Focus on AFI Conservatory - Florence
When a dour old woman finds a love letter in her pocket, she remembers what it is to feel alive.
Interview with Writer/Director Emanuele Daga
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
It was my AFI thesis, and because I love telling stories.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film if you find it difficult to loosen up or get in touch with your feelings. I find that the protagonist's arch of transformations is quite contagious for emotionally bottled-up people like myself.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Fear of the unknown, obsessive routines and a certain diffidence for the external world are all both personal and universal themes that the film emphasizes through the protagonist's stiffness and main obstacle (she can't have her apricot jam).
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I'd say by losing "fat". All superfluous and counterproductive scenes and beats fell out of the project as we realized what truly mattered in our story.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
A 30 minutes video feedback from a film festival, some unexpected and unexpectedly high votes on the IMDB page, some articles, and oral feedback from Film Festival goers/viewers.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
There was a "feedback day" at my school (AFI) in which every director has to participate. This happens when you can still change the edit or even reshoot a scene. It didn't go well, but it definitely made me understand a lot of things.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Increasing my chances to find good collaborators that match my voice.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors mainly. I think Florence is one of those short movies that can lift up your day or mood, and that you'll hardly regret watching.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Warm and sweet. Like an apple pie.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Can older people better themselves? Is it ever too late to grow?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
My partner and I are developing a Pilot about art forgery for Oakstreet Pictures.
Interview: July 2021
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
Florence
Length:
16:28
Writer/Director
Emanuele Daga
In 2017, DAGA dropped his nearly perfect life in Italy, where his filmography was being broadcast on national TV, to chase the American dream. Enthusiastic about the future, he flew to the U.S., earned a Master's degree in Directing at AFI, and has since continued to pursue a career in Los Angeles, where his quirky voice is lost among thousands of others. Despite his apparent cynicism, recurrent themes in his productions are reconciliation, the discovery of empathy, and human connection.
Producer
Almotaz Aljefri
Key cast:
Diane Kelber (Florence), Warren Davis (Coffee shop owner)
Looking for:
distributors, buyers, producers, sales agents
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/florencethefilm
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/florencethefilm/
More info:
Made in association with:
AFI Conservatory