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Honorable Mention – “Till Human Voices Awake Us” (USA)
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Title: Till Human Voices Awake Us
Runtime: 10 min
Country: USA
Director: Indrani
Placement: Best Supporting Actress (Lindsay Lohan) + Honorable Mention
Competition: December, 2015
Synopsis: Inspired by the Celtic myths of the Selkies — seals in water and enchanting maidens on land — who storm Manhattan when one of their kind falls for a man drowning under the Brooklyn Bridge.
DIRECTOR Q&A
OR: What was the inspiration for your film?
I: This film is inspired by the Celtic legend of the Selkies–mythical creatures that are seals in water and enchanting maidens on land. I wanted to create a post-postmodern de-collage of the myths of these sirens who are both muses and furies, guardians of the sea and memory, inspiring tragic love stories and unleashing storms that wash away cities when provoked; with T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”. Celebrating the beauty and mystery of the oceans, to awaken our awareness of our need for sustainability, to protect the oceans for the sake of our species’ survival. Yet I wanted to do so in an entertaining way.
OR: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?
I: Produced by Rick Schwartz (Black Swan, Gangs of New York) and exec produced by Jeremy Frommer, we began with their interest in vintage temptresses, for which we first shot stills that were published in VICE magazine. My concept evolved into a study of the ancient Selkies, emblematic of the mysteries of the ocean and of hope, fear, love and memory, It took over 2 years to complete this film
OR: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?
I: Short films have very little funding, most actors have little respect for their schedules.
OR: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?
I: Casting was challenging so we held a worldwide casting to discover many new talents, and created a leading role for Lindsay Lohan, having enjoyed working with her previously. Lindsay handled her role artfully, and shared her character’s passionate desire to be a Selkie. The process of making the film was as mercurial and as the ancient myths, with challenges such as people falling in love with each other and backing out of production to be missionaries half-way through filming. The resulting layers provided an intensity that we re-worked into the complexity of the Selkies’ characters and found The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock providing perspective on the wild longings trapped in human fears released through mythology and dreams, as a call to awaken us to our need to protect our oceans, before they consume us.
OR: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?
I: Be prepared for anything! Focus on the meaning behind your film even more than any other element it is critical!