Bumbershoot is fast approaching and for the third year in a row, I’ve got a film playing 1-Reel. That film is of course “Safe Passage” featuring my friends Khanh Doan, Rob Manning and one of the finest actors of my generation Francile Albright.
“Safe Passage” was made with the help of the Seattle International Film Festival, who essentially commissioned the piece as a part of their Fly Filmmaking Challenge. Now in its 10th year, the Fly Films supply three narrative Seattle filmmakers the goods and services necessary to make a short film, provided that the filmmakers adhere to certain rules: 4 days to shoot, 5 days to edit, 2 days to post; then there’s these fine print details: all films must be shot on black and white 16mm film; an iconic Seattle location must appear in the film, as must the director in the form of a cameo.
Film! Whoo-Hoo!
The finished product screened twice during SIFF 2009 and once at Rawstock.
I describe the short in this way: “It’s a horror film shot on the monorail.” Or, to put it more philosophically, “It’s a metaphysical thriller that examines the nature of man, as told through two women.”
I’m in the process now of raising money to make the DVD so that I can send it out to festivals, distributors and perhaps school groups whom I hope will use the film to discuss its various themes of right and wrong, good and bad, and personal responsibility.
“Safe Passage” will screen on Sunday September 6th at 1PM in the SIFF cinema.
From the Bumbershoot web site: “This year’s Fly Filmmaking Challenge takes SIFF audiences back to the basics. Three narrative filmmakers will make Serling, Chandler and Cocteau proud as they expand and hone their expertise, working with classic B&W 16mm film. Adding an extra dimension to the Fly Film experience, this year’s documentarians, will capture a stylish, behind-the-scenes perspective about the productions.”