Focus on AFI Conservatory - Like Us
A lonely woman saves an alien who cannot experience emotions. As she tries to teach it what love is, she discovers that you can’t teach what you don’t know yourself.
Interview with Writer/Director Mikhail Saburov
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
My filmmaking almost always originates from an intellectual place. I guess it's no wonder I was very good at math! With all seriousness, though, Like Us began as an experiment of sorts - what would happen if someone was raised completely removed from society? Would they have the full spectrum of emotions as a "normal" person? And if they don't, would we as society attempt to understand and accept them or change them to something we are used to?
That is the underlying argument that created the structure of the story. Later on I found the characters and personal experiences that could make the concept into a story for others to watch. One of the main characters of the film is Kathie's husband - Jim. He's been fully paralyzed for a few years now and has no means of communication except for his eyes. The dynamic between Kathie, the alien (Rogl) and Jim became the main driving force of the story - that element I took from my own life as my grandfather was temporary paralyzed a few month before passing away.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I want to believe the film manages to marry an entertaining and accessible narrative with some deeper underlying themes. If you're into sci-fi films that play on a more mainstream level, yet ask uncomfortable questions - Like Us might be the right fit for you!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It's always a mixture of both. Every film I make always starts with a specific premise - a thesis that I am to prove in the film. That what makes its bare-bone structure and guides me in choosing the right characters. The emotionality and humanity of the film comes in the next phase of development -- which is very much based on my own experiences (or experiences of the people I know) that would bring the concept to life and make it relatable.
Cause at the end of the day no one wants to watch a "message" or a "lesson", or even a concept. We all go to the movies to ride an emotional rollercoaster - my job is to marry the two so everyone can find something entertaining, yet thought-provoking in the stories I tell.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
As David Fincher once said, "Writer is only limited by their imagination. As a director - I have laws of physics to deal with". Since I'm both the writer and the director of this film, I surely experienced the both sides of the process. Trying to make a sci-fi believable under scheduling and budgetary constraints is a huge task and it would've been impossible without a great team, that luckily I had.
As far as the story itself goes - I went through many drafts trying to find the right balance and structure, juggling different characters and playing with various circumstances until I finally landed on a small, almost chamber-like piece that involved just three characters (and a cat).
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It was generally favourable, although there's much to improve in my own filmmaking in future projects. I'm always very emotional when the story touches someone on the deepest level, and I had a pleasure to experience it with this film. I can't be happier that the film will be available on DUST in the fall for a world-wide audience!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We had a privilege of screening the film in various stages of post-production to different focus groups - and that feedback was absolutely invaluable in getting the film to where it is today. In general, I think the biggest surprise was a very distinct love-hate response from the audience - either people bought into the story (and the sci-fi elements of it) and truly experienced and enjoyed it, or they felt completely disconnected. There was no middle-ground. One thing for sure - the film seems to leave no one indifferent. And that's a win in my book.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Reach a wider audience! I'm not an auteur director and I never aspired to be one. My ideal film is something that a person from any country, background or culture can enjoy - and I strive to make my films with that audience in mind.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers, film festival directors, journalists and distributors - everyone is more than welcome!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want it to be memorable. In the ocean of content we have available to us right now, a film that you remember a month after you watched it - is a huge achievement. And hopefully that "memorability" would also make you question what love truly means for you.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is love? Do we accept a person if they're definition of love is vastly different from our own? Or do we pressure them into accepting our own view?
Yes, the film uses an alien to illustrate this debate, but it's a truly human story from the beginning to the end.
Would you like to add anything else?
I can't be more grateful for the opportunity to talk about Like Us. Thank you, We Are Moving Stories!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I've been working on quite a few features and TV shows - some of which are in the sci-fi genre. I'm also developing a new short film that I hope to release next year. We'll see what happens!
Interview: July 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
Like Us
Length:
18:49
Writer/Director
Mikhail Saburov
Born and raised in Russia, MIKHAIL started performing at a local theater at a young age, later on becoming director’s assistant and eventually directing short plays.
Determined to transition into film, MIKHAIL moved to NYC and graduated from School of Visual Arts. Since then MIKHAIL has written and directed several award-winning short films in both Russia and the US.
MIKHAIL currently works as a writer/director in LA after completing his MFA at AFI Conservatory.
Producer
Timur Khanachet
TIMUR is a graduate of Wesleyan University. He began his career at Curious Pictures, working on a variety of projects including stop-motion animation for EUREKA's special "Do You See What I See." He worked for four years in Dubai, UAE, producing content for the pay-TV network OSN, Emirates airline, TGI Fridays and WWE. Returning to America, he has worked on independent short films, web series and branded content for WWE and Hyundai.
Key cast:
Looking for:
sales agents, distributors, journalists, film festival directors, buyers
More info:
https://www.likeusfilm.org/
Made in association with:
AFI Conservatory
Where can I watch it now?
DUST streaming platform - available this fall (date TBA).