Chandler International Film Festival 2019 – Widow
Set in the turn of the century west, a retired gunslinger learns treachery runs thicker than blood when she finds her husband murdered. Her brother-in-law mysteriously arrives after her husband's death, taking Sara down the rabbit hole of greed and betrayal as she tries to get justice for the man she loved.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Rachel Econ
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! My team and I have been incredibly humbled and stoked on the reception “Widow” has been receiving. I grew up in Southern Arizona so it’s hard not to make a western when you have all that history in your backyard. My goal as a filmmaker has always been to create narratives with strong female characters at the helm, ready to face down whatever fate throws at them. I’ve always felt women in action/adventure movies always get the short of end of the stick. Our arcs are always learning to how to hold gun or learning to stand up for ourselves, when in reality those characters are already stronger and braver than they are given credit for. I figured what better place to start than with the male dominated western, a genre based on an era where you had to be pretty tough to survive.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
For a good time! “Widow” is first and foremost meant to entertain! If you like gunfights, drama and a bad a** lady getting justice for her lover then this film is for you!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
“Widow” deals with the concept of vengeance versus justice and the thin line between them, especially when someone you love is involved. "Sara" (Naiia LaJoie) struggles with that distinction throughout the film. What she thinks is justice might very well be just vengeance at the end, but her love for "James" (Zach Minder) really propels her to strap on her guns. I’m in love with the idea of soulmates, this deep desire to love someone to the moon and be willing to do whatever it takes to give them what they deserve, even it means risking life and limb.
I like to think a lot of my films at the core are grandiose and overly complex metaphors for over coming ourselves and our own obstacles. "Sara" is in mourning over the death of her husband, but finds her solace in making sure his murder is rightfully avenged and fulfilling a promise they made to each other. I’ve always loved movies with characters you can relate to, yet their problems and journey seems impossible. I like to think if someone sees a person like them achieve something extraordinary like taking down a gang of outlaws, it’ll help them be inspired to take down whatever baddies they face in their own lives.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I was very fortunate to screen a cut of the short at my university where I received feedback that made me consider moving scenes around and to cut some things that weren’t necessary to the contained story of the short. “Widow” is a proof-of-concept for a feature, but there are several key differences between the short and feature script. Some things had to change to make the film feel concise, but I truly wanted to keep the integrity of Sara’s journey. The feature script has even gotten a rewrite from the short. Every short I make teaches me new lessons and I try to use what I learn through production to improve my writing and guide me to even a better result on my next project.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
A lot of positive feedback! People enjoy it and have nothing but good things to say about it! I’ve heard laughs and gotten tears. It has been amazing to see the audience reaction and it feels awesome to see people enjoy your work. We’ve been selected in several festivals and have won a couple of awards so far and we’re hoping for even more. Everybody always comments on the cinematography, which is in huge thanks to Logan Fulton, a cinematographer who I strongly consider my partner in crime when it comes to filmmaking. "Widow" was even featured in an issue of American Cinematographer because of Logan’s stellar work.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I received a lot notes when I started writing the feature saying nobody would buy a woman of color in a western role, mostly due to the nature of the times and the history of the West. I’ve discovered that to be false. The audience doesn’t care, they’re just enjoying the film! A good western hero is one with a great story to tell and killer dead-eye. I found that the genre doesn’t hold you back even if some claim the history does.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure! For myself and the film! I want people to look out for “Widow” and try to see it if they can! I also want people to see what I can do as a filmmaker. “Widow” is the first of several short films I plan on making within the next couple years.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are looking for producers, distributors, and sales agents. I would love to bring the feature version to life and would love to bring anyone on who like to help us! If anyone has any interest in collaborating please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
“Widow” is an independent project that I hope will inspire other independent filmmakers to start looking at their male main characters and challenge them to give a woman a shot in the role. Women characters are often never given a chance to be action heroes, and we’re at a time where it’s time to start changing that outlook. We’re just as strong, just as powerful, just as intelligent, and most certainly more than just pretty faces. I would love to start seeing more genuine and multi-dimensional female heroes, where their introduction in a script is more than just ‘She was pretty and…’
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How far would you go to get justice for the one you loved?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film was made by an amazing team and an amazing cast. We became a family shooting this film, and it has been nothing but amazing to see other people enjoying it as much as we did shooting it. Many of the people who worked on this project are close friends, it was a labour of love and friendship that I could not be more proud of. I want to thank everyone who made it possible. I’m feeling confident that “Widow” will continue to do well on the circuit and hopefully will reach its feature potential.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Many of us are just hustling in LA, trying to make our dreams come true! I’m currently working on development of my next project, horror film proof of concept that I hope to shoot at the end of 2019. I’m also still trying to make the feature of “Widow”, but I believe everything happens when it’s meant to. If it doesn’t happen now, it’ll happen another time. My DP Logan Fulton has been shooting constantly, working on both narrative and commercial work most recently shooting sports documentaries for the NFL Network. My editor Laura Kulik has been collaborating with Live Nation, editing for several of their music channels and has been doing work with VICE News.
Much of the cast has been keeping busy as well. Naiia LaJoie (Sara) has been featured on Netflix, “Days of Our Lives”, and has been keeping incredibly busy with her acting and modeling career. Travis Eller (Billy) has been on Lethal Weapon on FOX, touring and making music as DJ T-ROCK, and has been making beautiful western hats on Etsy (The Ugly Outlaw, check it out!). Jordan Jones (Blake) has been acting his heart out on several projects as well as working on his music career as the singer in his band, Pervade. They currently have an EP out on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play and CD Baby. Jordan and his bandmates are completing the full LP and have been performing in the Los Angeles area.
Interview: January 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
Widow
Set in the turn of the century west, a retired gunslinger learns treachery runs thicker than blood when she finds her husband murdered. Her brother-in-law mysteriously arrives after her husband's death, taking Sara down the rabbit hole of greed and betrayal as she tries to get justice for the man she loved.
Length: 15:49
Director: Rachel Econ
Producer: Hazar Eskandar
Writer: Rachel Econ
About the writer, director and producer:
Eccentric, foul-mouthed, and a little grungy, writer and director RACHEL ECON strives to bring powerful female-centric action stories onto the screen. Born in Harrogate England, but raised in southern Arizona, RACHEL has always found herself surrounded by history. A lover of adventure, the macabre, and a good gun fight, RACHEL grew up on old Hollywood movies and 90’s action flicks. The scorching summers of her desert hometown of Tucson allowed for plenty of time for the movie binges and novel benders that fueled her love cinema and a good story eventually leading her to graduate from Loyola Marymount University with her BA in Film and Television Production. When she’s not writing or in production, RACHEL is an avid crafter always looking for something to create.
HAZAR ESKANDAR has worked on and produced over 25 films in her three years at Loyola Marymount pursuing her MFA in Film Production. Originally from Qatar, HAZAR has been striving to make a name for herself as Muslim woman in the entertainment industry. When she’’s not working, she’s sleeping because that’s about all she has time for! HAZAR has had her own films appear in festival’s across the United States.
Key cast: Naiia Lajoie (Sara) , Jordan Jones (Blake), Travis Eller (Billy) , Zach Minder (James) , Eric VanDruff (Gabriel)
Looking for: distributors, sales agents, journalists, producers, buyers
Facebook: Widow
Instagram: @rachel_econ
Other: Vimeo
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
48 Awards/Los Angeles, CA - February 14, 2019