Arpa Film Festival 2015 interviews with film directors
Jon Milano, director
On November 14 at 4:30 p.m., the Arpa international Film Festival will screen short film, Straw Dolls, at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The film is a look at the Armenian genocide through the lens of a father desperately trying to protect his daughter from the deportation being forced upon them by Turkish soldiers. Straw Dolls tells the story of a how a father and daughter sacrifice their own well-being for a mother and her young daughter. Based on a series of true events, the film takes place during the start of the Armenian Genocide.
Jon Milano directed, executive produced and co-wrote Straw Dolls. He is Chapman University MFA graduate with a growing list of short films on his resume. Milano replied to interview questions posed by Sharon Swainson, Arpa Film Festival writer. His interview is below.
Why did you choose to make your film?
I had been developing this film for years, countless research and interviews. The true deciding factor to make this film was that I grew up with Yervant Kachichian, my greatest friend, he and his Armenian Family opened their doors to me and I grew to love and understand their culture. Their nene, or grandmother, was a survivor and a beautiful woman who treated me like a son. This film is for her and the survivors of the Armenian genocide.
Name a moment during shooting that made you proud.
It was the last night of photography on location, and as I saw the sun setting behind the Armenian Farm house (my excellent design team built), I saw the true fruits of our labor. I was in 1915 Armenia.
Was there a moment that became a creative breakthrough while making your film?
Finding the team that I worked with was the biggest breakthrough. Going from my office in Orange County to the fields of Big Sky Movie Ranch, with perhaps the best crew/family I have ever worked with.
During the creative process, was there a moment when you let go of certainties and just ran with it, allowing creativity to do its thing?
As the director I am responsible for the create interpretation of the script. With that being said, I don’t speak Armenian. I trusted my team of talented actors to speak the lines true to it’s form and I directed the feeling.
Since an artist is truly never finished, is there anything that you would like to do differently or add to your film?
I never have regrets, but I do wish we had more time. There was so much coverage that I wish we had.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected by the Arpa International Film Festival?
It is a true honor to share the screen with such a special festival and amazing filmmakers.
Written by Sharon Swainson
Communications & Content Development
2015 Arpa International Film Festival