"His Forbidden Sword": Megan Barker’s Bold Debut

Three Key Takeaways

Megan Barker’s debut short film flips the script on romance fantasy tropes, celebrating powerful, respected female protagonists.
The filmmaking process was a personal breakthrough for Barker, shifting her identity from actor to confident filmmaker.
Independent filmmaking’s greatest strength lies in passionate collaboration, a principle Barker embraced fully on this project.

Megan Elizabeth Barker is a multi-hyphenate creative who has transitioned from acting to writing and directing with her first short film, His Forbidden Sword.

Selected for TRC Shorts Fest, this rom-com romp explores the fantasy of a morally grey hero through a witty, meta lens.

Barker is joined by cinematographer Vincent Patin, composer Michael Licata Jr, editor Keila Dolle, and actor Max Giorgi in bringing this romcom fantasy to life.

What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?

I was more or less bullied into making this. People kept telling me that I should write something and make something for myself, but I never felt like I had anything important to say. I kept thinking that if I made something it needed to be lofty and noble. But finally I said 'f*ck it' and I wrote this. This particular idea grew from a joke I made about 'book boyfriends.' At the time I wrote this (and honestly even now) I was really into reading romance fantasy novels (romantasy), and I wanted to write something funny for my own reel, so this was born. You see, a lot of people think that romance novels are trashy, they aren't literature, or they are just plain silly. So I ask, why is it that novels where women are often the main characters, often POWERFUL characters, often RESPECTED characters, characters who are loved truly, deeply and wholly... why are those silly? Why is it they are seen as setting up an unrealistic relationship standard? It is really such a fantasy that a woman gets everything she deserves and more and is celebrated for it? Apparently the woman getting a good lay means none of the other stuff matters, and makes it frivolous, so yeah. That's why I made this. I hope you enjoy!

"Making this shattered the walls I had built around myself. Now, I have many, many things to do, say, and create."

What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?

Honestly the most surprising thing was discovering that I could do it. Other people were filmmakers, not me, I was an actor. I made a lot of excuses for myself about what I could and could not do. Making this shattered the walls I had built around myself. Now, I have many, many things to do, say, and create.

Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?

At the very beginning of the film, Reese keeps trying to talk to Farrah, even though she is CLEARLY reading and does not want to be bothered. And the look she gives him is the look I give my husband every single time I open a book and he decides to open his mouth. (Though this may just be a universal experience of all book readers.) But this one is dedicated to the booktok girlies. If you know, you know.

What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?

I don't know if I had to kill any darlings. This came out of my brain and poured itself into a film almost exactly how I saw it. I had a great team who supported me and encouraged me the whole way.

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

Read more smut books, duh.. But really—never ever settle for less than what you deserve, and you deserve everything. Asking for what you want is not unrealistic. Settling for the bare minimum is not ok. And that includes in what you expect from yourself. You are capable of so much more than you think.

"Never ever settle for less than what you deserve, and you deserve everything."

How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?

I have been heavily influenced by the films this short has inadvertently exposed me to through other screenings. Following my film around to festivals has been SO inspiring. I have seen so many beautiful, engaging, meaningful films that have inspired me to write more projects. Art begets more art. I finally found my voice and I have so much more to say.

What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?

I have never been a 'self help book' girly, but reading these 3 books changed everything about how I thought about myself: Atomic Habits, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Also, for the love of all that you hold dear, back up your film to multiple places.

Independent filmmaking usually means “we have no budget.” But that rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project?

Independent filmmaking means the people you end up working with are there because they love doing this, there is nowhere else they would rather be, and the need to create is so strong, they will do it whenever and however they can. I had to lean on favors from friends to make this, and I am eternally grateful for that. But while I was able to call in favors, I also dream of a world where I can pay everyone what they are worth—because it is their art as well. My only lesson would be to surround yourself with people who love making things as much as you do.

What does it mean to you to have your film selected for TRC Shorts Fest?

It means that betting on myself was not a losing bet. And I can bet on myself again, and it won't be as scary. Being selected alongside other up and comers tells me that I have to get UP! I have places to be! I better get there! And being around other people who are my peers, who are also looking to give voices to women and non-binary creators, means that we get to continue to lift each other up. I am so happy to be a part of this community now.

"Independent filmmaking means the people you end up working with are there because they love doing this, there is nowhere else they would rather be."

Where do you see this film going next?

I have a few more festivals, but honestly, this one has been fuel to the fire for the rest of my creative journey. I can't wait to share what story I am able to tell next.