Tell us what One of Us Films has been up to - what's most recently completed and what's on the horizon?
We’ve been wrapping up production on two kids safety DVDs that will help parents and educators talk to kids about body ownership. They accompany an animation for kids called Daisy Tells a Secret that was developed in partnership with HAVEN of Oakland County. HAVEN uses the animation locally in prevention education, and the DVD has been developed to take the message nationally. Last year was a BIG year for production, this year we need to market and distribute that work. So Hunting Blind and Regional Roots are being entered into film festivals, while we coordinate a largely grassroots marketing effort for Daisy. As far as production, we’ll be co-producing a documentary about how the Deaf have been educated, which will be all in American Sign Language and co-production with OIC Movies. I’d like to be directing a feature early next year, and while financing that level of production is an enormous challenge, I think we’re more than ready for it.
How did you first become connected with Lunafest? Why have you stuck with it for so long?
This is our fourth Lunafest. The event is just a natural fit for us, given their commitment to women’s films and as a non-profit fundraiser. We continue to sponsor the event because we LOVE the program. The films are always inspiring and brilliant.
Tell us what people can expect from the Lunafest/Showcase event. What kinds of films will we see?
The films are made by women around the world with very unique points-of-view because of the diversity of geography, but their female perspective ties them all together and makes them very relatable. There is always at least one film that sticks with me and I can’t get out of my head. While most short programs you’ll see at festivals are dominated by male directors, it’s refreshing to see a female based program. Women will totally “get it” at every level.
What's the value of this event for Detroit area film-makers, and in particular, women film-makers?
Local filmmakers will have the opportunity to see one of the best shorts programs I’ve seen, and women filmmakers will definitely be inspired by the high level of quality films being produced by women. I’m always motivated by what I see and the program reminds me why I make movies.
What does it mean to you on a personal level?
In order for more films to be made by women, women need to support the work made by each other.
These are tough economic times - are there plans to keep Lunafest going?
This event has historically been a break-even event for us, but we do it because it is so meaningful to us. It’s a great event to have people come and respond to the work.
Learn more about Daisy Tells a Secret
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