5 Questions with Laci Dent
1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?
I first became interested in filmmaking after seeing the Swedish film, "Let the Right One in" at Vassar College where I was pursuing a degree in Literature, nearly 8 years ago now. The film exploded my mind. It was so artistic and captivating. Made me realize the potential of telling stories through film. I became intoxicated from that point onward. There was no looking back.
2) What was the initial idea and how did it evolve from there?
The initial idea for this film was to bring the viewer into an underground world run by black kids living on their own terms. And heavily into punk. Like a secret cult or society. It then evolved into a story about an outcast discovering said group of outsiders and falling in step with them. It's a story about finding your tribe no matter how different or weird you are and being validated.
3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And generally what part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?
The biggest challenge in making this film was handling the location changes for such a short film shoot. We were tasked with shooting in 4 locations in 3 days but we made it work. I most enjoyed collaborating with my DP Justin Richards on creating the look of the film. We spent a lot of time mulling over references and doing camera tests. The heart of the film came to life during that time period and it was very exciting.
4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?
Most recently, I saw the French film, Zombi Child by Bertrand Bonello. It's a low-budge indie with lots of convincing moments and performances. Also some genuinely scary scenes. It kept me intrigued the entire time and I found the concept of a Haitian zombie re-emerging in present day fascinating.
5) What’s next for you?
I'm currently writing/developing my first feature film project, "THE GIRL." It's about a legion of black women in the rural/Bible Belt South who are tied to a dark, violent history of witchcraft. At the center, a girl who undergoes an uncanny transformation at night through her mother's prayers.
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