It's 1973, war time in Israel, and all that 15 year old SHERRY wants is a boyfriend. A letter exchange with an unknown soldier makes her believe that it's going to be her first love. But what will happen when the imaginary soldier becomes real?

Interview with Writer/Director Noa Gusakov

Watch Large Soldier here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The film is an adaptation of a short story of my late mother. It set in the 70’s but it’s still very relevant to our days. The main subjects of the film – first love and the military role in the coming of age experience – are themes that I’m curious about and always eager to explore.

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

The film is a sweet and sour memory of what is like to be a teenager. I hope it makes the audience less lonely about their own fail dates and disappointments.

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

I adapted the screenplay from a short story written by mother, the story was written in first body, and a lot of it was happening in Sherry's mind. I had to break her feelings into scenes, and to see how I recreate her thoughts into actions.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I feel like people are very surprised from the combination between the experience of first love and war at the same time - it makes them feel like the film is leading them to one place and then their finding out they were wrong. I wasn't thinking about it during the making of it, but I'm happy the story is surprising and
unexpected.

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

The film just finished a great 2 years festival circuit and I just released it online. I want it to get to as many audiences as possible.

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

Journalists and film blogs.

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

I have a newer short called HOW TO SWIM going around in festivals theses days, and you can find an article about it here as well!

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

Large Soldier

Director: Noa Gusakov

Producer: Leah Tonic

Writer: Noa Gusakov

About the writer, director and producer:

NOA GUSAKOV is a graduate of the Sam Spiegel Film School, Jerusalem, and a fellow of the MacDowell colony, New Hampshire. Her writing and directing credits include 5 short films: "Walking Up", "Lookout", "Sabbatical", "Large Soldier" and "How To Swim" which have collectively screened at over than 60 film festivals, and won more than 15 International awards. The screenplay for "Large Soldier", was developed at the Berlinale Short Film Station, and the film was nominated for the Israeli Academy Awards for Best Short Film. Noa is currently working as screenwriter & editor for TV productions and developing her debut feature film.

Facebook: Noa Gusakov

Instagram: @noagusakov

Other: IMDB

Funders: Gesher Multicultural Film Fund

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Short of the Week