Slamdance Film Festival 2020 – Beware of Dog
Three young adults experience parallel struggles with mental health and identity. In Moscow, a woman struggles with severe OCD, while her cousin in Berlin tries to build a romantic relationship ignoring her own bipolar disorder. Meanwhile, in New York City, a heartbroken boxer faces addiction and lack of self-worth in the aftermath of a break-up
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Nadia Bedzhanova
Watch Beware of Dog on Prime Video, Vudu and Google Play
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Beware of Dog for people who struggle with mental conditions, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder. For those who are solitary in big cities surrounded by millions. I wanted to make a generational portrait fulfilled with anxiety in the era of social media madness – for everyone who can relate to.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It is about now. It’s a personal and raw vision of everyday life portrayed by characters from different countries without any disguise. It’s my perception of the world that is on a verge of environmental and mental breakdown.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My work emerged experiencing two major cultures: American and Russian, that influenced this film. Multiple storylines emphasize the universality of an individual - no matter where we live, we experience the same struggles. OCD, toxic relationships, building friendships and trying to “make it” - we’ve all been there and done that.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I wrote the script in multiple languages: English primarily, with Russian and a little bit of German. Actors’ improvisation was priceless: girls in Berlin adopted my words to relatable language. One of our lead actors, Buddy Duress, was getting on and off jail, and we had to adjust to this schedule and rewrite some scenes. It was tough, but his personal experience added uniqueness to the movie for sure.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The movie received a lot of exciting feedback - the audience could relate to it, and it was priceless feeling that so many people enjoyed this psychological and cinematic experience.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
What was surprising is that a lot of random people heard about the movie and were eager to watch it, although it’s premiering today. I can’t wait for the bigger audience to see it and feel it.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To reach a bigger audience.
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: executive producers, sales agents, distributors, film festival directors, journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want people who experience the same struggles to know that they are not alone. I want all the people to enjoy this art piece and find something that relates to them.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Any mental health-related question.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m exploring new media formats and storytelling through an interactive online experience. The fragmentary structure will remain, and the audience will have a chance to choose the character to follow.
Interview: January 2020
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
Beware of Dog
Three young adults experience parallel struggles with mental health and identity. In Moscow, a woman struggles with severe OCD, while her cousin in Berlin tries to build a romantic relationship ignoring her own bipolar disorder. Meanwhile, in New York City, a heartbroken boxer faces addiction and lack of self-worth in the aftermath of a break-up
Length: 1:24
Director: Nadia Bedzhanova
Producer: Lilit Abgarian
Writer: Nadia Bedzhanova
About the writer, director and producer:
NADIA BEDZHANOVA is an award-winning New-York based director originally from Moscow, Russia. Graduated in journalism from Lomonosov’s State University and in film directing from School of Visual Arts, Bedzhanova creates her work within the context and under the influence of both cultures. Her films and photography were featured in publications such as Dazed Digital, Paper Magazine, Vogue and others. Her short film Headlong (2016) has been featured by NoBudge on YouTube and has a total of 9 million views. Her short film Adrift (2014) opened Teen Tales program at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
LILIT ABGARIAN is a producer based in New York. While pursuing her B.A. in Marketing in Moscow, Russia, Lilit had her first producing gigs in music videos and commercials. After immigrating to USA, she produced theatrical plays under STEPS Theater wing. Beware of Dog is the first feature film under Allen Pictures production banner, launched by Lilit and Nadia in 2018.
Key cast: Marina Vasileva, Buddy Duress, & Paula Knüpling
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists, buyers
Instagram: @bewareofdogmovie
Hashtags used: #bewareofdog #bewareofdogmovie #bewareofdogfilm
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? 2020 Slamdance Film Festival; Saturday, January 25 at 5:00PM - Gallery Screening Room, Treasure Mountain Inn.; Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30PM - Ballroom Screening Room, Treasure Mountain Inn.