Hello my darling loves,
I hope you all are doing as well as can be in this time. I'm sending this note because I am really thrilled and excited to announce that I am going to launch Retrieval online, for free to the public, on May 23rd!As many of you know, this has been a labor of love for the last few years-- I've been blessed to work on this short film with an amazing crew and producing team (shout out VAM and Natalie, Jess and Jamila!) in order to see this vision through. Retrieval has gotten into CAAMFest and the Indie Fest, were it won both the Special Jury Award for Best Short of the Season and best Indie Short!
BTS of Retrieval
The film is a magically realistic short film that explores the process of a soul retrieval in the aftermath of a sexual assault. It is very personal to me as it's based on my own experience, and was/is a part of my healing journey.
The process of making this film changed me on a spiritual level. In coming to the film I wondered about the possibility of filmmaking as a site of ritual, of spiritual change, of healing. If through this process I could use the form of filmmaking as a container for ritual, transformation and change. And the process of this film really did bring me there, it showed me something I didn’t know was possible, and it moved me forward into what possibilities filmmaking and healing could hold.
I know I have written about this film in my substack in various stages, and many of you were instrumental in this process. I could not have made this without so many people’s support, friendship, comfort, aid and help.
Because we're launching online for free, I would love if you all could see fit to support the film as it comes out. Here are the three things that I am hopeful for:
1. Once the film comes out May 23rd, if you could amplify it however you see fit! share it in whatever way that moves you.
2. I am looking for writers and journalists who are interested in covering its release. In todays day and age, it's super hard for short-form films to be covered by press, and any coverage goes a long way. If you are able to write about it or know anyone who is please let me know! I will send you a screening link!
3. I am hoping to do a few in-person public screenings in New York, Chicago, and LA (or anywhere else where it can be set up easily and there is interest!) If you have capacity to host a screening and plan with me, please let me know.
Thank you all so much. Creating this project has meant the world to me, and I feel so lucky to be in a community that is so loving, where I've been so lucky.
xoxo
Fati