Film Invasion LA 2020 – The Squirrels in the Attic
A spitfire public defender unexpectedly finds herself in uncharted territory while interrogating a dangerous ex-con and his inappropriately young girlfriend in their isolated rural home.
Interview with Writer/Director Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid
Watch The Squirrels in the Attic on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! My goal as a screenwriter has been to bring my stories to life for an audience and I’m thrilled I’m getting to make this happen. While I’ve written many screenplays, I chose The Squirrels in the Attic for my first directing experience primarily because of reader reception to it. I wanted to portray a strong female lead in an untraditional way and create a compelling short, both visually and narratively.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
First and foremost, to be entertained! But I hope it also raises some engaging questions: What makes someone good or bad? Does the level of offense matter if a victim is equally damaged by what’s considered a “minor” or “major” crime? And is a crime ever justified? I also want to say that even though it’s “dark,” it’s not without humor. And if you like short films that challenge you to think, this one’s for you. Let’s just say perception isn’t always reality.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is about the demons people have running around their heads, which I feel is absolutely universal, whatever form they may take. The main character, Ingrid, is grappling with this as a victim of sexual abuse. While not a personal issue for me, the irreparable damage it can cause is certainly universal and topical. Another theme that ties in closely to this is the question of if people can fix themselves by attempting to fix others.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We shot and edited very closely to the script. While I’m definitely open to collaboration and how projects can evolve in great ways from collective input, it felt important in this case to be true to the original. A lot of the character motivation is revealed through subtext, and the dialogue and scenes were very deliberate in the unfolding of the narrative.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Film Invasion LA (FILA) is our first festival so feedback has been limited to family and friends so far. The actor’s performances have been getting rave reviews (deservedly so!) and it’s been fun to hear people deciphering plot “clues” and even better to see moments of realization when it comes together. A surprise is that it’s a hit with the teenagers, which I didn’t expect at all.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Other than the teens, not yet, but I’m looking forward to receiving some from the FILA audience. And I’m anticipating some challenging points of views!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
More exposure that could possibly lead to future collaborations. As a newcomer in the film industry, I love meeting people and hearing their experience as filmmakers. As a screenwriter, and now a director, this has been invaluable.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festival directors or really anyone who the message strikes a chord with. While it’s disappointing to miss that in-person film festival experience right now, festivals (like FILA!) are doing a lot for filmmakers to try to recreate that virtually. And hopefully, that will lead to more exposure and possibly a wider audience than it may have had.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
While I do hope to inspire dialogue about the film themes, I’d really just love for people to talk about it, whether they liked it or not. Even the thus far popular question of “Is that really SPAM in the sushi or is it something more sinister...like flesh?” would be great to hear people discuss!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are you the squirrels in your head?
Would you like to add anything else?
The process of filming was really fast; about six weeks from the decision to make it to wrap up the shoot. With such little time to prepare, I appreciated the cast and crew’s patience and dedication and I loved working with them. I hadn’t been on a film set before this, so needless to say, it was an incredible and intense learning experience for me.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
One of my shorts, In the Company of Crows, is in preproduction with Seapoint Studios and I plan to direct again. Filming has been delayed because of COVID but we’ll shoot as soon as we’re able to. We’re looking forward to collaborating again and hopefully making an even better film!
Along with planned work with me on Crows, J. Jon and Seapoint Studios are currently working alongside their hometown of Kittery, Maine, to create a special production for the Traip Academy graduates of 2020, in light of COVID-19. They hope to bring the same joy they felt when graduating high school to those who aren't able to have a proper commencement experience. You can keep up to date with their work on Twitter @SeapointStudios and Instagram @SeapointStudios, or online at www.seapoint.studios.
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
The Squirrels in the Attic
A spitfire public defender unexpectedly finds herself in uncharted territory while interrogating a dangerous ex-con and his inappropriately young girlfriend in their isolated rural home.
Length: 19:59
Director: Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid
Producer: J. Jon Christiansen
Writer: Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid
About the writer, director and producer:
RACHEL S. THOMAS-MEDWID is an award-winning screenwriter and author. Her two feature screenplays, television pilot, and numerous shorts continue to place in prestigious contests and festivals and have provided her with some incredible opportunities as a screenwriter. As an author, she’s been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, received the Alice Brandt Deeds Prize for Excellence in Creative Writing, and was a Serena Kennedy Award finalist for her collection of short stories. The Squirrels in the Attic is Rachel’s directorial debut. She will be directing a second short film, In the Company of Crows, which is currently in preproduction with Seapoint Studios.
J. JON CHRISTIANSEN, as he is professionally known, is the co-founder and creative director at Seapoint Studios. He recently finished his third year of studying computer science and technical arts at CU Boulder. Jacob is a self-taught filmmaker who found initial success in his shorts The Way Life Should Be and Vacationland through the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. He plans to continue his directing, producing and editing career after graduation. Learn more at jjonchristiansen.com.
Key cast: Charlie Carr (Ingrid), Paul Kandarian (Dane), Antonia Carroll (Kame)
Looking for: film festival directors
Facebook: Rachel Thomas
Instagram: @rachelspoonerthomas
Hashtags used: #thesquirrelsintheattic #womendirectors #seapointstudios
Website: www.rachelspoonerthomas.com/the-squirrels-in-the-attic-1
Made in association with: Seapoint Studios
Funders: Executive producer, self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? TBD