Interview with film director Francesca Brice-Martin

Welcome Ms Brice-Martin we are very excited to have you today and discuss about your work. Who is Francesca Brice Martin and how did the passion for start ?

I am a filmmaker born and raised in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and I currently reside in Los Angeles. My passion for filmmaking rose gradually, from when I was a kid doing acting jobs here and there to the first time I got to be behind the scenes of film. Once you know how it works and how exhilarating the whole process of filmmaking is, you just can’t go back. I still get surprised by my excessively happy childish reactions when I am on set and see a story visually unfold before my eyes. 

I was under twelve the first time I picked up a camera to record family gatherings and started writing scripts at 15. A very fun part of a kid’s life. I spent late nights watching films by myself in my parents' living room, thinking that one day, I will make one of those films. I feel very lucky and I am grateful I get to do what I love.

Talk to us about your short drama film. What inspired it ?

“Forgiveness” was inspired by personal experiences. I don’t want to go into too many depressing details but I went through loss and grief in 2014 and it’s never an easy process, especially when you lose two people at the same time. I blamed myself a lot at the time and I remember thinking maybe if I was at some places at some specific moments, if I did some things and never did some others, things would have never happened the way they did, while honestly there was nothing I could have done. When blaming yourself for the loss of someone, forgiving yourself is a crucial part of the grieving process. And making “Forgiveness” was probably a part of my process.

CONVERSATION ABOUT: ‘‘Forgiveness’’

What was your main goal with this project ? The message you want to convey.

I wanted to share a story with the world and spread the message that no matter how other people see you, the most important thing you need to keep moving is the way you see yourself. You could feel like you need Forgiveness from others while in reality the blame that is taking you down is the one you are putting on yourself, and sometimes for no reason. 

It is also important to let people who care about you and love you in. Seeking help when going through tough times is no shame.

Talk to us about our characters,Claudia and Julia. Who are they ?

Julia and Claudia are sisters. They are close to each other and their family but a tragic event in their lives forces Julia to take a step back. Julia and Claudia approach difficulties in a different way. While Claudia is the type of person who seems like she got her feelings under control, Julia is more of the type who needs space to process her feelings. As  Julia is trying to pull herself together, she pushes the people who love her away which ultimately does her more harm than good.

What would you describe as your directing identity style ?

I don’t know if one would describe this as a directing style but I like the stories that I direct to start right away with conflict. Conflicts and characters are crucial elements that drive a narrative and I love to take the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions. Pacing and visuals are also important to me. I like creating visuals that match my characters emotions whether it is combining some specific shots with specific colors or production design at a specific time of the film. Finally, I usually create pacing in collaboration with actors and their performances but also in the editing process.

Are the characters based on actual people and is there any hidden symbolism in your work ?

None of the characters in the film are based on actual individuals. They are completely fictional. However, I completely resonate with the story as I mentioned earlier. Most of the symbolism used for this film are mainly with the lighting that mimics the character’s set of mind as the story unfolds.

There is a particular use of light in this film? What were the stylistic atmospheric choices ?

I wanted to use a specific type of lighting for this film, particularly in colors. Blue lighting usually gives a cold feeling and I wanted it to represent loneliness. In my mother’s culture, from what I remember red represents danger, blood. There is a mix of these two colors in the beginning of the film and they are intense when the main character Julia is at her darkest moment, especially for the red. The struggle she goes through is accentuated by low lighting and as we move towards the ending, the colors gradually disappear to give place to amore joyful and bright lighting. 

Any upcoming projects in the near future ?

Fortunately, yes! I had the amazing opportunity to meet and collaborate with awesome people and I will be collaborating again with them in the future. I am currently in post production for “ I Am An Addict'' a film that portrays the struggle of dealing with addiction. The film is currently in post  production and will soon be completed. I am also in the development phase of a feature film that depicts the complicated relationship of a brother and a sister.

That was the interview with our beloved creator Francesca Brice-Martin. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work. To publish an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.