CHARLIE
1882, when two travelers meet on a railroad the revelation that appearances are more than they seem, leads to a life or death scenario.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Lava Buckley
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This story was inspired by a true story I read a few years ago. When I was working in a casting office, I noticed that when we cast westerns, nearly all the roles were white. I asked the casting director why that was and she didn't seem to understand why this had to be inaccurate. So I started doing research about Asians in the old west and that is when I found dozens of amazing stories about Asians during the 1800's. And when I found the true story about Charlie, a Chinese Woman immigrant who dressed up like a man and went on a desert foot chase after her identity was discovered.
With the rise of Anti-Asian Hate, it was time to create this project. As an Asian American Woman Writer/Director, I felt compelled to finally make CHARLIE. This story is set to bring awareness of the racism Asians have faced since the 1800’s. It is also to showcase the strength of Asian Women.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
CHARLIE is an action time period story that has a chase scene and the good ole stand off. However, it is not a typical western since we have an Asian Woman lead and not a shoot'em up style story. It's inspired by true events during the 1800's. This is a western from a person of color perspective.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Even though I am Thai American and the story is about a Chinese Woman immigrant, I felt very connected to the Charlie Character. She reminded me of my mother. Charlie is brave, fierce and determined. As for universal themes, the story is to showcase the strength of Asian women and what they endure here in this country. In regards to personal themes, the portrayal of the white man, Sean, is based on various real experiences I have had as an Asian Woman. Every line he says is something I have heard.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script was written with what little I knew about the real story. Then adapted to the resources I had, plus adjustments with COVID-19. I made this film with $2,000 and had to plan very carefully how to film the story with COVID-19 in mind. The real story has more characters: 3 white men and 2 Chinese people (male and female). I had to shift the story to only have 2 characters for cost and safety issues. More people equals more challenges around COVID-19. I also had to keep the crew super tiny for the same reason.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Before I filmed CHARLIE, I had a white man strongly suggest I completely change the story. He thought it would be a better story if I had a younger, sexier Chinese Woman as a prostitute and the white man was her hero that busts her out of a brothel. I choose to keep my story as written and so far, I have received a lot of supportive feedback. Even though, the film has been rejected from a film festivals so far, I mainly have positive insights from professional film makers.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I am a little surprised at some of the film festival rejections. It does make me reassess what is and isn't working with the film. However, I also realize I made a film with only $2,000 and had to take on most of the production work. I even did my own costumes. At this point, the film is the best it could be with what I had. I am grateful to have made it than not at all. Next film, I will keep polishing my filmmaking skills to push it to another level.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would love to connect with Film Festival directors that would be interested in an Asian Woman driven western. At this point, I am spending too much money on festival fees with little traction. And it would be great to talk to more journalists about the project. Many people are very unaware Asians were in the United States during the 1800's,
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My hope is people become aware that racism towards Asians is not new, that Asian women are over sexualized, and that are voices are needing to be heard. Also, I would like others to see that even in spite of incredible challenges, Asian women are strong. We are not the model minority.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
CHARLIE could spark a debate. I personally have not heard feedback about the white male character, Sean. However, I feel it will flare some fragility. It's difficult for some people to see the reality of how Asian people are treated. It's easier to keep portraying us as jokes, women over sexualized or as a model minority. Which is why it is important for Asians to tell their stories.
My hope is that it sparks more of a conversation than a debate. To have people discuss Racism towards Asians and our history in this country.
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for considering CHARLIE! I appreciate your time. Did my best to answer the questions. I sincerely care about this film and not doing so great getting the film seen. Thanks again!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm working on a documentary about honoring traditional Asian clothes, writing a comedy feature and editing a documentary about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Interview: September 2021
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
CHARLIE
Length:
11:15
Writer/Director/Producer
LAVA BUCKLEY is an award winning Asian American filmmaker based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She works as a Production Coordinator for studio productions, but during her free time she directs stories she has written. Although Lava did not have traditional film schooling, she learned about film making while working on sets. Lava was fortunate enough to have a vast career working on studio productions to gain insight how film projects are made. Lava is driven to create films for her community that encourage positivity and overcoming challenges. When not creating films, Lava loves spending time off the grid in a camper van and taking photos.
Key cast:
Kitar Haiyan Chen (Charlie), John KD Graham (Sean)
Looking for:
film festival directors, distributors, journalists
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/lifewithlava
Hashtags used:
#asianamericanfilmmaker #stopasianhate #bipocfilmmaker #womandirector #aapiwomenlead #nmwif
More info:
www.beinglava.com
Made in association with:
Where can I watch it?
Santa Fe Independent Film Festival Oct 13-17, 2021