In the not-too-distant future where the word freedom is illegal, a divided father must choose between performing his government duty or saving his own family.

Interview with Writer/Producer Angie Engelbert

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I wanted to make a film that sheds light on what happens when we allow the government to consume us—everything from breaking apart families to deciding what an American should look, sound, and act like. Torch is that film.

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

This film is going to make you uncomfortable, but I hope it also makes you reflect on where you stand regarding the current political landscape. Plus, my high school students crewed this production, so you should support their efforts, too!

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Without giving it away, the themes of freedom, family, and justice are explored in this film. It's important to take a step back in our lives and consider the plights of others.

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

Although it's a short film, the script went through numerous drafts until every single word on the page was earned and then reviewed by industry professionals for punch and power. I truly believe that what is on the page is what you see; and of course, that vision came to life through the creativity and vision of my director, Ms Heather Hillstrom. She crushed it.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People who have seen it describe it as powerful, topical, and shocking. The ending is also open to interpretation, so I get a lot of feedback from viewers who share what they think really happened. (SHHH! It's a secret!)

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I believe that art has the power to educate, inspire, entertain or enlighten; but a good piece of art can also turn the mirror inside. This is definitely not a "feel good" film, but I hope it will make viewers think and challenge their own beliefs. If that happens, then I have done my job as a writer and filmmaker.

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

I hope to raise the visibility of my film and garner support for female-centric production teams and projects. Plus, it would be great to find more opportunities to share my film with the world!

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

All of the above!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope people are inspired to engage in tough conversations after watching this film and take action.

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

What does freedom look like? How do you know if you are free?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you.

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

Personally, I'm getting ready to pitch a YA pilot about immigration to streamers, and my director is producing several web series. We're both just trying to do Beyonce proud because 'who runs the world'? -Girls!

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

Torch

In the not-too-distant future where the word freedom is illegal, a divided father must choose between performing his government duty or saving his own family.

Length: 10:49

Director: Heather Hillstrom

Producer: Angie Engelbert

Writer: Angie Engelbert

About the writer, director and producer:

HEATHER HILLSTROM has directed and produced commercials, corporate videos, web series, short films, and two music videos. In addition to winning multiple awards across the country for various projects, her short film The King In The Ring earned streaming power as part of Amazon Prime's Discover Indie Film series.

ANGIE ENGELBERT'S AFF recognized short film Torch has screened in four film festivals so far, and she placed in the Top 6% for NBC’s WOTV Fellowship. Her passion for writing strong characters who “get the job done” has earned her recognition with Sundance Episodic Lab, WIF/Blacklist lab, Final Draft and Screencraft. Currently, Engelbert creates partnerships between filmmakers and underrepresented youth in South Bay LA and performs with improv troupe Musical The Musical around town.

Key cast: Anthony Sherritt (Mr. Wilson), Sally Eidman (Mrs. Wilson), Ryan Day (Michael), Lyla Booker (Margo)

Looking for: sales agents, distributors, film festival directors, buyers

Facebook: Torch

Twitter: @MovieTorch

Instagram: @torch.the.movie

Hashtags used: #torchthemovie #choosefreedom

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: Project Nucleus and Hungry Pictures

Funders: Seed and Spark

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Film Invasion LA June 7-9 (online)