Genre: Crime, Drama
Look into these eyes….These eyes are the eyes of a victim. Someone who was treated like an object, an end result. Now, no one seems to want to listen. No one in this male dominated town wants to listen. Her voice, because of fear, has been taken away.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Abraham: Brian Carleton
Darcy: Andrea Meister
Alex: Konstantina Mantelos
Get to know the writer:
What is your screenplay about?
In our society today, I think we’ve overlooked the seriousness of sexual abuse. With the Ray Rice trial (Although, it was spousal abuse) I got to thinking about these entitled people who simply take what they want and don’t have to answer for their actions. I’m a rape survivor and it took me 40 years to tell my father. Now, I can’t convict Mr. Cosby or some of the other, nor can I prove they’ve performed these awful crimes…However, I can tell a story of a young kid and his neglect to the rules of society AND where he learned these feelings from…
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
I wish there was a Genre of Human Spirit Stories. That would be where all my stories would land. I long for us to get back to feeling when we see a movie. I feel stories like Fences and Moonlight get over looked by the CGI movies. I don’t need a superhero, bare breast, car crashes or fart jokes to tell a good story…I just need the human spirit. If I did have to put Abraham’s Conflict in a box, it would be drama…
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Ah the question we all have to answer. What most would avoid saying is “So I can get rich”…I certainly don’t feel that way. I want all my movies to be made to affect the senses. This particular movie brings out an anger that we never seem to want to deal with…In my state, Marijuana procession is more serious than Rape…I want lawmakers to see AC and then explain to me WHY smoking a joint is far most damning to society than a college kid taking advantage of another human being.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Powerfully Raw
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
TOMBSTONE
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I started it in 2011. I’m constantly working on it. New Issues come up with today’s world…but I think now is the time to make it.
How many stories have you written?
I have 5 screenplays…I also have a couple of stage plays I’m working on and I have a book of poetry, Things I See, which I wrote after my sobriety in 2012.
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Luther Vandross- Power of Love. Phil Collins- Something Happened On The Way To Heaven. (I’m a Neo-Hippy)
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I think it needs to be tightened up a bit. It’s a little wordy. Just have to find which ones we don’t need…; )
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’m an actor and director. I just closed a production of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof…I would have never guessed I’d be old enough for the role of Big Daddy Poullit…Boy was I wrong…
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I have to tell you, the feedback was the MOST influential part. Being able to send my work somewhere and NOT having a friend say, “Wow man, that’s really cool…” I must say, that never helps, especially when your friend reads it and says, “I’m gonna be honest with you”…They never are…Ironically, I took the notes in stride. They were very helpful AS WERE the second round of notes. I believe you only get stronger if you can take criticism…You have a wonderful festival and it’s very giving…I’m really honored to be considered as one of the finalist.
*****
Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Camera Operator: Kierston Drier
Editor: John Johnson
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Crime/Mystery Film & Writing Festival 