In order to protect a dangerous secret, two uncompromising women hide the truth as a relentless Sheriff digs deeper.

Interview with Director/Producer Charlene Bagcal

Watch Bury Me Not here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you so much. I was approached by Ellie Araiza, who is a co-writer and lead actor for the film. I ran into her at a party and she mentioned she was writing a female-driven Western and I was instantly hooked. I went on to express how I always loved the genre and the rest is history I suppose.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

If you enjoy Westerns and want to watch a female-driven version, through a female filmmaker's gaze, then Bury Me Not is for you.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Challenging one's character and morals in the face of imminent danger is one of the main themes of the film.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I worked closely with both the writers, Ellie Araiza and Jul Kohler, after I was given the first draft to read. From there began a collaborative process between us three and numerous rewrites followed. I typically write my own screenplays for my films so it was important that I could also put my own stamp on it, as both a storyteller and director. Ellie and Jul were great collaborators to work with.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We have been receiving a lot of great feedback for which I am grateful for. We filmed Bury Me Not in 9.5 hours which is unheard of and something we are all so proud of achieving. So, when people comment on how well it was executed, on all levels, it means the world to us because it really took an army to pull this production off. I also had many challenging factors involved in the filming of this production from working with an infant, child actor, animals, stunts, weapons, SFX, VFX, and it was a period piece. We literally had it all...

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Generally, the feedback has been very positive. I enjoy when my team shares their feedback from reps, producers, friends, and fellow filmmakers. We are very thrilled so many have enjoyed the film.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

As a filmmaker, I want to connect with the largest audience possible to further promote the film. I am thankful to WAMS for reaching out and giving me this opportunity.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Film festival directors, buyers, and distributors.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like people to be taken on an unpredictable ride while watching the film but also note the social commentary themes.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How far would you go to protect those you care most about?

Would you like to add anything else?

A link to my website: www.charlenebagcal.com

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am in pre-pro for my next film, Happier Than (N)ever, that is a film about American's obsession with consumerism and the pursuit of happiness. It's a dark satirical comedy. I am also preparing to start pitching my hour-long conspiracy crime series, The Un/Desirables.

Interview: February 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

Bury Me Not

In order to protect a dangerous secret, two uncompromising women hide the truth as a relentless Sheriff digs deeper.

Length: 12:50

Director: Charlene A. Bagcal

Producer: Eric Feliciano, Marisilda Garcia, Jul Kohler, Ellie Araiza, Anna Lillie, and Charlene Bagcal

Writer: Ellie Araiza and Jul Kohler

About the writer, director and producer:
CHARLENE BAGCAL has screened internationally in festivals in the UK, Turkey, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. Charlene has worked with studios such as K/O Paper Products, Secret Hideout, Crypt TV, and Astronauts Wanted. She is currently in development for hour-long dystopian crime series, The Un/Desirables. Represented by Grandview for Film & TV.

ELLIE ARAIZA, planted and grown in Mexico is coming into full bloom in the US. She is an actor, writer, singer & voiceover artist with recurring roles on FX shows The Bridge (Demian Bichir & Diane Kruger) & Marvel’s Legion (Dan Stevens). She’s also seen alongside Regina King on Southland, currently on Hulu.

JUL KOHLER was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. Her work spans the globe and includes acting in film&TV, stunts, musicals, voiceovers and dancing for Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Lou Bega. She has written two features and is currently developing two TV shows.

ERIC FELICIANO (Actor/Producer), known for producing the award-winning feature, Beach House Way, is currently in production on Frankie & Paulie (TV Series), Happier Than (N)Ever (Short) as well as a number of titles under the iZwe Media division of Luna Blue Productions, Inc.

Actor, singer/songwriter and producer MARISILDA GARCIA has been at the helm of organizations such as CFCA and Cineladies, lending her leadership both in front and behind the camera. She is currently the CEO of Luna Blue Productions.

Key cast: Ellie Araiza (SOPHIE), Jul Kohler (INGRID), Eric Feliciano (SHERIFF), Caden Andrews (CHARLIE), Desean Terry (JOHN)

Looking for: distributors, film festival directors, buyers

Facebook: Bury Me Not

Instagram: @burymenotmovie

Hashtags used: #burymenotmovie

Website: www.burymenotmovie.com

Made in association with: REMA, Luna Blue Productions and IZWE Media

Funders: www.burymenotmovie.com

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Mammoth Film Festival on March 2nd (WESTERN/SCI-FI BLOCK) at 11:30am