When Sally unexpectedly reunites with Sam history unfolds with devastating consequences.

Interview with Actors Mariah Mannae and Jayden Denke

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

MARIAH: The director scouted me at a play reading and asked me to come in and test for the role. I loved Lamberg’s collaborative nature and artistic style. Her European influence in her cinematic work is something I really resonate with. After auditioning alongside the wonderful Denke and seeing the way we both interpreted these challenging characters I knew I wanted to be involved.

JAYDEN: The role was going to require a lot of commitment and the dialogue and themes of the film were very heavy to handle. So those factors alone were the challenge I knew I wanted and needed to tackle as a young, fresh-faced actor in the industry.

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

MARIAH: Lamberg’s work is renowned for pushing the boundaries and creating worlds and characters that are multilayered and flawed. Proving to be both a deeply conflicting & emotive watch for audiences.

JAYDEN: It will unsettle and lead you to ask questions about what you believe in. It has characters with great depth that will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions. It will take you to places you may necessarily not want to go yet your curiosity may get the better of you, so you’ll have no choice but to see it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

MARIAH: The exploration of abandonment is a core theme personally to the film and how that then manifests in terms of the human psyche and its long-lasting imprint on us. Universally, it comes back to the deep innate, human desire to feel like we belong.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

MARIAH: We’ve been super lucky to have won international awards for the film, performances & directing. To have premiered at Cannes was also a magical experience.

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

MARIAH: The support of Female filmmakers breaking down barriers and making waves in the industry.

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

JAYDEN: One that leads to a deep discussion on the context of the character’s situation in the film and maybe if this film brings out a negative feeling in individuals, we can have an honest and open discussion on why they feel that way.

I would love for this film to drive forward the careers of all creatives involved and hopefully earn some respect for shouldering a film of this style due to the nature of the film’s themes.

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

JAYDEN: Do you empathise with Sam?

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

MARIAH: I’ve flown from my home in London to shoot the movie Love, Tea & Epiphany where I am producing and acting alongside Australian talent such as Davini Malcom, Frankie J Holden, Dennis Coard & Carolyn Bock. Whilst I am here I’m also working in the writers’ room for the upcoming historical drama TV mini-series Magic Lands. It’s been incredible to come back to Melbourne to work on such fulfilling projects & I feel extremely grateful to have a creative network both here & internationally.

JAYDEN: I’m constantly auditioning for various film/tv and commercials and I’m working closely with Animunch which is an animation group, doing voiceovers for various characters for short comedy skits for all social media forums.

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

Westermarck Effect

When Sally unexpectedly reunites with Sam history unfolds with devastating consequences.

Length: 1:36:00

Director: Saara Lamberg

Producer: Saara Lamberg

Writer: Saara Lamberg

About the writer, director and producer:

SAARA LAMBERG is a Finnish and Australian filmmaker, director, writer, producer and actor currently working in Australia. Her most notable work to date is the feature film Innuendo, which was released theatrically in October 2017 in Melbourne.

Key cast: Jayden Denke (Sam), Saara Lamberg (Sally), Mariah Mannae (Mint), Kevin Dee (Miranda), Brendan Bacon (Monty)

Instagram: @mariahmannae

Hashtags used: #womeninfilm #australiancinema

Website: www.mariahmannae.com

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: Blairwood Entertainment