", this summer! Very exciting shenanigans are coming!
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
The Middle
A victim of rape begins working at an intimate retailer where she runs into an old high school classmate who helps her to face intimacy issues through using ecstasy - but all the happy pills in the world can't change the fact that somewhere along the line, life ended in the middle for these two troubled young adults.
Length: 27 minutes
Director: Alexandria Rose Rizik
Producer: Alexandria Rose Rizik
Writer: Alexandria Rose Rizik & Nate Doane
About the writer, director and producer: Alexandria Rose Rizik is a published writer and award-winning director, born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her love for writing began when she was a young child and her aunt bought her a journal. She told Alexandria to write her a story and the rest is history. Her favorite part about writing is being able to write the 'happily ever after' that doesn't always happen in real life. She received a degree in English from Arizona State University. She won best female director at London Independent Film Awards for her short film, Contentment, in 2017. One of her latest projects is a short film that she wrote/directed titled, The Middle — which was accepted into the Festival De Cannes 2018 Short Film Corner.
Key cast: Hailee Cruzen, Cameron Kotecki, Miloh England, Brittany Shook
Looking for: Sales agents, buyers, distributors, journalists - would like to get some good publicity around the film during festivals and then option out as a feature.
Facebook: facebook.com/themiddlefilm
Twitter: @radwriterchick
Instagram: instagram.com/themiddlefilm
Other: vimeo.com/princessroseproductions
Funders: Tracy Rizik, David Rizik, & Alexandria Rizik
Made in association with: Princess Rose Productions
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
It is currently circulating through film festivals. So make sure to follow us on our social media handles to keep up with places it will be screening in the future. Since it is in festivals, the Vimeo link is on private and requires a password.