A young boy with learning difficulties befriends a voice-activated AI assistant that unknowingly prepares him for the real challenges of life.

Interview with Writer/Director Milda Baginskaitė

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I have written the script during my time spent teaching film to small children. Lia IRL draws inspiration from a genuine incident where a young boy with learning difficulties mistook a voice-controlled phone assistant for a real person. Drawing from some of my own experiences and the diverse personalities of my students, I wanted to create a film that showcases the emotional depth and the transformative journey children undertake as they learn to communicate and connect.

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

Lia IRL embodies a narrative that deserves to be heard, shedding light on the communication and connection issues that are now more visible than ever in a society where people increasingly drift apart. Mental health holds a vital place within this film. I hope that Lia IRL not only entertains but also facilitates meaningful conversations. As a filmmaker, I aim to foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in their communication, challenging the neuronormative view that limits our comprehension.

I hope that the film will illuminate the nuances of communication, connection, and the extraordinary strength found within those who bravely exist beyond society's expectations.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

My intention with this film was to craft a heartfelt narrative that examines the impact of the digital world on our lives. In this era of uncharted technological advances, we often find ourselves confronted with the unknown. Lia IRL seeks to mirror this uncertainty, challenging the conventional dichotomy between the "real" and the "artificial." I am driven to question the popular belief that AI is dangerous and want to explore how it can be helpful when it comes to children growing up in its presence.

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

Once my producer Diva and the funders from Mintworthy Film Project got involved, we were able to workshop the script with young actors in order to produce the final version of it.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

When we premiered the film at the Reykjavik International Film Festival, a couple of neurodiverse audience members approached me and spoke about small details in the film with excitement. They said they felt seen which warmed my heart.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Feedback is always important for improvement. Hearing people's thoughts on the film, definitely allowed me to grow.

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

Connecting with people who would like to work together 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?

Distributors (especially for my up-and-coming film projects).

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

I want the film to leave the audience feeling hopeful.

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

How do we improve our communication?

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

I have a short documentary that I have just completed, a couple of shorts and a feature in development.

Interview: March 2024

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

Lia IRL

A young boy with learning difficulties befriends a voice-activated AI assistant that unknowingly prepares him for the real challenges of life.

Length: 14:14

Director: Milda Baginskaitė

Producer: Diva Rodriguez

Writer: Milda Baginskaitė

About the writer, director and producer:

MILDA BAGINSKAITĖ is an Eastern European screenwriter and director based in the UK. She has received several directing awards for her short films, music videos and micro shorts. Milda is a Berlinale Talents 2023 participant and a selected member of BAFTA Connect and Directors UK. A comedy TV series that Milda has co-created has recently been optioned by a Warner Bros Discovery production company. Milda also directs theatre. Her hybrid theatre and film production has toured UK theatres in 2021.

Based in Yorkshire, DIVA RODRIGUEZ is a seasoned creative with over 10 years of experience in film and television, having worked for Warner Bros, CBS-Viacom, BBC, ITV and independent production companies in developing linear and digital content. In 2023, Diva produced BBC’s Waterloo Road (episodes transmitting in January 2024) and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. Diva was the associate producer of Venice Critic’s Week and BFI London Film Festival 2023 nominated BFI/Film4/Screen Yorkshire feature film, Sky Peals and produced multi-award nominated BFI short films, Bury The Dogs (executive produced by Shane Meadows) and The Witch’s Daughter (starring Burn Gorman and Jo Hartley). Diva was a participant on Channel 4’s prestigious Commissioner Mentoring Network (mentored by Comedy Editor Laura Riseam) and will be a mentee on the coveted Women In Film and Television’s 2024 Nations and Regions Mentoring programme.

Key cast: William Flanagan

Instagram: @missmildute

Hashtags used: #AIstories #socialanxiety

Made in association with: Mintworthy Film Project

Funders: Mintworthy Film Project

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

Manchester International Film Festival in March, Taiwan International Children Film Festival in April