A woman realizes she’s the same age with the same ailment that her father had when he passed away and she finds herself trying to balance the ebb and flow of this bittersweet feeling and phase of her life.

Interview with Shakira Ja'nai Paye (Writer/Producer) and Stewart Yost (Director)

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I decided to create this film because it was inspired by my own life experiences. When my father passed away at the age of 32, it left an indelible mark on me. As I approached my thirty-second birthday, I was overcome with a strange mix of fear and grief that seemed to stir deep within my spirit. Coincidentally, during this time, I contracted pneumonia while travelling, which eerily mirrored the circumstances of my father's passing. This convergence of events prompted me to journal about my emotions, and it was through this reflective process that the idea for the short film was born. It truly became one of those moments where art mirrors life, capturing the profound and poignant nature of my journey.

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

Because you want to be inspired to think and create outside of the box. This story "starts today" because our lead has hit the age that her father was when he died, 32. She just happens to have the same deathly cough that took his life. There is this overwhelming real feeling of fear, anxiety, and depression, that when you reach the age, your parents were when they died it triggers something in you a reminder of how fleeting life is. I think this emotion happens to more people than we realize and by seeing this film some people can see themselves and maybe even heal a a part of themselves.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The goal of this film is to create that real raw feeling of when you’re not quite ebbing, but you're simultaneously not quite flowing. You’re stuck in your perceived reality. When your grief takes hold of you and creates a world of its own. And you simultaneously realize that being a black woman comes with an endless list of polarizing boxes that you don’t quite fit into. When you have to surrender to the journey that is life. Personally, this is a journey I'm on and having to learn and be patient with daily.

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

We've added things along the way. We've also cut things and we've honed in on the story. I think this final edit is the best version of 32. We had enough video to make an hour-long movie but what we ended with is just enough.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. My artist friends have expressed that they feel inspired to create their own short films, which is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, many viewers have shared that the emotions depicted in the film deeply resonated with them. The acting and directing, in particular, have received acclaim, with numerous friends commenting on its strength and authenticity. Which just feels sweet and makes this all worth it. In summary, the response has been remarkably encouraging and affirming.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback I received has not fundamentally challenged my point of view. However, my personal growth has indeed prompted a significant shift in my perspective. When I initially embarked on this project, I was grappling with a much darker, more heartbroken mindset. Over time, the various challenges I have faced have played a crucial role in fortifying my mental health. This journey has been transformative, leading me to a place of greater resilience and clarity.

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

Connection with a broader audience. To network and foster some healthy relationships with fellow filmmakers.

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

Everyone who wants to help us on this journey is welcome. So open to sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, and journalists.

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

I want folks to think outside of the box and be encouraged.

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

What does grieving look like and how long does it last? What is white people's shit and why can't it just be for all? How do you get therapy without the money for therapy?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my short :)

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

Gail Bean is working on PValley and a spinoff show of Snowfall. Shakira Ja'nai Paye sold a feature recently and is writing another one. Stewart Yost is directing a pilot episode.

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

Length: 15:22

Director: Stewart Yost

Producer: Shakira Ja'nai Paye

Writer: Shakira Ja'nai Paye

About the writer, director and producer:

STEWART YOST is a director, creator and producer. He began his career as a cinematographer in commercials, music videos and film with Taylor Sheridan and Ana Lily Amirpour. Stewart used his knowledge and experience to direct, produce and write for the last 10 years, collaborating with incredible talents like Issa Rae, Jane Seymour, Amin Joseph, Gail Bean, Eddy Gathegi, Shakira J. Paye and many more. Stewart tackles societal and mental health issues with a surrealist spin. His passion is to show the beauty hidden in perceived ugliness.

SHAKIRA JA'NAI PAYE is a talented multi-hyphenate writer-actor-producer who has sold shows to Comedy Central and Netflix with Paul Downs' and Lucia Aniello's Paulilu Productions overseeing. Additionally, she has a script in development at TUBI. She has also sold and created the podcast You Down? with sketch comedy group Obama’s Other Daughters through Shondaland and iHeartRadio. She recently had a lead role in Calmatic & Lebron James reimagining of House Party. She is a series regular in the upcoming TV series Demascus, which screened at SXSW, and she can be seen guest-starring on shows like Will Trent, Black-Ish, Twenties and so many more. Her sharp comedic voice shines on the page and the screen.

Key cast: Shakira Ja'nai Paye, Gail Bean

Looking for: distributors, film festival directors, journalists, buyers

Hashtags used: #32 #shortfilm #ShakiraPaye #StewartYost #GailBean

Other: IMDb

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

ABFF June 13 ,2024 1:30pm Miami