A year after the death of his mother, Julian is on a quest to find his long lost brother. On a nice summer day, Julian finds refuge in playing a game of handball with his friends.

Interview with Director/Writer/Editor Jules Suo

Watch Eodiya on Vimeo here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was inspired by a story of someone who lived in the foster care system in New York. I also have been involved in grassroots organizations dedicated to building a movement against police violence in the U.S. in which Eodiya just touches upon. It is also inspired by the Buddhist philosophy of letting go to free ourselves.

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

The film offers a cinematic window into Julian's life and creates an atmospheric true to life experience for the audience. This film resonates with anyone who has experienced the urge to reconnect with a family member or loved one. I also didn't seek out seasoned actors to play a heightened version of themselves. This film was for our lead actor, Jakeem Powell, his appearance in a film. I love the naturalness of all the actors cast in this film. Eodiya is an exploration of a young man trying to reconnect with his family to define his identity. Through the main character, Julian, we see his life's moments of bleakness and joy.

Actors: Jakeem Powell, Leo Bona-Balibar and Andre Ozim

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Connection and seeking joy are universal human emotions.

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

The script was 14 pages long. The film evolved as my vision came to life with each new collaborators.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I received this feedback from a woman at a film festival: "Humanity was very present in your film."

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It's been exciting to experience the strong reactions people feel of either love or hate!

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

I’d love for the film to reach a wider audience, so any exposure helps in raising interest and awareness. Visibility can help find new partners, collaborators, funders and supporters.

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

We welcome Journalists, distributors, sales agents, film festival directors for Eodiya and my new feature film Sesang.

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

I would like to see the emergence of building relationships and community, improving the quality of how we communicate across differences.

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

How can we experience our journey through a story of connection and self-discovery? And also bring more self-awareness: Push lawmakers to enforce police officers to have body-worn cameras.

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

My new feature film Sesang will be released soon! Sesang is a film about existential freedom. A cinematographic meditation on in-between moments. The story of the everyday lives of three people and their moments in time. Sesang is a film of dead ends and new beginnings, navigating different hemispheres and languages.

Interview: March 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

Eodiya

A year after the death of his mother, Julian is on a quest to find his long lost brother. On a nice summer day, Julian finds refuge in playing a game of handball with his friends.

Length: 13:00

Director: Jules Suo

Producer: Lex Marsh

Writer: Jules Suo

About the writer, director and producer:

JULES SUO is an award-winning filmmaker. She has received funding from New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and Queens Council on the Arts (QCA). She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology. She studied film at New York University and screenwriting at The New School.

LEX MARSH is an independent film and music producer, committed to uncompromising visions that challenge conventional paradigms. Lex works to encourage international dialogue and foster community through his producing, distribution network, and curatorial projects.

Key cast: Jakeem Powell as Julian, Leo Bona-Balibar as Aaron, Andre Ozim as Barrett

Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists, film festival directors, buyers, producers

Facebook: Uisig Films 의식

Instagram: @eodiyafilm

Hashtags used: #eodiyafilm

Other: IMDB

Made in association with: Uisig Films

Funders: EP investors funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Queens World Film Festival Sunday March 31, 2019 showtime: 6:45 PM location: MoMI - Redstone 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106