While exploring a decrepit and abandoned facility, an auspicious photographer faces off against her traumatic past.

Interview with Writer/Director/Editor John Pata

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Black Mold encompasses many of my own photographic experiences, as well as my journey with mental health and the ongoing acceptance of losing my father at a young age. The film explores the dangers that can surface at the intersection of artistic pursuits and internal sabotage.

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

The film was shot exclusively in actual abandoned locations, which gives it such a unique visual and atmospheric quality to it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Black Mold is a very personal film to me; it puts my struggle with mental health on display while interweaving grief, friendship, and the desire to create art.

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

There's always going to be evolution when it comes to the script and film once others get involved, and that's the beauty of film; it's such a collaborative process. It's hard to pinpoint all the specific ways the script/film has evolved, but we'll just say it's gotten a shit-ton better with the involvement of the cast and crew.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I'm well aware that the stories I'm interested in telling aren't for everyone, but I've been quite pleased with the response we've had so far. We've received a few awards and even more nominations, and the film seems to be connecting with others. Not everyone, of course, which is to be expected, but the people who get it seem to really embrace it and that means everything.

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

Not only was the film shot in the Midwest, but the vast majority of the cast and crew are based in the Midwest, as well. I'm hoping to shed a little more light on the incredible people we have in the Midwest and to let others know we're much more than just flyover states.

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

When it comes to indie films, word of mouth is so important for films like ours. If people see it and they like it, post about it. Tell others. The more noise that's made around a film helps in so many ways.

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

Through our festival screenings, there have been a lot of conversations about mental health already and that's the best compliment the film can receive. Regardless if people like the film or not, if people continue talking about mental health then I would be incredibly pleased.

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

I was the editor of Frogman, a feature directed by Anthony Cousins, which is also playing at film festivals right now.

Interview: December 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

Black Mold

While exploring a decrepit and abandoned facility, an auspicious photographer faces off against her traumatic past.

Length: 1:32:00

Director: John Pata

Producer: Sarah Sharp, Jen Shelby, Robert Patrick Stern, Iman Sharabash

Writer: John Pata

About the writer, director and producer:

Even though he went to school for graphic design, JOHN PATA decided to make his first short film during his last year of college. Upon graduating, he started a screen-printing shop that he co-owned for two-and-a-half years before selling his share of it in 2010 to help fund his first feature film. Since entering the world of filmmaking with no formal training or education, just his strong DIY-ethics, Pata has been an editor (The Stylist, Bug Bites), producer and co-writer (Gags The Clown), and post-production supervisor (Revealer). Pata finally returned to the director’s chair to helm Black Mold, which premiered at Panic Fest 2023 and won both Best Indie Feature and Best Actress (Agnes Albright).

Key cast: Agnes Albright (Brooke Konrad), Andrew Bailes (Tanner Bellman), Jeremy Holm (The Man Upstairs), Caito Aase (CJ Mueller)

Facebook: John Pata

Twitter: @john_pata

Instagram: @johnpata

Hashtags used: #blackmoldfilm

Other: IMDb

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

Sherman Oaks Film Festival - November 30th