While aimlessly following a winter goose migration across the American south, a professor slips in and out of childhood memories that all surround a forgotten trauma. This short animated film explores the ways we are shaped; both by what we remember and what we forget.

Interview with Writer/Director/Animator John C Kelley

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thanks! This film is the third part of a continued investigation that began with my films Guster (2018) and A Family That Steals Dogs (2020). All of these films are autobiographical and while they focus on different events, they all make an effort to reconstruct a cognitive experience - that is, the way a mind experiences something rather than an outside objective point of view.

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

Slower Animals might be a good introduction to creative nonfiction and/or experimental animation. The visuals don't really resemble any sort of mainstream animation that you might see on tv, so if for no other reason, there may be a novelty in the "look" of the film. I also think there are some interesting structural choices in the storytelling that may also be of interest.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This is certainly a "personal" film, but I think if the details or specifics of any narrative are removed, there is a universal experience at the heart of it. While viewers may not have had the exact experiences that are depicted or discussed in the film, I trust them to understand why I'm using those experiences to get at something larger.

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

My process for this film, as well as for A Family That Steals Dogs, is very organic in that the visuals, sound and story were all worked on simultaneously, so some sounds would inspire a new scene to be built, and some scenes would inspire new dialogue, etc. The "shape" of the film was never fixed until it was complete. I like that freedom in making - that at any moment the whole thing could shift and become something new. I just trust the film to find its own shape.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Slower Animals has been described as an "emotional experience", which I think is great. I'm much more interested in the film feeling a certain way rather than relaying information or being intellectually understood.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Feedback always surprises me. I read all of it. I know some filmmakers avoid their own press, but I read every audience review on letterboxd and every article/publication.

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

I'm just pleased that the film is being watched.

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

To be honest, I haven't thought too much about this. It's an exciting time to be an independent animator/filmmaker, because there are so many online tools that make it easy to get a film seen by a relatively wide audience. Digital word-of-mouth on social media is always helpful too.

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

I don't like to be too prescriptive about how an audience should or will respond to my work. I trust that viewers will find something in it that resonates with them, but it isn't really for me to say.

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

Slower Animals is built around a central confusion, and is very much about "not knowing" something, but there is a lot packed into those seven minutes. I hope there are enough breadcrumb trails to inspire some conversation, whatever it might be.

Would you like to add anything else?

No - just happy to talk about the film. Thank you for the opportunity.

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

I'm fundraising for a new animated film, and am finishing writing an episodic project with some of my friends. I hope to have more news on those things in the near future.

Interview: January 2023

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

Slower Animals

Length: 7:00

Director: John C Kelley

Producer: John C Kelley

Writer: John C Kelley

Key cast: John C Kelley

Instagram: @john.c.kelley

Hashtags used: #sloweranimals #johnckelley #animation

Website: johnckelley.com

Other: Vimeo

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Slamdance Film Fest / Park City Utah - Jan 20 - 24