Marfa Film Festival 18 / Vancouver Queer Film Festival 18 - Dykes, Camera, Action!
A history of queer cinema from the women who made it happen.
Interview with Director/Producer Caroline Berler
Watch Dykes, Camera, Action! on Kanopy
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! I began making this film while earning an MFA in Social Documentary Film from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I needed an idea for my thesis project and after some serious soul searching about what I really cared about, and a chance meeting with Rose Troche, I decided to make a film that explored the history of lesbian cinema.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Ultimately, this is a story about hope. I'm half kidding. My teacher at SVA, the great film programmer Thom Powers, told me about that classic movie pitch line. But really it is. And if you like wise, hilarious, strong, talented women, and you're a film geek like me, then you'll love this film.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
While this is a story about queer women throughout history and the particular struggles they've faced, I've been pleasantly surprised at how general audiences have responded to the film. Romance is universal. Anyone can relate to someone realizing their truth, finding community, and accomplishing their goals - against the odds. Everyone loves an underdog story.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film definitely changed a lot over the course of its development. At first I thought I'd only focus on lesbian filmmaking in the 90s but quickly realized the story started long before that. My first interview with Rose Troche was incredible. And it grew from there. I had a general idea about the film's story structure and tried to my best to find filmmakers from different generations and cultural backgrounds to piece it together. I didn't know what their answers would be to my questions, but they totally wowed me with their humor and intelligence and the film really came together organically.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Most people say they didn't really know about this history and often want to go watch the movies I featured.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
As a first time filmmaker I'm still surprised that people connect with my work.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I always am looking to connect with other filmmakers and film lovers.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors, sales agents, journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope people learn about the amazing women in this film who changed history through their work and I hope it inspires young queer women to go out make films about their lives.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What's your favorite lesbian film? Why does film matter?
Would you like to add anything else?
It was such an honor to spend time with these women and hear their stories. Come see Dykes, Camera, Action! at Outfest in LA on Friday, July 20 at 7pm at the DGA theater. Visit www.dykescameraaction.com for more info and screening dates.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm going to be the Editor on a new feature-length doc about a female athlete, but that's all I can divulge for now.
Interview: July 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
Dykes, Camera, Action!
A history of queer cinema from the women who made it happen.
Length: 1 hour
Director: Caroline Berler
Producer: Caroline Berler
Editor: Caroline Berler
About the writer, director and producer:
CAROLINE BERLER is a documentary director and editor based in New York City. She has worked on non-fiction projects that have been broadcast widely, screened in film festivals around the world and released theatrically. She has an MFA in Social Documentary Film from the School of Visual Arts and a BA in Sociology from New York University.
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors,journalists
Facebook: @dcafilm
Twitter: @dcafilm
Instagram: @dcafilm
Official Website: www.dykescameraaction.com
Funders: Frameline Finishing Fund, Seed & Spark Campaign
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Marfa Film Festival, Cinema Q in Denver, Gaze Festival Ireland, Vancouver Queer Film Festival, North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival