Nevada Women's Film Festival 2020 – La Lettre
Short film speaking on marital issues in the 1950s as the wife seeks more independence and recognition within the relationship. Story loosely inspired by Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House.
Interview with Writer/Director Katherine Harold
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wrote the short film during my second year of my BA (Hons) Live Events and Television at The University of the Arts London (LCC). We were given, as an assignment, to write a short film based in the 1950s. My main inspirations for the short film revolved around Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House and Sylvia Plath.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's an interesting period piece regarding certain gender roles and assumptions that were not only imposed on women during that time period but can still be found today.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
No romantic relationship is simple and I feel as though the wife's thoughts and desires can still universally resonate.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I received some help from my scriptwriting professor Mark Clompus regarding the end of the short film. Sarah is an educated woman, who married too young and desperately wants both a career and freedom of individuality but she lacked some attitude. My professor helped me give her a bit more personality.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback regarding this short film has been overall positive though I have received varying perspectives regarding feminist outlooks and opinions. American feminism and French feminism are not entirely the same so it is interesting to hear varying points of views from different countries when submitting to festivals.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I learnt and now understand better what liberation means in varying countries to different kind of women.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope to have the short film gain more exposure. Thanks for the opportunity!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'm not sure I'm going to push this particular story line further though time will tell. I do still remain very interested in women's rights and women's issues. This was a very fun project with a wonderful crew. I'm just happy that individuals are interested in it.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The reception will be different depending on the culture and country. I hope though that it speaks to women regarding the importance of independence of thought, choice and action.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is Sarah an independent and or liberated woman? What do those terms mean to you?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The short film's producer and co-director, Celtill Jalaber, is presently finishing the sound mixing for our next short film Christine based on domestic violence. Marine Roualdes is the lead actress again for this project.
Interview: May 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
La Lettre
Short film speaking on marital issues in the 1950s as the wife seeks more independence and recognition within the relationship. Story loosely inspired by Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House.
Director: Katherine Harold and Celtill Jalaber
Producer: Celtill Jalaber
Writer: Katherine Harold
About the writer, director and producer:
KATHERINE HAROLD recently graduated, in 2019, from The University of the Arts London with a BA (Hons) in Live Events and Television where she specialized primarily in creative producing and scriptwriting. She is also a novice actress. Her main passions, in film, are projects regarding women, social justice, human rights and humanitarian issues.
CELTILL JALABER is in the midst of obtaining an MA from the French film school, ESAV - École Supérieure d'AudioVisuel, in Toulouse, France. He started making short films as a teenager and a short there afterwards created his own film association: Broa De Save. He enjoys taking on various roles from editor, to director, producer, actor, camera operator, set decorator, writer and more.
Key cast: Marine Roualdes and Philippe Hédoux
Other: IMDb
Made in association with: Association Broa De Save
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Nevada Women's Film Festival: June 25 - 28, 2020