An interview with the Director of Black and Blue, screening at the 2024 Mosaic World Film Festival.
Black and Blue is about a man’s relationship with his partner is at its breaking point as she walks out of his life.
1. What drew you to create this film?
The assignment for the class was to make a music video or a (very) short film that required certain camera movements. My goal was to make a music video that had an intentional story within while maintaining a music-video feel with an artist. My team consisted of three others, and I was the only girl. The boys brought this song to me, wanting to make a boxing music video. Although, I also thought the boxing was cool, I felt it was essential to see the relational side of the story as well, as that’s what seeped through when listening to the lyrics. Like most people, I’ve gone through a few heartbreaks over the years, and I found I really enjoyed being able to capture that feeling on film in a real way—especially using colors, not just in the lighting but also in the costuming, to convey what the characters were feeling.
2. What does filmmaking mean to you?
I find filmmaking to be a beautiful, real way to tell stories, whether those be true or fictional.
3. What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
Having just been a student myself recently, this is what comes to mind: 1. Don’t be scared to fail, because you are going to! Lots of people say this: but it’s true! You learn more when you make mistakes 2. Lean on those around you; make friends with people who know more than you. Be the dumbest (but most eager for knowledge) in the room. You might learn more that way.
4. What films do you watch again and again?
I’ve never been one to rewatch movies (mostly because I grew up in a family that didn’t) but movies that I have and do rewatch over and over are: Pride and Prejudice (2005), La La Land (2016), and Les Miserable (2012) – you can probably sense a Musical theme in there.
Thank you Naomi!
You can get tickets for the #2024mwff here: https://filmfreeway.com/MosaicWorldFilmFestival/tickets