Phantom Parrot
A human rights activist is prosecuted under terror laws for refusing to hand over the passwords to his electronic devices during a border stop, unveiling unsettling questions about the rule of law, modern espionage and digital privacy.
Interview with Director Kate Stonehill
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
When I came across this story, I thought it presented a fascinating opportunity to examine the digital age that we're living in, and look at some of the urgent questions we're facing in our society. I was drawn to the fact that the story had a human at its heart. I hoped it would allow me to tell a story about the intersection of technology and politics, in an accessible way. Most of all, I was excited by the idea that the film could prompt an audience to wrestle with some incredibly important questions, such as what are the ramifications of rapid technological change on our justice system?
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You will be brought on a dark, suspenseful, cinematic journey into emerging technologies, surveillance and the future of policing. You'll leave the film with a deeper understanding of what is on your phone, what governments are doing with your data, and what the human rights implications are of this.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film follows an individual, who wrestles with the personal cost of a decision that he makes based on his principles. In that sense, it explores the age-old dilemmas -- and sacrifices -- associated with following your principles.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Even though the final film has multiple elements, my entry point into it was Rabbani (the lead contributor) and his story. When I started, I didn't know much about why Rabbani had refused to hand over his passwords. I had no idea I'd end up following an additional character, who shed light on his decision. The dramatic recreations in the film also evolved, from a live-action reconstruction to computerized recreations. As the process developed, I felt there was merit in bringing in an aesthetic that evoked a wider system, by existing as a digital program, rather than focusing on individuals.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We're early on in our journey but so far, it's been amazing to watch the film spark such thoughtful, engaged discussions! We've screened the film to sold-out audiences who've stayed behind long after the allocated Q&A time to ask more questions, such as how policing can evolve in a way that doesn't invade our privacy. People tend to be outraged and shocked at the particular use of the law that the film highlights. They often use words like 'disturbing,' 'terrifying' and 'troubling.'
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I've been immersed in this issue area for a long time now, so I think I'd underestimated how scary people would find it.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Connecting further with audiences who may want to watch the film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festival directors, journalists and distributors.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd like the film to elevate public awareness of surveillance technologies, and the way they are used to collect data. I also want the film to contextualize current debates around encryption by bringing audiences real-world examples of how law enforcement uses technology, and what kind of legal frameworks exist that govern their use.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are new technologies being used to erode our civil liberties?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm in development on a couple of feature doc ideas. I also have a short film coming out with Field of Vision this year, called The Family Statement, which I co-directed with Grace Harper.
Interview: July 2023
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Phantom Parrot
A human rights activist is prosecuted under terror laws for refusing to hand over the passwords to his electronic devices during a border stop, unveiling unsettling questions about the rule of law, modern espionage and digital privacy.
Length: 1:25:37
Director: Kate Stonehill
Producer: Steven Lake
About the writer, director and producer:
KATE STONEHILL is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work explores power and citizenship in the digital age. Her debut feature Phantom Parrot (CPH:DOX, Sheffield Doc/Fest 2023) is currently playing at festivals. Her recent short films include The Family Statement (2022) for Field of Vision and the Grierson Award nominated Mother (BFI London Film Festival 2020). She has worked on documentaries for Channel 4, Amazon Studios and VICE.
STEVEN LAKE is a Peabody-nominated documentary producer. He is the producer of Roll Red Roll (BBC, POV - PBS, Netflix) which premiered at Tribeca 2018, screened at over 40 international festivals and had a theatrical release in the US. His other films include The Family Statement (Field of Vision) and Anonymous Comes To Town (Tribeca Film Institute, The Guardian).
Twitter: @phantom_parrot
Instagram: @phantom.parrot
Hashtags used: #phantomparrot
Website: phantomparrot.com
Funders: BFI Doc/Society, Catapult Film Fund, Tribeca Film Institute, Bright West Entertainment
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Sheffield Doc/Fest/Sheffield - June 15, June 17