Chicago Feminist Film Festival 2019 – Beyond the Barrier
A young boy and girl find a way to remain friends in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Interview with Director/Producer/Animator/Editor Martha Mapes
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I (Martha Mapes) was taking a documentary course with Jeff Spitz as the teacher. In one of Jeff's other classes was Ian, which is where he came up with the idea for a short film about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jeff decided to show me the script to see if I would be interested in making it, and I immediately fell in love with how powerful and moving the story was.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
When I first started working on the film I had no idea what the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was about. Part of the reason we made the film is to educate and start the conversation, I would want the audience to empathize with and learn more about the world when seeing it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The story feels very personal. There is this huge conflict going on, but unless we're informed beforehand that it's about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict we don't know what that conflict is. Ultimately it's about empathy and friendship despite barriers.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Ian wrote the script alone as a homework assignment, but over the course of nine months it turned into a group effort to make it the best project it could be.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far we've received mostly positive feedback, which is really cool. We've played at some festivals abroad, one in Chicago and another in Milan, Italy. When screening the film to friends and colleagues, the main thing they ask is what the conflict in the film is, because there is no dialogue and purposefully no indication that it's about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We thought about putting a card in at the beginning that said something like "Israel-Palestine" to give the viewer a more clear setting, but we don't think that's necessary. The story of children caught in war, families being separated, and destruction is universal, not just in Israel and Palestine.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping that our story can grow and that many people can watch it and learn from it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would love for distributors, film festival directors, and journalists to come see the film so we can start a discussion and get the story to as many people as possible.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love to see people respond positively to the film and have them be more invested in worldwide news.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how has it affected the lives of the people living there?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for this opportunity to talk about the film!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently Ian Roozrokh is working at Groundswell Educational Films making educational documentaries. Martha Mapes is also working on a documentary puppet show about curse words, called Pottymouth.
Interview: February 2019
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
Beyond the Barrier
A young boy and girl find a way to remain friends in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Length: 3:11
Director: Martha Mapes
Producer: Martha Mapes
Writer: Ian Roozrokh
About the writer, director and producer:
MARTHA MAPES is a stop-motion animator hailing from Chicago. Growing up, she used to make little movies using her dolls as the stars. She has since graduated to using real handmade puppets and miniatures. She loves working with her hands, playing harp, and watching films.
IAN ROOZROKH is a Film Student at Columbia College Chicago. After professional experience in his last two years of High School, Ian wrote and directed his first short, Numbers (2014). He currently works for Groundswell Educational Films.
Looking for: film festival directors, distributors
Facebook: Beyond the Barrier film
Made in association with: Columbia College Chicago
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Chicago Feminist Film Festival/Film Row Cinema, 8th floor, 1104 S Wabash, Chicago - Thurs, Feb. 28 8:30 PM