The Presenter
When Niamh, a shy production assistant at a news channel, is pulled up on stage to present the evening news, things take an unexpected turn.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Animator Josephine Lohoar Self
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
When I was given the opportunity to pitch an idea for World Mental Health Day in 2022, I wanted to focus on the anxiety and fear many children develop when they are asked to read aloud in class. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia from an early age and, with the help of my very supportive parents, quickly discovered that I learnt and processed information differently from my peers. I am a visual learner and learnt best through pictures. Despite this though, I struggled more than others with tasks such as math, languages and reading.
Throughout my research for the film, I have learnt that one of the biggest obstacles people diagnosed with Dyslexia report is the anxiety which often accompanies it.
When asked to read aloud, I, like many Dyslexics get caught up in the ‘what ifs, what if I make a mistake? What if I look stupid, what if the teacher thinks I haven’t been paying attention? What if my peers think I’m not as clever as them? Being Dyslexic doesn't necessarily pre-wire you to being anxious around reading, but for many people, including myself, the thought of stepping into a classroom and being asked to read aloud often fills people with dread.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should view The Presenter because it’s a catharsis watch for anyone that has ever felt alone in their anxiety around reading aloud, and for those who aren’t Dyslexic, an insight into how it might feel.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The Presenter explores the universal theme of fear of failure and embarrassment many children and adults experience within educational settings.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Commissioned for a younger children’s audience for World Mental Health Day, it was important to make an impactful, yet emotionally sensitive film geared towards children. The initial treatment for the film was influenced by an interview I took with a former mental health child’s counsellor about his experience treating children’s mental health. Throughout the development of the script, we also consulted a children’s psychologist in order to keep the message of the film clear and impactful.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The Presenter is just starting its festival circuit now, so I hope it resonates with audiences in the festivals it plays at.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
So far, it’s been positive!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m hoping that the film starts a conversation about the connection between anxiety and Dyslexia. I hope it offers a glimpse into how some Dyslexic children feel when asked to perform tasks they struggle with in educational settings.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It’d be great to have more coverage of the film so that a larger conversation around Dyslexia and anxiety can be explored. We’d love to hear from festival directors and journalists to amplify the film’s message.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How have you felt when you’ve been asked to read aloud?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Although I love stop motion animation, I’m looking to write and direct more live action as I love the immediacy of the medium and working more closely with actors.
Interview: May 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
The Presenter
When Niamh, a shy production assistant at a news channel, is pulled up on stage to present the evening news, things take an unexpected turn.
Length: 2:34
Director: Josephine Lohoar Self
Producer: Carla Mooney
Writer: Josephine Lohoar Self
About the writer, director and producer:
JOSEPHINE LOHOAR SELF is a writer and director working across live action and animation. Her short film The Fabric of You, was longlisted for Best Animated Short at the OSCARS (2021) and nominated for a Scottish BAFTA. Josephine has made several shorts for RTÉ, including IFTA nominated animation Günter Falls In Love (2021) and most recently The Presenter (2022) which has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Award.
CARLA MOONEY, founder of Cardel, an award-winning production company collaborating with aspiring and established filmmakers worldwide to hone their creative potential and individuality. Cardel Entertainment encompasses the development, production, financing and distribution of content across all platforms and for audiences worldwide. Founded by brother and sister Delwyn and Carla Mooney in 2011, opening an animation arm in 2017, operating globally under the following divisions: Scripted, Non-Fiction and Commercials & Music Videos.
Key cast: Alison Oliver
Looking for: journalists and film festival directors
Instagram: @josephinelohoarself
Website: josephinelohoarself.com
Other: Vimeo
Funders: RTE
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Animation Dingle 24-25th March 2023
Aspen ShortFest: 10-16 April 2023
Cannes Short Film Corner: 22 – 25th May 2023