Against a pastoral backdrop, Ivanko and Galya navigate miscommunications and pride. Amidst whispering fields, their hearts yearn to connect yet hesitate to trust. They must unravel their emotions, questioning if their love can truly blossom.

Interview with Writer/Producer/Director Masha Ellsworth

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Bound is a project close to my heart, inspired by my Ukrainian roots and my love for the folk song Galya Carries Water. It's a love story about Galya and Ivanko, who face the highs and lows of a relationship, testing their strength together. I've always wanted to share this tale, and I made sure the film looked like it was cross-stitched, honoring traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship. The music, created with authentic Ukrainian instruments and vocalists, adds another layer of cultural richness. As a Ukrainian, I'm thrilled to share the beauty and complexity of our culture with the world through this film.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch this film because it beautifully weaves a magical love story set to the enchanting melodies of a beloved Ukrainian folk song. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Ukraine, providing a heartfelt and captivating experience.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

In my film, Ivanko and Galya's personal struggles with miscommunication and jumping to conclusions reflect universal relationship challenges.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Initially, the story was based on the lyrics of the folk song, which provided only a few details of Ivanko and Galya's love story. As I developed the script, I created my own interpretation of what happened between the characters, adding depth and complexity to their journey. This evolution allowed the film to grow into a richer and more nuanced portrayal of their relationship.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone loving the film, particularly its visual style and authenticity. My composer and I created a more romantic arrangement of the song and collaborated with Ukrainian musicians to record it, which has been especially well-received.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The positive reception of the visual style and authenticity reinforced my choices, while the enthusiasm for the romantic song arrangement encouraged me to integrate more cultural elements. This feedback motivates me to push the boundaries of storytelling and cultural representation.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

By having my film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com, I hope to introduce a wider audience to Ukrainian music and aesthetics, sharing the beauty and richness of this culture with more people.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

To amplify this film's message, it would be great to have distributors, film festival directors, and journalists come on board. Their support would help reach a broader audience and bring greater visibility to the film.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope this film resonates deeply with audiences, sparking a greater appreciation for Ukrainian culture, music, and aesthetics. I would like it to inspire viewers to explore and embrace the beauty of different cultures and foster a sense of connection through universal themes.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

A key question to spark a debate or conversation about this film could be: "What keeps us connected, and how fragile are those connections?"

Would you like to add anything else?

I hope you really like the folk song, as much as I do!

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I have two other short films that I'm working on, both set in the early '70s, and I'm excited to explore this period through storytelling.

Interview: May 2024

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Bound - Переплетені

Length: 4:00

Director: Masha Ellsworth

Producer: Masha Ellsworth

Writer: Masha Ellsworth

About the writer, director and producer:

MASHA ELLSWORTH is a lead technical director at Pixar, with extensive experience in the characters department. She began as a Ratatouille intern in 2007, working on lighting and sets, and has since contributed to numerous Pixar feature films. Masha is from northern Ukraine and holds a dual degree in Computer Science and Visual Art from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Looking for: film festival directors, distributors, journalists