Independent filmmakers are often at a disadvantage when it comes to getting their films seen by the public. Chasing the Rain, a new documentary film by Cindy Jansen, aims to change that. Jansen is a writer, director and producer who has been working on the film for over two years. It tells the story of three independent filmmakers who are fighting for recognition and financial stability. The film has already won awards at film festivals around the world, and Jansen is hoping it will help change the way independent films are viewed. Independent filmmaking can be difficult and expensive, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as an artist. Chasing the Rain is an important documentary that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. ..
CHASING OPTIMISM
Jansen uses her picture to ask the question “why?” but does not answer it. She says that the central question of the article is “if hope is stupid, why would anything matter?”
Jansen wants to challenge the idea that there is a one-size-fits-all answer to problems. In movies, problems are typically resolved within a two-hour run time. Or they miraculously fade away, often paving the way for a moral.
Jansen is interested in the idea that some people have to carry a lot more than others and have to “white-knuckle” their way through life. The story is intentionally large - the overwhelming prospect as a small sample of what some of us face every day. ..
The film-makers wanted to explore how people who are suffering from mental illness blend in with ‘normal’ people and see if there is a way to fix the hardships that they face. Without a movie-magic miracle or easily-won solution, some unfixable hardships are invisibly dragged along. It’s down to the individual to find a spark of motivation to keep going.
LIFTING THE LID
In a culture that often messages good things about itself, Jansen notes the well-meaning messages in our culture such as #blessed. From the other side of the coin, a scarcity of blessings can feel disenfranchising. We talk about how negative occurrences are defined as ‘acts of god.’ And the persistent idea that ‘bad situations’ are tied to the simple definition (rather than the spirit) of karma. A polite way of blaming (and skirting) the victim: Hey, you’ve done this to yourself, Buddy, either in this life or the previous one. It’s tongue-in-cheek repartee with Jansen but filled with real compassion.
The addiction piece is interesting and Jansen explains that the part of the brain that makes choices – the parental part – is damaged by drug use. She believes a mother’s instinct may still remain, if but in sporadic glimmers. This can be seen, for example, when Eric’s Mom, affection shining in her eyes, says she really believed she’d gotten him a winning lottery ticket.
I’ve seen white-knuckling in action, and it’s not pretty. But it is human, undeniably. How exhausting to keep saying you’re ok when sometimes things simply suck. How strong must you be to keep on walking as the load multiplies? Yet there are those who do it every day.
Eric’s expectations were dashed when he found out his new roommate was a nosy, silly, annoying and caring brother. Eric’s hope was dashed when he found out his new roommate was a nosy, silly, annoying and caring brother.
FIRST FILM
Jansen discusses her experience as an Indie writer/director/producer. She says that she didn’t think she could or should lead a movie, but she had directed theatre. ..
Jansen’s journey into filmmaking began with a connection to her Michigander friend and director, Josh Becker. Becker advised her on how to make her vision a reality, and she soon found herself producing films. Her films explore the relationships between people and the world around them, and she is grateful for the guidance of Becker.
After achieving the triple role of writer, director, and producer, actress Aya Cash would like to let go of producing. As a standalone job it’s great, but it’s very hard to do all three at once.
It was here that Jansen shares a memory of shooting a pivotal scene when she was pulled away to deal with an over-the-limit venue-owner, instructing the camera operator to just keep rolling.
ECO MESSAGE
There’s a powerful eco message in Chasing The Rain. Now is the perfect time to share it too, especially when the planet is telling us it’s had enough of our wasteful ways.
Jansen, an American film director, switched with an opportunity to consult with native Kenyans on a local issue. The Kenyans were able to understand the issue and provide valuable input. ..
In both countries, a solution for clean water is still an issue. “Organizations are trying to address infrastructure, putting the community in charge,” Jansen shares. “Without that, every solution is temporary.” ..
Jansen is pleased to be indirectly re-raising the issue.
HURDLES OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING
Jansen tells the story of Indie filmmakers who are under pressure to make a profit while also trying to create a good product. She discusses how their budget was small and how they had to use limited resources to make their film.
The Indie film market is huge and there’s no golf handicap for it.
In the end, Jansen got there with her movie. She didn’t set out to make a great movie but was on a mission to tell a great story. We think she achieved this but do you think she nailed it?
