Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2020 – Saguaro
The loneliest saguaro cactus in the world befriends a tumbleweed, falls in love, and experiences loss—all in one day.
Interview with Director Damon Stea
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I drew the character as I wrote the script, and I couldn't get it out of my mind. It wasn't so much that I had a story to tell, as much as I had a couple of characters that I desperately wanted to see on screen. Plus it's about a cactus, and having spent zero time in Arizona, the idea of a Saguaro cactus was exceptionally magical to me.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because you love animation and romantic comedies. Or because you love fantasy creatures with personal problems.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Saguaro was a labor of love - both a meditation on the nature of connection, and the inherent fantasy quality of romantic comedy films. It deals with love and loneliness - and not just from a romantic perspective.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Saguaro was originally a 16-minute live-action short, with a nine-foot cactus-suited actor and a trip to Las Vegas. That changed quite a bit once it became a stop motion short, and we ended up trimming the story down to its essentials.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Festival audiences have responded wonderfully, and people really enjoy the film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I expected audiences to challenge the ending of the film more since we subvert expectations quite a bit and this is a comedy that can leave a bittersweet taste. But people really love it all the way through.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
People will remember this tree's face, I guarantee it. But it's always difficult to get eyes on an independent film, particularly animation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We're always looking for festival directors interested in screening the film since we continue to do the festival circuit this year.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Cactus awareness.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Have you ever watched a Pixar short film and thought that maybe it was a little too saccharine (even for kids)?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Damon Stea and Cassandra Chowdhury (Mindfruit) are working on a truly gargantuan animated documentary series about love and human relationships called The Secret Life of Humans. Currently in early production.
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
Saguaro
The loneliest saguaro cactus in the world befriends a tumbleweed, falls in love, and experiences loss—all in one day.
Length: 5:00
Director: Damon Stea
Producer: Cassandra Chowdhury
Writer: Damon Stea
About the writer, director and producer:
DAMON STEA is the creator and co-owner of Mindfruit - an independent film production house based in Los Angeles. I have directed or produced over 100 films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries, working from development all the way through the post pipeline. A particular passion for animation, puppetry, giant costumes, and the fantastical.
CASSANDRA CHOWHDURY is the producer art of Mindfruit, and also has significant experience as an animator. She seeks with each of her projects to make people think more compassionately about the world around them. Cassandra has worked with such clients as National Geographic and the Endangered Species Coalition.
Looking for: film festival directors
Facebook: Damon Stea
Instagram: @damonstea
Other: Vimeo
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Multiple festivals TBA