Focus on AFI Conservatory - U N T I T L E D
A woman falls for another woman
who fears emotional intimacy.
Interview with Writer/Director Nicole Eckenroad
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was lucky enough to be asked by the cinematographer, Bryce Holden, to partner on his graduate film at the AFI Conservatory. He wanted to make a short film about the rapid incline and decline of modern relationships. I had just experienced something like it, a relationship that had very significant impact on who the two of us have become and I wanted to capture the power of that.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is cathartic for anyone who has experienced love and/or heartbreak. It's beautiful and powerful, and manages to last in people's minds for days after watching it and it's only three minutes long.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It's so personal, in fact it reveals deep secrets about my romantic experience. The sweeping feeling of love and the void left when you have to let that feeling go is something everyone experiences.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script and film have become so specific in their craft and beats. It started with a very general idea like most ideas, and went through a long period of emotional processing. In working with the lead actress, I got to work through some things I hadn't moved on from. I think that shows up in the film––the depth of emotional work that we all fed into it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
A lot of people have said it's beautiful, heartbreaking and has stuck with them for a while.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
This may be the first time I've made a film where the feedback matches my own love for it.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope that it gains exposure as a queer story that isn't about the queerness––it's a film about grieving love. I want it to gain exposure, period. We're all really proud of the film and I want everyone to have their work seen and hopefully it gives us all more opportunities to create.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We need buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, social influencers––everyone who has the power to amplify this film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want it to be appreciated for its ability to tell an epic love story in three minutes without any dialogue using 35mm film and practical lighting. I want people to see how gorgeous it is!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
The relationship is like a cosmic clash––are these short-lived, big bang relationships actually more productive and positive for a human than a long steady one?
Would you like to add anything else?
I loved making this film so much. I loved working with Nikki Mejia, the lead actress. I got her to paint her first painting during our prep for the role, and the joy I witnessed her have throughout this project was such an honor. She was really brave in this, and very close to the story.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Nikki Mejia is also a director out of AFI and is in post production on her first feature "A Place in the Field." Bryce Holden, the cinematographer and EP of this film, is currently shooting his AFI thesis film with Julia Ponce Diaz. Heliya Alam just premiered a film she co-produced, called "The Birthday Cake." The second editor on the film, is assistant editor on HBO's "Euphoria." I am currently in preproduction on my second feature.
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
U N T I T L E D
Length:
3:10
Director
NICOLE ECKENROAD’s first feature, Leave Yourself Alone, is three-time award
winning. She directed one of seven original Twilight franchise shorts in partnership with WIF, Stephenie Meyer, Facebook and Lionsgate. She was the recipient of the Women In Film/Tichi-Wilkerson Endowed Scholarship and the AFI Scholarship Fund upon entering the AFI Conservatory as a writer/director. She is in preproduction on her second feature.
Producer
Heliya Alam
HELIYA ALAM received her film and TV studies degree from USC School of Cinematic Arts. She mastered multiple crafts such as producing, writing, editing and directing. On her journey, she wrote, produced and directed multiple short films and creatively carried them to festivals such as Cannes, Sundance and New Film Makers LA.
Some of her Producer credits on feature length films include, The Color Rose, The Birthday Cake and On Our Way. A Place in the Field will be her fifth feature this year. She has worked closely with companies such as Diablo Entertainment (production, post production - Sundance) and Route One Entertainment (Development) as well as big studios such as Fox Broadcasting Company and Warner Bros (writer/producer n the TV department.)
Cinematographer:
Bryce Holden
BRYCE HOLDEN received his BA from the University of Michigan with a major in Screen Arts and Cultures. In 2014, he moved to Los Angeles and began working in camera departments on a variety of projects as a camera operator, 1st AC and 2nd AC. While also working as a Prep Technician at a local camera rental house, Bryce has worked in over 20 different countries and shot for National Geographic Magazine.
Bryce’s first feature film as a Director of Photography, I TRAPPED THE DEVIL, was released in theaters earlier this year through IFC Midnight. Bryce is a Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute graduating in 2021.
Cast:
Nicole Mejia (Brooklyn), Cassidy Gyetvan (Alix)
Made in Association With
American Film Institute
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