MY FIRST CHOICE (Mi primera opción)
An emotional conversation about oral sex will change their relationship forever.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Actor Carlota Callén
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
As an actress, I was tired of telling other people's stories and hoping others would hire me. Some notebooks I wrote when I had breast cancer inspired me to write this story. In them I talked about my fears, concerns... anything that came to my mind.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
In addition to laughing and getting excited in equal parts, it makes you want to live, to do what you never dared.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
"Today is the day" is a very important phrase in the short. All we have is this second, this moment. So if there's something you want, go get it now, don't waste your time. It's something I learned when I was sick.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It is a very short story and I always had it very clear.
There is a lot of talk about oral sex, but it really touches on very deep issues. What I thought about a lot was the end, and I preferred to leave it open so that the viewer has the freedom to imagine what is going to happen.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The public loves it, they laugh and get excited in equal parts, they praise the performance of the actresses and the script. It still surprises me that the public laughs more than I expected.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
In some festivals, very interesting debates about sexism and sexual repression of women have been opened after the screening. It's amazing how women of all ages tell you about their unsatisfactory sexual experiences. As a society, we still have a lot to do in this regard.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would like it to reach the largest audience possible. And if I could get something back it would be a dream, since I have personally financed it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Everyone who can make this short reach a wider audience is welcome to join in the project. We have been selected in 45 festivals and have won 3 awards.
I hope it draws the attention of some buyers and sales agents.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like people to be moved, to ask themselves questions, to make peace with that loved one, to dare to do what they never did, to live, not to be silent, not to settle and to bet on their happiness.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Do you have a satisfactory sex life?
What is it that you have always wanted and never dared to do?
Would you like to add anything else?
This is my website https://www.carlotacallen.com/
And instagram @carlotacallen
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on the script for my first movie. It resolves around how healthcare workers struggle to keep their vocation and passion for their job due to being alienated by a collapsing system that has proven to be inefficient and unfair.
Interview: September 2022
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
MY FIRST CHOICE (Mi primera opción)
Length:
5:57
Writer/Director/Producer
CARLOTA CALLÉN (Zaragoza, Spain, 07/16/1979). Film director, scriptwriter and actress. Trained at Corazza Acting Studio by renowned teachers and coaches the likes of John Strasberg, her acting career spans film, theatre, and TV. Some of her most prominent and significant works are the Netflix movie “Los Futbolísimos” and the HBO series “El último show” among others. She studied scriptwriting and film and stage direction under the guidance of David Planell and Natalia Mateo. This led her to write, direct, and produce “Mentir está muy feo”, a micro-theatre musical with great success in Madrid’s theatrical scene. After working as an assistant director and acting coach in a number of projects, she puts herself behind the camera to write, produce, and direct her first short film “My first choice”, where she also co-stars and produces.
Key cast:
Carlota Callén (Julia), Violeta Orgaz (Blanca)
Looking for:
sales agents, buyers, film festival directors
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/miprimeraopcion_corto/
Hashtags used:
#drama #comedy #oralsex #actress
More info:
https://distributionwithglasses.com/mi-primera-opcion/
Where can I watch it?
Frame film festival (Castellvell del Camp - Spain) 10th 11th Septembre