Chloe Domont is a author and director whose quick movies “Haze” and “All Good Issues” have been included within the Official Collection of BAMcinemaFest, AFI FEST, LA Movie Pageant, and AFI DOCS, amongst others. She’s written and directed on the hit HBO present “Ballers” and has directed episodes of “Shooter” for Netflix and “Billions” for Showtime.
“Honest Play” is screening on the 2023 Sundance Movie Pageant, which runs from January 19-29.
W&H: Describe the movie for us in your individual phrases.
CD: “Honest Play” is a thriller about energy dynamics. It follows a relationship put to the take a look at when an surprising shift in energy happens. This shift exposes true natures, and on a bigger degree, the unsettling hyperlink between feminine empowerment and male fragility.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
CD: I needed to reckon with some unresolved emotions I had from my private experiences up to now, particularly experiences relationship males who have been threatened by me ultimately. The one method I might deal with that was by making myself small — in a determined bid to guard these relationships.
Over time this response turned regular, second nature, each day. I simply accepted it and didn’t speak about it as a result of I couldn’t admit that the dynamic was actual. It was additionally complicated and arduous to course of as a result of these males adored me for the exact same issues that frightened them.
That’s why I began scripting this story — to sound the alarm and to shine a light-weight on one thing that I imagine many people wrestle with, however are too afraid to speak about and even admit.
W&H: What would you like individuals to consider after they watch the movie?
CD: I’d like to go away the viewers with sure questions that hopefully begins a dialog. For one, how can ladies embrace their success with out fearing that it’ll damage them? How can we demystify the position that males are raised to suppose they’re presupposed to fill? It’s okay in the event that they’re not the primary breadwinners. Success just isn’t a zero-sum sport.
W&H: What was the most important problem in making the movie?
CD: Attending to the primary day of filming. As with each manufacturing, you’re consistently getting hit with obstacles that threaten your imaginative and prescient and the lifetime of the film. It was about studying the best way to cope with forces that have been exterior my management, determining the best way to pivot rapidly in order that we might reside to combat one other day.
I used to be assured that after we began filming issues would movement, however till you truly begin, it all the time feels prefer it might collapse at any second.
I’m very grateful that I had an incredible workforce of individuals round me, supporting me by way of each impediment and who have been decided to make this movie as a lot as me.
W&H: How did you get your movie funded? Share some insights into how you bought the movie made.
CD: MRC funded the movie by way of an rising filmmaker label that’s run by T-Avenue.
W&H: What impressed you to change into a filmmaker?
CD: My love of flicks, love of tales, love of drama. After I was younger, my father confirmed me movies that moved me in ways in which fully modified my life. It impressed me to begin writing tales of my very own once I was eight and I haven’t stopped since. It’s a drug. I can’t get sufficient. It’s the best problem and the best pleasure.
W&H: What’s the very best and worst recommendation you’ve acquired?
CD: The very best recommendation was from my mom who instructed me to double down in who I used to be. To be trustworthy and compassionate, but additionally, unapologetic.
The worst recommendation was from individuals giving me unsolicited recommendation like they know me and know what I would like. Additionally giving me recommendation like I’m only a statistic.
W&H: What recommendation do you’ve got for different ladies administrators?
CD: Inform tales that solely you may inform. Be clear along with your imaginative and prescient for these tales. And discover individuals who will get behind that imaginative and prescient and show you how to carry your story to life.
W&H: Identify your favourite woman-directed movie and why.
CD: “Toni Erdmann” by Maren Ade. As a result of it’s unpredictable and messy and ugly and heartbreaking and hilarious. It entertained me and gutted me and there’s simply by no means been a father- daughter story prefer it.
W&H: What, if any, obligations do you suppose storytellers should confront the tumult on the planet, from the pandemic to the lack of abortion rights and systemic violence?
CD: I believe it’s important to deal with massive points, however there needs to be a private purpose for it and a private method in. For one thing to be common and join with individuals, it must be particular and singular.
W&H: The movie business has an extended historical past of underrepresenting individuals of coloration onscreen and behind the scenes and reinforcing — and creating — unfavorable stereotypes. What actions do you suppose must be taken to make Hollywood and/ or the doc world extra inclusive?
CD: I believe the business must commit to creating the casting course of extra inclusive on their productions and truly meet these commitments. Additionally, rent extra filmmakers of coloration. Finance their tales. Make their films.
Supply: Women And Hollywood
