In 1997 amidst the backdrop of distant violence two displaced women seek transcendence through connection.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor Willow Skye-Biggs

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I wanted to see two transsexual lesbians kiss in a realistic and also mythical context.

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

If you want to enter into a different plane of existence temporarily. And also see two transsexual lesbians kiss.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film is about connection in its most simple sense, but it is also about a very specific type of connection. I suppose it's about miracles really. It tries to find the universal by being very personally specific.

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

The screenplay included a lot of material that didn't make it to the final cut. I had another storyline that weaved into it but in the editing room it just felt too scattered so I cut a lot back to make it as direct and simple as possible.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People seem moved by the themes and also entranced by its hypnotic pacing and energy. I haven't had a chance to have too many people see it yet but am excited to see how it is taken.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really, but I'm open to that happening.

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

Hopefully reaching more receptive audiences who can connect with the work!

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

Anyone and everyone, I made this film with nearly no budget, with a crew of like 3 or 4 people and shot in my house or neighborhood. This is true independent film-making folks!

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

I'd like people to at least give it a chance because I think it deserves that. No one is required to connect with it but I hope that they do.

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

Are stories or plots the most important aspect of a film? Or put another way: in what ways can film open us up to more diverse perspectives and lenses to see the world outside of the established "storytelling" norms and beyond traditional stories that happen to include more diverse types of people?

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

Willow Skye-Biggs has just completed another short film, Innate Ecology which steps even further away from traditional storytelling than Vapor Trails. She is also currently in the development of two feature film screenplays, one of which she hopes to shoot in 2024.

Interview: November 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

Vapor Trails

In 1997 amidst the backdrop of distant violence two displaced women seek transcendence through connection.

Length: 11:15

Director: Willow Skye-Biggs

Producer: Willow Skye-Biggs

Writer: Willow Skye-Biggs

About the writer, director and producer:

WILLOW SKYE-BIGGS is a filmmaker, music producer and multimedia artist. She is a self-taught artist having spent most of her formative years as an artist living homeless or without a fixed address. Skye-Biggs has released more than 30 albums of original music since 2007, presented a solo multimedia installation at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art in 2017, and has completed 4 short films that have played at various festivals internationally. Her work is currently focused on films about transgender women in spiritual crises.

Key cast: Aidan Powell-Croft (Iris), Josephine Bluemel (Clara)

Looking for: film festival directors, buyers, distributors, journalists, producers

Instagram: @willowskyebiggs

Website: willowskyebiggs.com

Funders: Utah Arts and Museums

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

NewFest/New York City - October 19th