Trill
A young college student flubs an audition, but finds solace in her solitude.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Christy Anna Wu
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Trill is a sophomore effort that leans into the dramatic slice-of-life category. It's based off a true story about growing up in an emotionally unsupportive environment, which could be relatable across different cultures and demographics. The main character, Anna, also faces her lack of self-confidence, which feeds into her stage fright and anxiety. I wanted the film to be a bittersweet reminder of the challenges that underdogs often go through.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's a short, but densely emotional piece, with glimmers of hope at the end. It's an allegory to searching for acceptance, which I think is simultaneously subtle, yet forward.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Symbolism that derives from life experiences typically appear in the films I like to create. With Trill, it's no different. A sort of naivete appears in this one, whether it's through the character or through the viewer. I say this because we have the option to learn from the movie as the character learns about herself. Rhetorically, what kind of biases do we have as we glimpse into her life?
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script is quite short, so there were only a few revisions necessary. And because it's quite linear, the telling of it was methodical, as was the production process. The only big element that changed was the piece of music Anna chose to sing. Originally, I was planning on showcasing a well-known tune (Phantom of the Opera's "Think of Me"), but I felt like that was too on the nose, and there were concerns about licensing. In the end, being a songwriter myself, I decided to write the music.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far, the feedback has been meaningful. Viewers who identify with the main character feel a sense of that trauma, so in a way, it's validating to see it in this medium. Others who may not be as close to the character still empathize and sympathize strongly for her.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping that we'll gain more viewership, especially for cinema that showcases an Asian-American lead. I want to emphasize that this story is an American story, and that there have been unconscious biases around this piece.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We're just starting our festival run for the year, but I can't predict how well we'll do based on the story length and subject matter. In general, I would love to share this film through all channels.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The type of impact I'd like to nurture is more empathy. People come from all backgrounds and experiences, and they all have various hopes and dreams. Resilience is necessary, but so is support. Pull each other up.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do you pronounce the last name, "Huynh"? :)
Interview: March 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
Trill
Length:
5:30
Writer/Director/Producer
Christy Anna Wu is a writer, director, and producer based in Seattle, WA. With a diverse background in design, art, and engineering, she's traversed many career paths. Her art tends to be emotive, rife with harsh experiences and social commentary. As she continues her career in the industry, she hopes to inspire other filmmakers with her artistry.
Key cast:
Emily Bang, Evon Crighton, Karen Wetterhahn, Adara Toop,Lionel Flynn, Thomas Allen
Looking for:
Twitter:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cluumein/
Hashtags used:
#trill #trillmovie
Where can I watch it?
Garden State Film Festival / Asbury Park, NJ
DisOrient Film Festival / Eugene, OR