A girl meets a guy and falls head over heels, but a shocking discovery forces her to question everything. A dark comedy about falling in love with the one person you're supposed to hate.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Actor Jessie Kahnweiler

Watch He's the One here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made the film because I couldn't not make the film anymore. I was so sick of talking about it -- I needed to get back on set.

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

Because it'll hopefully make you laugh and think and feel in the very least my boobs look great in it.

He's the One (photo credit Patrick Gookin)

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I try not to think too much about this to be honest. I make work from a raw, personal place and hope that it connects with people but I don't spend too much time thinking about the themes or impact. I stay close to the story and the process with my key creative team. Once it's in the world it's not mine anymore. That baby has a life of its own.

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

I've developed the script for five years. The longest I've ever spent in the script process. It has been brutal but essential. Because once I got to set the story was in my bones, I had earned the right to make it because I spent the time listening to what the story wanted to be. Also, this project went from a short (Meet my Rapist which premiered at Slamdance in 2014) into a feature of He's the One and the short premiering at Sundance is a proof of concept. It's terrifying and exciting to just be on the ride of a project that keeps on challenging me.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

My mom loves it!

Behind the scenes of He's the One (photo credit Patrick Gookin)

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I'm a big believer in getting fresh eyes during post. Especially because I'm so close to the material. Because the film is so personal, it really strikes a chord with people in different ways. It's kind of triggering for people in a way. So the feedback I've gotten is very emotionally charged which is a gift but can also be intense because I have to be open to feedback but also protect the north star of the film.

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

I want the film to serve as a catalyst for people to talk about compassion.

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

Is it possible to forgive someone who hurt you? (Including yourself)

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm making the feature version of He's the One and have a couple of TV projects in development. And also trying to CHILL.

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

He's the One

A girl meets a guy and falls head over heels, but a shocking discovery forces her to question everything. A dark comedy about falling in love with the one person you're supposed to hate.

Length: 10:00

Director: Jessie Kahnweiler

Producer: Paul Young

Writer: Jessie Kahnweiler

About the writer, director and producer:

JESSIE KAHNWEILER'S films have amassed millions of views and been featured everywhere from the New York Times to TMZ. Jessie wrote, directed, and starred in a dark comedy about bulimia, The Skinny, which was produced by Jill Soloway, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and won a Webby for best dramatic series. Jessie has developed series for Hulu, ABC, CW and most recently staffed on Skam Austin for Facebook Watch. She lives in LA with her plants.

PAUL YOUNG is the Emmy-winning executive producer Comedy Central’s hit series Key and Peele. Paul also produced the blockbuster films Central Intelligence starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, and Keanu starring Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele. Paul’s management-production company, MAKE GOOD Content (MGC), produced the Sundance Channel’s Peabody-nominated half-hour series, This Close, and Showtime’s upcoming four-part documentary series on the Comedy Store. Before starting MGC in 2018, Paul founded Principato-Young Entertainment, a management-production company that launched iconic artists including Jonah Hill, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson and Jordan Peele. Paul concurrently served as Chairman of the Groundlings Theater when it spawned the careers of Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Maya Rudolph. Paul also served as the director of creative affairs for Paramount Pictures in 1995-1996, and was a reporter for Daily Variety in 1994-95. He graduated with honors from Swarthmore College in 1992.

Key cast: Jessie Kahnweiler, Luka Jones

Looking for: journalists, producers, film festival directors

Hashtags used: #hestheonefilm

Website: jessiekahnweiler.com

Other: IMDB

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? TBD