Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Alexander Thompson's journey with Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting began in college, making it a project steeped in long-time thematic interests.
- The film explores timeless themes of societal pressure and inter-generational family friction, brought to life by Milly Shapiro and Pollyanna McIntosh.
- Thompson emphasizes the independence of storytelling, valuing the absence of corporate influence in crafting his unique vision.
Meet filmmaker Alexander Thompson, the creative force behind Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting, a striking 1930s-set fable that is set to screen at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival. With a talented cast, including Milly Shapiro (Hereditary) and Pollyanna McIntosh (Walking Dead), and a committed crew such as producer Roger Mayer and editors Jordan Taratoot, Thompson brings a unique blend of allegory and myth to life. The project reflects his thematic interests in societal pressure and family dynamics, crafted over years of development.
Q&A Interview
Your film feels deeply personal. What drew you to tell this story?
I had tried to get this film off the ground since college. It just felt like such a perfect distillation of so many of my thematic interests rolled into one strange little black-and-white fairy tale package. The journey Em undergoes, the societal pressure, and inter-generational family friction she feels with her mother Selma is timeless and relatable across cultures.
What was a surprising moment during the filmmaking process?
There was a moment in the film that landed more strongly than I expected, thanks to the specific inflection my cast brought to it. It unfolded organically and lent gravitas to a beat that on paper didn't feel quite so heightened. Isn't this what every director hopes for though? Chef's kiss.
Is there a part of the film that feels uniquely yours?
There is, but I don't want to spoil it. It's a fulcrum of the film, essential to understanding Em and Selma's characters. It's a very dark beat that some audience members seem to genuinely hate, but I stand by it.
"It's a storyteller's medium. No corporate overlords, no shareholder input, no need to cynically pander to market trends."'
What was the hardest creative decision you faced?
The limited production budget and prepping during the pandemic meant our shooting schedule was extremely truncated. Shooting in a wooded mountain region during late winter caught up with us fast, and Director of Photography Scott Siracusano and I had to shred through our shot list at a blistering pace. Thankfully, our nimble crew was up to the task, but it meant lots of micro compromises.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
I hope it sparks questions about following in the steps of those before you. Is there a better path available, even if it means risk and uncertainty? Em's story examines societal expectations and whether such actions enrich the society we wish to live in. The film is a fable, and I hope our film achieves a sort of ‘mythic resonance.’
"If I had to do it all over again tomorrow, I would do so without a second thought."
How has this project shaped your future storytelling?
This film teems with ideas and imagery I am keen to explore more deeply in the future. It was a trial run not only for myself but many of my department heads, and we look forward to applying what was learned here in future projects.
What does it mean to be selected for HollyShorts again?
Having Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting selected for HollyShorts is an honor. My prior short film, "Black Dragon (Rong Den)," also played opening night at HollyShorts in 2022, which was a memorable experience. The festival offers exceptional quality, and I am excited to be part of it again.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to shake free the bonds of the banal and ordinary and touch the sublime."
Main Cast and Crew
Cast
- Milly Shapiro (Em)
- Pollyanna McIntosh (Selma)
Crew
- Writer/Director/VFX Supervisor: Alexander Thompson
- Producer: Roger Mayer
- Executive Producers: Pierce Csurgo, Joseph Zentil, Zeus Kontoyannis, Russel Sanzgiri, Emily Bennett
- Editor: Jordan Taratoot
- Directors of Photography: Scott Siracusano, Rob Russell
- Production Designer: Phil Sallick
- Costume Designer: Flora Ronzone
- Hair & Make-up Design: Lisa Hansell
- Music Composed by: Alexander Aarøen Pedersen
- CG Supervisor/Creature Designer: Gabriel Beauvais
- VFX by: Folks VFX, Dan Berkowitz, Jorge Sanchez, Isaiah Kang, Sylvian Lebeau
Follow the film's journey on their Instagram.
