Echo's Voice Box
A singer is terrified of losing her voice and is convinced someone is out to steal it.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alex Sultoon
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
We made it for the Straight 8 challenge, where you have to make a film on one reel of Super 8 analogue film with no retakes, no editing and no post-production. The fact that you can't synch a soundtrack in post gave the idea for the lost voice and cassette tape concept and I wanted to make a short horror so it all sprang from that.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's unlike anything you'll have seen before - and get ready for the big twist at the end!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I do a lot of singing and performing myself, so I know what it's like to worry about losing your voice, but more universally, I think we all worry about our bodies failing us in some way and what that means for us.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Once I latch on to an idea, I move pretty fast, but the main thing that shaped the final film was finding the location in this wonderful old theatre in Hastings (which has since closed down, unfortunately) and it was instrumental to the overall feel of the piece.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We've been delighted by the reception of festivals all over the world and I'm always really chuffed with the audible audience reaction that it gets every time at the end.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has certainly helped me to find my cinematic voice and given me direction for future film projects.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope if people can see what we can achieve with 3½ minutes of Super 8 in one shot, it will get them excited about what we can do with a bigger film in the future.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anyone who digs the film, the style, the tone and who wants more!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Shock, horror, something to think about and of course entertainment.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Who can you trust?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for inviting us to be a part of WAMS, we are excited and honoured.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Definitely more horror with a twist!
Interview: August 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
Echo's Voice Box
A singer is terrified of losing her voice and is convinced someone is out to steal it.
Length: 3:30
Director: Alex Sultoon
Producer: Alex Sultoon
Writer: Alex Sultoon
About the writer, director and producer:
ALEX SULTOON is from London, England and trained as a doctor at Cambridge University, specialising in ophthalmology. He recently trained at Met Film School based in Ealing Studios in London and has since made 8 short films that have won numerous awards in film festivals all around the world.
Key cast: Elena Harding (Echo Birdette), Marcus McSorley (Doctor)
Looking for: distributors, journalists, film festival directors, producers, buyers
Twitter: @alexsultoonfilm
Instagram: @alexsultoonfilms
Hashtags used: #echosvoicebox
Website: www.alexsultoonfilms.com/echos-voice-box
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival / San Jose, CA - Sat, Aug 19 + Thu, Aug 24; Grindhouse Planet Film Festival / Leicester, UK - Sun, Aug 27