On an island in the Pacific Northwest, a junkie photojournalist’s disturbing future is revealed to him through the images he shoots.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jon Silverberg

Watch Woodland on Prime Video, iTunes, Tubi and Vudu

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I set out to make a darkroom thriller, and also to tell a tale of isolation at a wilderness lodge, based on my experiences filming at secluded lodges around BC. I had met several people just like the characters Jake and Sparky in the film, and I wanted to spend more time with them and explore the lifestyle.

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

To me, the premise is what captured my imagination early on, and still rolls around in my mind even after the film has been completed. If it intrigues you, then you should probably watch it... On an island in the Pacific Northwest, a junkie photojournalist’s disturbing future is revealed to him through the images he shoots.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The tagline is: "Even at the edge of the world, you can’t escape your demons", and as our main character Jake, haunted by his past, descends into a drug-induced nightmare, he projects and manifests these demons into his life. I think everyone can relate to love, loss, heartbreak, guilt and self doubt. As most of the film takes place outdoors, there are also themes of man vs. nature, and humans being reduced to our most vulnerable and most primal in the wild.

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

Absolutely. The core concept of the film and the basic structure and style of the story were there early on, but the characters evolved quite a bit. As they became more three-dimensional, they started to inform changes in the story and certainly the dialogue. Then once the actors came on board, their commitment took it to a new level of heart and authenticity. With every change, their journeys became more relatable and more powerful. It just got better and better.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Feedback has been amazing so far! We were blessed with two packed screenings at the recent Whistler Film Festival and people were quite taken with the beautiful imagery and haunting atmosphere of the film. There are also some elements in the film which are left to the viewer's interpretation, and I've been blown away by what people have taken away as their own meanings and explanations behind the film. Those interpretations have gone further and deeper than even I had expected.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

More to my previous answer, yes the feedback and interpretations of the film have continued to surprise me, and even make me see the film in new ways I never thought possible. It's so rewarding.

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

Would love everyone to see the film, we hope to bring to worldwide soon! Find us at @woodlandmovie on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook.

Would you like to add anything else?

We’re taking the film to more festivals, and also exploring several avenues of distribution. Check our updates at @woodlandmovie on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook.

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

We're producing our next film in El Salvador right now, the Spanish-language feature "El Suspiro del Silencio". I'm also in the middle of writing my next feature script.

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

TITLE

On an island in the Pacific Northwest, a junkie photojournalist’s disturbing future is revealed to him through the images he shoots.

Length: 1:27:00

Director: Jon Silverberg

Producer: Jon Silverberg

Writer: Jon Silverberg

About the writer, director and producer:

JON SILVERBERG is a Vancouver-based director known for his bold and emotionally-driven filmmaking style, synergy with his actors and technical expertise behind the camera. He has directed internationally-screened shorts, documentary television and commercials. In 2016, Jon's short Disappeared was a finalist for Best Short at the Canada Shorts Film Festival. Recently, he wrote and directed the feature film Woodland, a psychological thriller starring Richard Harmon, which was nominated for the Boros Award for Best Canadian Feature at Whistler Film Festival in 2018.

Key cast: Richard Harmon, Philip Granger, Frank C. Turner, Catherine Jack, Amanda Tapping

Looking for: distributors, buyers

Facebook: Woodland

Twitter: @woodlandmovie

Instagram: @woodlandmovie

Website: www.woodlandmovie.com

Other: IMDB

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? We have our US Premiere coming up in May, but it technically has not yet been announced. Follow our social media to hear about upcoming screenings!