The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2018 - Seine's Breath
The face of an unknown young woman influences history after her death.
Interview with Director, Producer and Writer Bethanie Montano
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Seine’s Breath’ was made as my graduation film for my Masters of Design in Advanced Animation.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To discover an interesting and unusual piece of history that culminates in the invention of a commonplace item that plays a role in saving lives every day.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The universal theme of ‘influence’ is very strong in my film – how our lives influence people and potentially history in ways you cannot know, from the large to the tiny. Even if someone is anonymous after they pass away, the fact they existed at all has affected history; they have left a permanent mark on earth. Death is not eradication – this is a firm personal theme for this film. There is also a secondary theme within the protagonist’s journey of coming to terms with tragedy and finding peace.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
When first making the film I had a big problem with my main character – she spends most of the film dead! I wrote an ‘understory’ for her, of the journey her spirit undergoes in the years after her death; the connections she makes with people and how she finally achieves peace and is able to move on. This was a key turning point in the film’s development.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Positive – while making this film the reaction I really wanted to achieve was for audience members to be intrigued in the subject matter and look it up for themselves. I’ve had quite a few people do this so I’m very happy!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am hoping to increase the exposure of animated documentaries as the powerful piece of storytelling art that they are, and how they can present history in ways that live action film cannot.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
‘Seine’s Breath’ is currently on the festival circuit, so I would love more film festival directors to help promote it, as well as journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I love discovering intriguing, small pieces of history that are unknown in the wider community but relate to a well known aspect of it – I hope that this film will allow more people to appreciate the wild, magical world we live in and inspire curiosity to learn more. I also hope it challenges some perceptions of what a documentary can be, as well as animation – it is a very powerful medium that deserves more appreciation.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Does your influence on those around you give you a ‘life after death’?
Would you like to add anything else?
I can’t wait to see more documentaries in film festivals this year!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m in the very beginning stages of planning and creating my next short animated documentary.
Updated 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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Seine's Breath
The face of an unknown young woman influences history after her death.
Length: 3:19
Director, Producer and Writer: Bethanie Montano
About the writer, director and producer:
Bethanie Montano is an animator and illustrator from Sydney, currently working as a motion graphics designer. She loves creating art and short films.
Key cast: - Bethanie Montano, Helena Czajka (composer)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): film festival directors, journalists
Other: bethaniemontano.com
Made in association with: University of Technology Sydney
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on Sunday July 8th